Rage in The Cage 124

Originally posted on MMA-Zone.com

....After a 4 year hiatus, popular Vince Lucero ( 19-15 ) returns to RITC to vie for the vacant RITC Super Heavyweight Title against JoJo “Chocolate Thunder” Thompson ( 5-2 ).

RITC Bantamweight Champion Austin Pascucci defends his title against California sensation Ruben “Kid” Salazar ( 5-1 ).

A strong supporting card is in place to complement these Main event match ups.

Fight Card:

Richard Hale ( 205 ) vs Shawn Frye ( 205 ) RITC LHW Title
Vince Lucero ( 280 ) vs JoJo Thompson ( 280 ) Vacant RITC SHW Title
Austin Pascucci ( 140 ) vs Ruben Salazar ( 140 ) RITC BW Title
Charles “Bill” Parker ( 260 ) vs Travis Gambino ( 260 ) or Rich Beecroft
( 240 )
Jason Karpel ( 195 ) vs Mike Ashford ( 190 )
JW Dowler ( 170 ) vs Charlie Brown ( 170 )

Click here to read the entire article at MMA-zone.com

Riggs Heads RITC Anniversary Show

Originally posted on MMAonTap.com

Longtime veteran Joe “Diesel” Riggs and former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez will compete in separate bouts that will headline Rage in the Cage’s tenth-anniversary show, which will take place at the U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona on November 8.

The organization officially announced the event in a press release sent out to the media yesterday. Tickets are now available at the U.S. Airways Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations. Additional bouts are expected to be added to the card in the near future.

*Vince Lucero will also appear in a Super Heavyweight Title Fight

Click here to read the entire article at MMAonTap.com

Baroni Outpoints Alfonso; Prof X wins in US Debut

Originally posted on Sherdog.com

Phil Baroni stayed on the winning track with a decision victory over Olaf Alfonso in the main event at Palace Fighting Championship 10 on Friday at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino.

Alfonso cut Baroni early in the first round, but from that point forward, it was all “New York Bad Ass.” Baroni stalked Alfonso (7-9) around the ring and punctuated good shots with nice takedowns. In the end, Baroni earned a unanimous nod from the judges in a main event that failed to live up to expectations.

Afterward, Baroni (13-10) apologized to the crowed and pleaded for a rematch.

“I don’t think either one of us fought our best,” said Baroni, a victor in three straight. “We have to do this again. Please have me back, and I’ll knock him out.”

............

Finally, Cage Rage veteran Xavier Foupa-Pokam made a successful stateside debut, as he submitted the American Kickboxing Academy’s Richard Montoya with a first-round armbar. Obviously overmatched, Montoya (6-5) never threatened Foupa-Pokam (18-9), as the Frenchman ended the match 1:13 into the opening round.

Click here to read the entire article at Sherdog.com

PFC 10 Weigh Ins Today at the Tachi Palace

Originally Posted on MMAnews.tk

The PFC 10 "EXPLOSIVE" weighins are slated for Thursday at 3 p.m. in the Den Sports Bar located on the third floor of The Palace Hotel and Casino.

The Event will take place Friday September 26th at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino outdoor events venue.

The outdoor venue holds nearly 2,500 more people than inside the Bingo Hall.

Fights will start at 7 p.m.

In the main event, Long Island, NY welterweight Phil Baroni (12-10) takes Enseneda, Mexico's Olaf Alfonso (7-8)

Click here to read the entire article at MMAnews.tk

Baroni Headlines PFC

Originally posted by MMAweekly.com

The Palace Fighting Championship on Thursday announced the full line-up for its Sept. 26 event at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, Calif. The main event features Ultimate Fighting Championship and Pride veteran Phil Baroni squaring off with popular Mexican fighter Olaf Alfonso.

The fight will be Baroni’s third since making the move down to the 170-pound division following a three-fight skid in his last three middleweight bouts. He has defeated both of his opponents thus far at welterweight.....

