An MMA Christmas List: 2014 Edition

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C.J. Tuttle, associate editor: Tyrone Spong has had two professional mixed martial arts fights, both coming under the World Series of Fighting banner. The 29-year-old has competed against Travis Bartlett, who maintains a record of 5-4 and Angel DeAnda, a journeyman who has lost both of his fights inside the WSOF cage.

Nothing against “The Showstopper” or “The Dream,” but in 2015 I want to see Spong continue to hone his craft competing for either Bellator MMA or the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Word has it that the Blackzilians rep re-signed with WSOF on a multi-fight contract earlier this year, but Spong has yet to return to the cage for the Las Vegas-based promotion since suffering a gruesome leg injury at Glory 15 in Istanbul. While the “King of the Ring” has yet to be tested much on the mat, his superior kickboxing skills would pose a threat to many fighters in either promotion. The matchup possibilities seem endless. Can you picture Spong being postured against wrestlers like Phil Davis and Muhammed Lawal or fighters with an affinity for finishing fights like Glover Teixeira and Ovince St. Preux? How about a matchup with the returning Quinton Jackson?

With fighters who compete in Glory making the transition to MMA more frequently, it would come as no surprise if Spong followed in the footsteps of Joe Schilling and turned up in a Bellator cage sooner rather than later. However, when one considers the fact that Spong practically begged UFC President Dana White to sign him following UFC Fight Night “McGregor vs. Brandao” in July, nothing seems out of the question.

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