‘TUF 6’ Down to Danzig, Speer
Rollins vs. Koppenhaver
Dec 8, 2007
Jared
Rollins (Pictures) vs. Jon Koppenhaver (Pictures)
After getting into a glorified shoving match on "The Ultimate Fighter," Jared Rollins (Pictures) (6-3) and Jon "War Machine" Koppenhaver (4-1) will get to settle their differences in the Octagon instead of the living room.
Personally, I'd have rather Joe Silva brought in Dr. Phil to mediate this affair, but the world would surely collapse if this unresolved storyline was left dangling. Of far greater importance is the fact that whatever future in the UFC either of these fighters have will depend largely on the outcome of this fight.
A future in the UFC seemed unlikely for Koppenhaver after being
relegated to alternate status on "The Ultimate Fighter," but
Roman Mitichyan's
classic post-elbow fracture tirade gave the "War Machine" a chance
to get his foot in the door.
Koppenhaver let the opportunity go to waste after an uninspired decision loss to Tommy Speer in the opening round of competition. Hailing from the same gym as rising lightweight star Jorge Masvidal (Pictures), Koppenhaver is still developing as a fighter, but in the crucible of the welterweight division he will need to make major strides starting against Rollins.
With more than five years' worth of experience on his side, Rollins was expected to make a splash on "The Ultimate Fighter" but was knocked out in the first round by George Sotiropolous after foolishly engaging the well-rounded Australian on the feet.
Sticking to his grappling background would serve Rollins well against Koppenhaver, who, aside from a basic understanding of what MMA entails, hasn't given anyone any reason to put much credence in his "War Machine" moniker.
Barring another ill-advised striking display, Rollins should have no problem taking Koppenhaver to the ground, where the difference in both skill and experience will quickly become obvious. Neither fighter is ready to take any leaps forward in the division, but Koppenhaver needs more seasoning than a two-dollar steak and would do well spending some time in local shows refining his game.
Of course, that won't happen, and we'll end up with a pair of developing welterweights being used as chum on future UFC undercards.
After getting into a glorified shoving match on "The Ultimate Fighter," Jared Rollins (Pictures) (6-3) and Jon "War Machine" Koppenhaver (4-1) will get to settle their differences in the Octagon instead of the living room.
Personally, I'd have rather Joe Silva brought in Dr. Phil to mediate this affair, but the world would surely collapse if this unresolved storyline was left dangling. Of far greater importance is the fact that whatever future in the UFC either of these fighters have will depend largely on the outcome of this fight.
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Koppenhaver let the opportunity go to waste after an uninspired decision loss to Tommy Speer in the opening round of competition. Hailing from the same gym as rising lightweight star Jorge Masvidal (Pictures), Koppenhaver is still developing as a fighter, but in the crucible of the welterweight division he will need to make major strides starting against Rollins.
With more than five years' worth of experience on his side, Rollins was expected to make a splash on "The Ultimate Fighter" but was knocked out in the first round by George Sotiropolous after foolishly engaging the well-rounded Australian on the feet.
Sticking to his grappling background would serve Rollins well against Koppenhaver, who, aside from a basic understanding of what MMA entails, hasn't given anyone any reason to put much credence in his "War Machine" moniker.
Barring another ill-advised striking display, Rollins should have no problem taking Koppenhaver to the ground, where the difference in both skill and experience will quickly become obvious. Neither fighter is ready to take any leaps forward in the division, but Koppenhaver needs more seasoning than a two-dollar steak and would do well spending some time in local shows refining his game.
Of course, that won't happen, and we'll end up with a pair of developing welterweights being used as chum on future UFC undercards.
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