PFC 10 Full Card

-Phil Baroni vs. Olaf Alfonso
-Shawn Klarcyk vs. Brandon Miller
-Brian Cobb vs. Lance Wipf
-Bryan Travers vs. Jeremiah Metcalf
-Antonio Banuelos vs. Bryan Goldsby
-David Mitchell vs. David Suarez
-Chris Botelho vs. Anthony Bivins
-Poppies Martinez vs. Sergio Cortez
-Dustin Akbari vs. Bill Theofanopoulos
-Joe Soto vs. Brandon Jinnies
-Lavar Johnson vs. Vince Lucero
-Elvis Franco vs. Mike Craddock
-Joey Cabezas vs. Billy Terry
-Xavier Foupa-Pokam vs. Derek Thornton
-Chad Mendes vs. Giovanni Encarncacion
-Luis Gonzales vs. Elbert Randle

Click here to read the rest of the article at MMAweekly.com

Palace Fighting Championship VIII - Live Results

Originally posted by Eric Foster on May 08, 2008 at 10:13 pm ET on MMAjunkie.com

The California-based Palace Fighting Championship is live tonight at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, Calif., and four championship belts are on the line. MMAjunkie.com has live results from the event below.

"PFC8" features lightweight, middleweight, featherweight and interim bantamweight title fights, including a main event of lightweight champion and UFC veteran Diego Saraiva (11-6-1) vs. Brian Cobb (11-4).

Saraiva, who also recently won the American Fight League's lightweight title, will go for his third straight victory since a 0-3 skid in the UFC. He meets Cobb, a Gladiator Challenge and EliteXC vet who's riding a five-fight win streak.

In other action, WEC veteran and PFC middleweight champ Kenny Ento (9-3) meets undefeated Nate Loughran (7-0), who's earned stoppages in all seven of his career victories, including six in the first round.

PFC featherweight title-holder Art Arciniega (6-1) will go for his fifth straight win when he takes on challenger Jorge Evangelista (6-2-1).

Additionally, former PFC title-holder Shawn Klarcyk (7-2) and Jason Georgianna (7-2) will meet for the PFC interim bantamweight belt. Current title-holder Rolando Velasco (5-0), who defeated Klarcyk for his belt in January, was forced to pull out of the event with an injury. He was slated to meet Klarcyk in a rematch.

MMAjunkie.com Live Results:

Dan Russom defeats Thonglor Armatsena by majority decision (lightweight match)

Joseph Benavidez defeats Maurice Eazel by submission (rear naked choke) at 1:57 of the first round (bantamweight match)

Shawn Klarcyk defeats Jason Georgianna by submission (knee bar) at 0:57 of the second round. Shawn Klarcyk wins the PFC interim bantamweight championship.

Lodune Sincaid defeats Rafael Del Real by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:03 of the first round (light heavyweight match).

Dustin Akabari defeats Cody Canterbury by TKO (strikes) at 1:36 of the first round (lightweight match).

Casey Olson defeats Sergio Quinones by submission (rear naked choke) at 0:36 of the first round (featherweight match).

Nate Loughran defeats PFC middleweight champion Kenny Ento by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:30 of the second round. Nate Loughran becomes the new PFC middleweight champion.

Jorg Evangelista defeats PFC featherweight champion Art Arciniega by unanimous decision. Jorg Evangelista is the new PFC featherweight champion.

Olaf Alfonso defeats Chris Soloman by KO (strikes) at 0:28 of the first round. Alfonso won with a brutal overhand left which left Soloman down on the canvas for over three minutes. (lightweight match)

Devin Cole defeats Vince Lucero by TKO (referee stoppage due to strikes) at 1:39 of round one. (heavyweight match).

Sergio Cortez defeats Poppies Martinez vs. TKO (injury) at 2:57 of the first round (lightweight match).

Brian Cobb defeats PFC lightweight champion Diego Saraiva by unanimous decision (49-46 on all cards). Brian Cobb is the new PFC lightweight champion.

