As with many of the bouts on this card, no one is looking at a title shot with a win here, but they could work their way into the picture if they continue to collect W’s.
In high school Burkman wrestled, played running back on the football team and was the third baseman on the baseball team. He moved from Utah to Oregon to train with former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champ Randy Couture (Pictures) and Team Quest. He has since returned to Salt Lake City to train. Josh has a professional MMA record of 7-3-0.
He first came into the public eye on season two of The Ultimate Fighter where he defeated Melvin Guillard (Pictures) in an elimination bout by decision. On the show’s finale, he slammed Sam Morgan (Pictures) to win by knockout in his official Octagon debut. Burkman submitted Drew Fickett (Pictures) via guillotine choke in another exciting first round win.
Three months later Burkman’s divisional rise was derailed when Jon Fitch (Pictures) caught him in a rear-naked choke. He came back strong last July, handing Josh Neer (Pictures) a decision loss at UFC 61.
Reiner (13-1-0) fights out of MidAmerica Martial Arts in Omaha, Neb. with Jake Ellenberger (Pictures). An Extreme Challenge 68 eight-man tournament semifinalist and holder of the Victory Fighting Championships welterweight belt, Reiner makes his UFC debut Thursday night.
Through the AFC, XFO and other regional promotions, Reiner has collected win after win while suffering just one defeat at the hands of Dustin Hazelett (Pictures). Chad has a strong submission game and went 10-1 in 2006, including three wins via armbar.
Burkman is by no means an easy mark, but I feel Reiner will come into the fight with superior conditioning and the desire to counter Burkman’s wrestling. The striking game could be even. I might give a slight edge to Burkman in the stand-up exchanges due to experience and familiarity in the Octagon but this bout should end on the mat. Reiner by submission.