It's been quite a ride in the International Fight League for Carlos Newton (Pictures), who has seen his Toronto Dragons squad suit up 12 different fighters since joining the league in 2006.
"Right now, we just basically have to win," stated Newton.
The former UFC welterweight champion likes the way his team matches up with New York heading into Saturday's event in Las Vegas.
"I think Waggney [Fabiano] can do his job in beating his opponent on the Pitbulls," the coach began. "We've also got Gideon Ray (Pictures); he's got a tough fight [against Delson Heleno (Pictures)] but I think he can do the job again."
Newton predicted the heavyweight contest between Rafael Feijao and Pitbull newcomer Marcio Cruz (Pictures) would put his squad over the top. "I feel very confident with that one too, so that's your three right there," he said.
"Again, if three of the guys win their fights, we're going to make it into the world championships. The Wolfpack just lost their last match-up, all we need now is a straight victory," explained Newton.
In light heavyweight Brent Beauparlant (Pictures), Newton believes he's got insurance if he needs it.
Winning three of five bouts against the Pitbulls would place the Dragons in a fourth-place tie with the Silverbacks at 2-1 respectively and 9-6 overall in matches.
"Our win times will give us the trump card over them. We have the advantage going into the tiebreaker, so yeah, right now we just have to win and we're good to go," Newton laughed.
However, the coach's goals don't just start and end with the team championship. Newton clearly has more on his mind.
"All of those four guys I just mentioned [Fabiano, Ray, Beauparlant and Feijao], if they win their next matches, make it into the grand prix for the world title."
One could easily sense an optimistic tone in the coaches' voice: "Waggney is in the grand prix, regardless. He can walk in his next fight, you know, basically have a nap and still make it."
When asked how the rankings may work out in the lightweight division, Newton was quick to the point.
"He [Waggney Fabiano] is No. 1 in the league right now as a lightweight. As far as IFL standings go right now, Waggney is number one. He's got the fastest wins and he has no losses."
However nothing is set in stone and The Ronin is clearly aware of this. "If he does lose his next fight, yeah, he's probably not going to be No. 1 ranked," Newton said.
So what does the Dragons head coach think about the addition of "Pe De Pano" to the Pitbull's lineup?
"Just one more big guy to deal with," laughed the MMA veteran. "I don't know how all of the other teams are doing when it comes to the venture of taking him on, but our heavyweight division is quite confident in dealing with that threat and we're not thinking too much of it."
Finally, on the subject of the 2008 season and any potential roster moves, Newton remained optimistic.
"The team's going to be pretty solid," he predicted. "I think most of these guys will be back next year. I'm quite certain most of them will be back, if not all of them."