Press Release 3/27/07

www.MMAagents.com

Hightower, Lucero win by 1st round KO’s at Palace FC

Tiki loses to Terrel by TKO at WEC

With a packed crowd at the Tachi Palace and Casino in Leemore, CA watching the Palace Fighting Championships on Thursday, March 22nd, Arizona-based fighters Richie Hightower and Vince Lucero both lived up to the name of the event, “Fast and Furious,” by knocking out their opponents in under a minute.
Pummeling out of the clinch, Hightower (7-1) landed a standing muay thai elbow to the head of Andy Maccarone (7-3) that ended the fight at the 30-second mark. Richie “Elbows,” training out of the new LA Boxing gym in Phoenix, AZ, is now looking for a shot at the PFC 185-pound title.
In heavyweight action later that night, Lucero (18-11) landed a knee to the head of Mike Dexter (4-4) early before following up with an uppercut that ended the contest just 36 seconds into the first round.
In a contest that was dominated by Tiki Ghosn for the first eight minutes, Dave Terrel landed some big punches in the last 30 seconds that dropped the Team Punishment star and led to a referee stoppage at WEC 26 inside “The Joint” at the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, March 24.
Ghosn (9-6), who owns the HB Ultimate Training Center in Huntington Beach, CA and holds victories over Genki Sudo, Ronald Jhun and Paul Rodriguez, was making his return to the cage after a one-year layoff following a shoulder injury that occurred at WEC 19 against Pat Healy.
Tiki landed a superman punch and a knee in the closing seconds of the first round, but the bell rang as Terrel slumped to the mat under the barrage. Tiki had Terrel’s back in the second round, but was stood up after being warned for an illegal strike to the back of the head. Moments later, Terrel landed a punch that dropped Tiki for a flash knockdown. Tiki got back up quickly but was out on his feet taking punches before referee Herb Dean stepped in to stop the fight.

We here at MMAagents, in conjunction with Pavia, Ciscone & Associates, LLC, are actively soliciting sponsors for our fighters that will be competing in upcoming events. We realize that the economics of the MMA fight game today dictate the need for fighter sponsors. As such, we send out post-fight sponsor packets with photos of sponsored fighter wearing sponsor logo on shorts and shirts and wearing sponsor company gear when applicable. The costs of sponsorship vary greatly depending on fighter and event. If you should have any interest, or would like to request more information, please contact my associate Scott Lewis at 949-892-8702 or by e-mail: scott@MMAagents.com. Ken Pavia can also be reached directly by e-mail at kenpavia@MMAagents.com.

1/30 Press Release

MMAagents Press Release
www.MMAagents.com

“Razor” Rob wins WEC lightweight title; O’Brien upsets Herring at UFN 8

Vitale drops split decision to Horn in IFL SuperFight, Lucero falls to Nelson

With a sold-out Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas as his backdrop, “Razor” Rob McCullough defeated Kit Cope by submission due to strikes to become the new WEC lightweight champion on Saturday, January 20th inside “The Joint.”

After dropping Cope with a right hand early in the first round, McCullough jumped into the guard of the Muay Thai specialist and landed some heavy ground-and-pound. After withstanding an omo plata and kneebar attempt, the “Razor” landed a fight-ending elbow that damaged Cope’s ribs and caused the tap out at 2:53 of the first round.

McCullough, from Huntington Beach, CA, upped his pro MMA record to 14-3 with the victory and is now on an eight-fight winning streak.

With millions of viewers watching the live telecast on Spike TV, undefeated heavyweight “Irish” Jake O’Brien pulled off a huge upset at Ultimate Fight Night 8 with a unanimous decision victory over Pride star Heath Herring on Thursday, January 25th at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

A 3-to-1 underdog heading into the fight, O’Brien used repeated takedowns and ground control to frustrate Herring (26-12 record), easily passing from guard to half-guard to full-mount throughout the fight. O’Brien also took Herring’s back several times with his hooks in, but was unable to secure the rear-naked choke.

O’Brien, from Indianapolis, IN, is now 3-0 in the UFC and a perfect 10-0 as a pro.
In other MMAagents news, Falaniko Vitale dropped a controversial split decision to Jeremy Horn in an IFL SuperFight on Friday, January 19th at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.

Despite the feared ground game of Horn (79-15-5), Vitale attempted numerous submissions in this matchup of middleweight contenders. Most notably, Vitale secured a deep armbar at one point that nearly ended the fight. Vitale, from Honolulu, HI, now holds a pro record of 21-7.

In other IFL action last Friday, heavyweight Vince Lucero, from Casa Grande, AZ, lost to Roy Nelson by referee stoppage in a team matchup between Frank Shamrock’s San Jose Razorclaws and Ken Shamrock’s Nevada Lions. Lucero, representing the Razorclaws, was unable to stop Nelson’s early takedown attempt. With Lucero in a bad position on the ground taking punches, the ref jumped in and quickly stopped it.

We are actively soliciting sponsors for our fighters that will be competing in upcoming events. We realize that the economics of the MMA fight game today dictate the need for fighter sponsors. As such, we coach all of our clients to use best efforts in displaying logos and to make mention and give thanks in all public opportunities, and we also send out post-fight sponsor packets with photos of sponsored fighter wearing sponsor logo on shorts and shirts and wearing sponsor company gear when applicable. We encourage the use of these pictures in advertisement when applicable and without conflict.

The costs vary greatly depending on fighter and event. If you should have any interest, or would like to request more information, please contact my assistant Scott Lewis at 949-892-8702 or by e-mail at scott@mmaagents.com. I can also be reached directly by e-mail at kenpavia@mmaagents.com.

1/16 Press Release

MMAagents press release www.MMAagents.com
"Razor" Rob takes on Kit Cope for WEC lightweight title

Vitale vs Horn in IFL SuperFight; Lucero makes IFL debut

Pavia, Ciscone & Associates, LLC, in conjunction with MMAagents.com, is pleased to announce that "Razor" Rob McCullough will be fighting Kit Cope in the main event for the first Zuffa-owned WEC event, for the vacant WEC lightweight title, on January 20, 2007 inside "The Joint" at the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

McCullough (13-3), from Huntington Beach, CA, is on a seven-fight winning streak and has won 11 of his last 12 fights, while Cope made his UFC debut in his last fight and was submitted by Kenny Florian via rear-naked choke at the Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale in November 2005.

The "Razor" went 4-0 in 2006, including a highlight-reel knockout of Olaf Alfonso and a unanimous decision victory over Harris Sarmiento, avenging the last loss on his record. This event will be shown on the Versus cable channel on tape delay.

In other MMAagents news, Falaniko Vitale will take on Jeremy Horn in the IFL SuperFight on Friday, January 19th at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, CA. This middleweight matchup features two of the best 185-pounders in MMA today and will be shown as part of IFL programming on Fox Sports TV.

A native of Honolulu, Hawaii, "Niko" has compiled a 21-6 professional MMA record, including wins over Matt Lindland, Dave Menne, Masanori Suda, Yushin Okami and Aaron Riley. Most recently, Vitale defeated Tim Williams by a first-round KO at Extreme Wars 5 on October 6, 2006 in Oahu, Hawaii.

With 98 official pro fights and a 78-15-5 record, Horn holds victories over some of the biggest names in the sport, including Chuck Liddell. The last time Horn fought he was knocked out by Lindland in an IFL SuperFight on September 9th 2006.

Also on Jan 19th in Oakland, CA, Vince Lucero will be making his IFL debut as the starting heavyweight for Frank Shamrock's San Jose Razorclaws when he faces Roy Nelson of Ken Shamrock's Nevada Lions. Lucero, from Casa Grande, AZ, has a career record of 17-10, with victories over Ultimate Fighter 3 finalist Josh Haynes and Jonathan Ivey.

* * * *

We are actively soliciting sponsors for upcoming events involving our fighters. The costs vary greatly depending on fighter and event. Please check our website, www.MMAagents.com, for more information. If you should have any interest, or would like to inquire further, please contact my assistant Scott Lewis at 949-892-8702 or by e-mail at scott@mmaagents.com. Ken Pavia can also be reached directly by e-mail at kenpavia@mmaagents.com.

Q & A with G.T. 1/15

After years of fighting for little more than a few hundred dollars and the adulation of his loyal hometown fanbase in the local Arizona show Rage in the Cage, Vince Lucero has finally hit the big time. Fresh off an impressive performance in October against top super-heavyweight Eric Pele (a decision loss) in Hawaii's X-1: Extreme Wars, Lucero was recently named the heavyweight starter for Frank Shamrock's IFL team, the San Jose Razorclaws. Hailing from the small, dusty mining town of Casa Grande, AZ, Lucero (17-10 record) is scheduled to make his IFL debut against Roy Nelson of Ken Shamrock's Nevada Lions on Jan. 19th in Oakland, CA. Here is what the man they call "El Marro" had to say about the IFL opportunity, his upcoming opponent and about his relationship with MMAagents:




G.T.: Congratulations on your new IFL deal, how did you feel when you received the phone call from MMAagents?

Vince: I was almost in tears, words can't explain how I felt. I have always bounced around smaller shows and fought some tough guys. I thank MMAagents, Pavia, Ciscone & Associates, and the IFL for this great opportunity.

G.T.:You are being coached by Frank Shamrock, tell me your thoughts on being coached by one of the legends of mixed martial arts.

Vince: The great thing about fighting for the IFL is that they pay you to train with some of the greatest fighters of all time. I have so much respect for Frank. I can't wait to go in and learn from one of the best fighters of all time.

G.T.: Your fight is on January 19 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, tell me about your opponent, Roy Nelson.

Vince: Roy is a very tough guy. He has great jiu-jitsu. I need to stop the takedowns and I will be fine. I definitely do not want to go to the ground. He definitely does not want to stand up with me.

G.T.: What have you done in your training to help you prepare for your fight?

Vince: I have always hated running, and now running is second nature to me. I run 3-5 miles a day and I am in the best shape in my life. I weight train in the afternoon and then head off to wrestling and jiu-jitsu at Genesis jiu-jitsu.

G.T.: Tell me how Ken Pavia and MMAagents has helped your career.

Vince: Ken has changed my life along with my family's life. This is the most money I have ever made in my career. I didn't have a career until Ken got me the fight with Pele at the X-1 event in Hawaii. Ken got me even more money than people realize. Now with the IFL, when you include my two months of base salary, I will make more in one fight than my entire career, almost 30 fights. The other night he called me around midnight because he saw something in the 22-page contract he didn't like and wanted to make sure it was okay with me. Who the else is doing this? He always makes sure he is there or that one of his associates, you, G.T., or the Cube, is there for his fighters. That way the fighters don't have to worry about anything, they take care of everything. I love the man and my family does too, and you should see him with his fighters, they love him too. Ricco (Rodriguez) recommended him to me. I am so grateful for everything Ken and MMAagents have done for me. He made my dreams come true.

The Pav Says...

The Pav says… 2006 is behind us so I thought it would be appropriate to give out MMAagents awards for accomplishments throughout the year. So without further ado and fanfare, here they are…

Ring Entrance of the Year

The line starts and ends with Mayhem Miller. His ring entrances are often better than the rest of the card. Who needs a warmup when you get a five-minute dance into the ring?

Honorable mention to Razor for always having a matching and organized corner; Steve Byrnes, because, after all, who can’t help but cheer for a Marine that comes out in fatigues and the American flag; and Matt Wiman, for the arrogance he brought into the ring against Spencer Fisher despite long odds.


TKO of the Year

This was a close call, but we have to give it to Wes Sims for his victory in October against Kimo in Hawaii’s X-1. After turning on the blood faucet just seconds into the contest with a right, it appeared the fight was over when the doctor was looking at Kimo in the corner. Wes actually took off his gloves only to realize the fight was still on. After getting taken down and in danger of letting the victory slip away, Wes hit Kimo again in the face, and this time the blood rush was too great and the fight was stopped.

Honorable mention to Razor Rob for opening up a game Ryan Healy, who stood and banged with McCullough to his credit; Ricco Rodriguez for avenging his loss to Ron Waterman and boxing H2O so many times in the face during round one that it was over on the stool; and Ivan Salaverry for his textbook performance and perfectly executed game plan against Art Santore.


Comeback of the Year

Three years is a considerable layoff, even if you are pro wrestling in Japan, working as a stuntman and being Tito Ortiz’s primary training partner. Once back in the ring, Justin McCully did not miss a beat. He disposed of Derek Thornton in a little over two minutes at X-1 and three weeks later beat down Warpath in a little over three minutes at Valor Fighting. Neither fight was ever in doubt. Look for more from the “Insane One” in 2007.

Honorable mention to Chris Lyte for making it to the TUF finals before getting robbed of a decision in “The Comeback” season finale; UFC vet Zack Light for coming back better than ever after a four-year layoff, with an improved physique and conditioning; and Justin Levens for fighting back from a string of tough losses to win two fights in convincing fashion.


Sub of the Year

Mike Pyle’s triangle submission of Shonie Carter for the WEC belt takes the prize. Carter has only been subbed four times in 57 fights and Pyle pulled it off in two minutes of the first round.

Honorable mention to Marin Kampmann’s weathering the storm against Crafton Wallace, beating him on his feet, then taking him down and ending it quickly; Pyle for his 17 second guillotine against John Cole, and Mayhem for a huge sub of Robbie Lawler.


KO of the Year

Quite simply, Razor’s knockout over Olaf Alfonso is one of the best KO’s in MMA history. Olaf is known to have a good chin, but the Razor combo that sent Alfonso’s mouthpiece into orbit and put him to sleep was a thing of beauty.

Honorable mention to undefeated heavyweight Jake O’Brien ending Jay White’s career with a short left hook for a 14-second knockout in the WEC; Niko Vitale for his soccer-kick KO of Tim Williams; and Justin Levens’ big knockout over Justin Hawes.


Prospect of the Year

Heck, he is on the north side of 30, but at 170 look for huge things from Mike Pyle on Showtime. Now that he is back to his natural weight, he will be unstoppable.

Honorable mention to Martin Kampmann, who showed unbelievable potential in 2006 with three big wins; Anthony Torres, who remained undefeated and won his UFC debut, and Steve Byrnes, who made his UFC debut in December.


Fight of the Year

The Karo Parisyan fight with Diego Sanchez was probably the UFC fight of the year and could have gone either way. Karo actually spit his tooth out in the first round, and flipped Diego feet over head a number of times. This was stuff that legends are made of.

Honorable mention to Hector Ramirez for his fight with James Irvin that won UFC fight of the night; Karo’s fight with Drew Fickett, which also won UFC fight of the night; and Martin Kampmann handing Thales Leites his first defeat in 10 fights despite being knocked down in the first round.

Warrior Spirit of the Year

The award goes to Vince Lucero for his willingness to fight any opponent on any notice for virtually any purse, just for the opportunity to compete. Despite being little more than a wrestling coach during a two-year retirement, he stood toe to toe and traded with Eric Pele for three rounds in his comeback fight. He thought it would make for a more entertaining fight. Oh yeah, he took the fight on two weeks notice.

Honorable mention to Alex Stiebling for always answering the call; Zack Light for never saying no to an opponent or weight class; and Ricco Rodriguez for losing 80lbs to get back into fighting shape.


Fighter of the Year

It is hard to pass on Jake O’Brien, who went 6-0 at heavyweight with five finishes, but Razor Rob edges him out with a 4-0 record and three knockouts. Those victories include McCullough avenging his only loss in his last 12 fights with a unanimous decision victory over Harris Sarmiento.

Honorable mention to Jake, who went 2-0 in the UFC during the year; Mayhem for his dominant performances in Hawaii and the WFA; Chris Lytle for making the TUF finals; and Karo Parisyan for an entertaining year, despite fighting injuries throughout.


Best of luck to the boys in 2007, here is hoping that it will be as equally memorable as 2006.

The Cube in the Cage.

These heavyweights are not to be taken lightly.

Buoyed by the mainstream exposure that the UFC has received while being prominently featured on Spike TV for the last two years, the sport of mixed martial arts is in a boom period. Fighters like Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, Randy Couture, Matt Hughes, Georges St. Pierre and Rich Franklin have become household names, while attendance and pay-per-view numbers have skyrocketed. As big as MMA – and the UFC in particular – has become, however, it is clearly the bigger fighters that have been carrying the least weight.

In the UFC, which is arguably considered the premiere MMA organization, there is Tim Sylvia, Andrei Arlovski, Brandon Vera, and then everybody else. Fighters like Paul Buentello, Justin Eilers and, most recently, Jeff Monson – all talented in their own right –have received title shots without defeating a legitimate top contender, while other less-deserving heavyweights have been given opportunities to fight in the UFC without boasting even a single noteworthy victory.

Enter MMAagents, and its stocked roster of heavyweights. In addition to undefeated heavyweight prospect “Irish” Jake O’Brien (who is now 9-0 as a pro, and 2-0 in the UFC after defeating Josh Shockman at UFC 65 a few weeks back), there is Justin “Insane One” McCully, Wes “The Project” Sims, Mark Kerr and Vince Lucero. And there is one other guy on the MMAagents list that you may have heard of – former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez. But if you think this is a case of Ricco and the other guys, you are wrong.

Take McCully, for example. The longtime workout partner of Ortiz (the two are currently training together, along with O’Brien, up in the high altitude of Big Bear, California for Tito’s fight against Liddell on Dec. 30), McCully recently returned from a three-year hiatus away from MMA by winning two fights over a three-week span. One of those was a quick first-round submission victory in October over Warpath, who just this past weekend at Strikeforce took Buentello into the second round before losing to the “Headhunter.”

McCully, who started his fighting career in 1997, has returned in great shape and dominated both of his recent opponents on the feet and on the ground, but yet, the 6-foot-2, 235-pound Team Punishment standout still waits for that call to make his UFC debut. “The Insane One” is due, and he deserves his shot.

Then there’s Sims, who is followed by controversy like Butterbean follows a Big Mac. There was the infamous stomping of Frank Mir, as well as the biting incident with Mike Kyle. Though the cynics are quick to point out Sims’ 0-3 record in the UFC, the fact remains that all of his fights in the octagon were entertaining and competitive. What’s more, Big Wes has gone 9-1-1 in his last 11 fights, including a controversial-as-usual first-round TKO over Kimo at X-1 in October.

Sure, Sims is loonier than Bugs, but his recent record speaks for itself. If Kevin Jordan and Sherman Pendergarst deserve UFC shots, surely Sims has earned another chance.

As for Kerr and Lucero – one, a legend in the sport, the other a proud journeyman brawler who has displayed moments of greatness – their respective path to the big show certainly has some hurdles to overcome. Kerr is a two-time UFC tournament winner (UFC 14 and 15), who then went on to become an even bigger star in Japan with the Pride Fighting Championships. The documentary “The Smashing Machine,” was shown repeatedly on HBO and turned Kerr into a fallen star of sorts, as it made aware his struggle to overcome an addiction to painkillers. But Kerr has returned healthy, despite losing his recent comeback fight against Mike Whitehead in an IFL Superfight. Up next for Kerr is the England-based show Cage Rage, where he looks to win his first fight since 2000. If Kerr can once again become the Kerr of old, there isn’t anyone in the sport he doesn’t match up well against.

Lucero, on the other hand, has never made it to the big time, despite his 17-10 professional record. Those 17 victories include wins over TUF 3 finalist Josh Haynes and Jonathan Ivey, but he’s been most impressive in losses to Eilers and Eric Pele. The decision loss to Pele in October showed that a fight with Lucero is no cakewalk. Just this past weekend Pele knocked out then-undefeated Antonio Silva, giving even more credence to just how tough Lucero is. Looking at the list of IFL heavyweights, there is no question that Lucero would fit in nicely there.

And then there’s that Ricco guy. The former UFC titleholder, Rodriguez (25-6 record) holds wins over Couture, Arlovski, Monson, Buentello and countless others. Most recently, Rodriguez decimated Ron Waterman at the WFA in July, winning by TKO when the referee stopped the fight after the first round. As gifted a fighter as there is in the heavyweight division, Rodriguez is now looking for the opportunity to fight the guy who took his belt in the first place – Tim Sylvia. Having lost over 80 pounds in the last year, Ricco has re-dedicated himself to becoming champion. If anybody deserves a chance, it is Ricco Rodriguez.

So yes, the heavyweight division is the weakest division in the UFC. And yes, the heavyweight division is in dire need of a boost. So look no further, because we have some of the best of the big boys right here. From top to bottom, these heavyweights are not to be taken lightly.