Photo by Jeff Sherwood, Sherdog
Name:	Hector Sandoval
Nickname:	Kid Alex
Age:	25
Height:	5'5"
Location:	Sacramento, California

It wouldn't be a flyweight countdown without the presence of one of the MMA's most successful training camps in the lighter weight classes being represented. Team Alpha Male has produced a steady stream of high-quality talent, fighters such as Urijah Faber, Joseph Benavidez, and Chad Mendes, and the camp has hot prospects on deck in Lance Palmer and T.J. Dillashaw at both 135 and 145 lbs.

At flyweight, Team Alpha Male isn't without reserves. Ukiah, California's Hector Sandoval (4-1) is one of their most promising representatives, recording four wins in the last two years in the California mixed martial arts scene. His most notable win to date came in December against Taylor McCorriston (6-2) at Impact MMA: Recognition, who had only previously lost to Hector's teammate T.J. Dillashaw.

Hector's style is what you would typically associate with any Team Alpha Male fighter, a power wrestler with explosive takedowns, competent grappling chops, and a furious stand-up game. He doesn't possess overly technical striking prowess, and his size is problematic in pushing his effectiveness to the next level in that arena. He more than makes for that with the threat of a powerful slam or blanketing top control.

Defensively, he needs to protect his chin better. He already has a tough time getting inside on his opponents due to his short reach in comparison to longer opponents, and that may all change when he's fighting flyweight competition consistently. But there is some concern that his scrambling style of striking could be exploited due to the holes it opens up to his chin.

At only 25 years old, Sandoval has a bright future, and he'll undoubtedly find his way into the UFC on the sails of his teammates' success. He has all the tools to find continued success at the regional level right now, and in time - he'll likely improve to a point in which success will find him in the depths of the UFC's new flyweight division. Look for him to make his debut inside the Octagon in late 2012.

Since the birth of the UFC's flyweight division creates a question of who we should consider as prospects, we've tweaked the criteria specifically for this weight class. Most notably, we drew a line, excluding the following well-known, established flyweights: Jussier ‘Formiga' da Silva, Ulysses Gomez, Ian McCall, Yasuhiro Urushitani, BJ Kojima, Rambaa Somdet, Mamoru Yamaguchi, Dustin Ortiz, Darrell Montague, Danny Martinez, and any flyweights outside of our original criteria.

Footage of Hector Sandoval after the fold...

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ONE FC isn't the only top Asian promotion hosting a card this weekend. Legend Fighting Championship will be giving the Bloody Elbow Night Crew another reason to assemble on Feb 11, and here is everything you will ever need to know about that stacked card in Macau.

Event Details:

Legend Fighting Championship 7
February 11, 2012 -- 3:30 a.m. ET
Grand Hyatt, Macau

How to watch:

Prelims will be streamed live and free on YouTube starting at 3:30 a.m. ET on Feb 11. The Main Card though will be available on PPV in North America a bit delayed to align with the timing on the US. PPV starts at 9 p.m ET for $19.99 (SD) and $29.99 (HD).

FIVE Things To Look Forward To:

1. TWO TITLE FIGHTS - This is the main reason to watch the card. There will be two excellent matches that will be for two legit championship belts on the card.

2. CHINA'S BEST WELTERWEIGHT VS. THE LEGEND FC WELTERWEIGHT CHAMP FROM KOREA - As mentioned, one of two title fights on the line is the Legend FC welterweight gold when UFC fighter Zhang Tie Quan's teammate, Li Jingliang (12-2) takes on the champ, Bae Myung Ho (12-5) of Korea.

The Korean has fought on promotions such as M-1 Global, DREAM, and DEEP, and has been undefeated since joining the Legend FC ranks, eventually winning the title last July. China Top Team's Li, on the other hand, is a Sanda and Wrestling champ from the region and has been on a tear since dropping down to welterweight. He's been touted as the best welterweight out of China, but will he be able to topple the champion known as the "Wolverine"? Both guys have been talking a lot of smack recently, and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

3. YAO HONGGANG AND HIS UFC SPONSORED TRAINING CAMP VS. THE TOP CHINESE RISING STAR - This bantamweight title fight, at least in my eyes, is the real main event. It not only pits two of the very best fighters in the region, but it also has a very interesting story line.

Yao Honggang is not your average Chinese fighter with a background in Sanda. He has a background in Shuaijiao or Chinese Wrestling, and has won numerous wrestling championships in the country. He has been using his grappling chops effectively, winning the Legend FC bantamweight grand prix to claim the promotion's title. He has also benefited greatly from a recent UFC sponsored training camp. Along with Zhang Tie Quan and his China Top Team training partners, Yao was sent to train on several gyms all over Vegas to learn from the best coaches in the business. His opponent? Jumabieke Tuerxun, one of the most popular rising stars from China, and a guy who handed him a loss during his MMA debut almost three years ago.

The guy more known as "Bieke" is 10-0, and he is one of the fastest rising stars from China after tearing up the regional circuit by winning six straight bouts in 2011. He is coming from the Xian Sports University, the team where Team Quest fighters Pat Healy and Brad Hannah conducted a training camp that lasted for several weeks, teaching the top Chinese strikers the finer aspects of wrestling, BJJ, and weigh-cutting. There's a lot of hype on this guy, and he is getting an immediate shot at the title against a guy he already beat once before.

Will 'Bieke', who has unbelievable potential, couple his high level skills with the learnings he took from Team Quest's guidance to win the title? Or will a much more seasoned Yao Honggang benefit from training in Vegas, derail the hype train, and avenge a loss he suffered during his MMA debut?

Much more after the jump, but don't forget to follow me on twitter -- @antontabuena.

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Finally, it seems that the most talked-about grudge match in MMA over the last year is finally going to come together. Former training partners Jon Jones and Rashad Evans are scheduled to meet for the UFC light heavyweight title in the main event on UFC 145, which takes place on April 21st from Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA. The card also features two big heavyweight bouts, with Brendan Schaub taking on Ben Rothwell, and Chad Griggs making his UFC debut against Travis Browne. Check out the current card below:

Apr 21st, live on pay-per-view from Atlanta, GA:

Jon Jones (15-1) vs. Rashad Evans (17-1-1)

Rory MacDonald (12-1) vs. Che Mills (14-4)

Michael McDonald (14-1) vs. Miguel Torres (40-4)

Brendan Schaub (8-2) vs. Ben Rothwell (31-8)

Chad Griggs (11-1) vs. Travis Browne (12-0-1)

More SBN coverage of UFC 145

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Photo by GatewayMMA.com
Name:	Jesse Riggleman
Nickname:	Mountain Man
Age:	26
Height:	5'5"
Location:	Harrisonburg, Virginia

At #7 on the 2012 World MMA Flyweight Scouting Report, Virginia's Jesse Riggleman (11-2) finds his deserved spot on this year's countdown. After back-to-back losses in 2010 to The Ultimate Fighter contestants John Dodson and Louis Gaudinot, Riggleman bounced back in 2011, defeating Jason Hiliker at M-1 Challenge 24 in March before narrowly defeating 2011 World MMA Scouting Report prospect Farkhad Sharipov at Bellator 51 in September.

Before his ascension to the upper reaches of the talent pool, Riggleman amassed a perfect 9-0 record in a little over a year's time, defeating Bellator veteran Bryan Goldsby and The Ultimate Fighter 14 contestant Josh Ferguson along the way. Typical of other flyweight prospects, Riggleman fought in weight classes above his natural weight, showcasing a toughness and durability that can only be described as inspiring. His split decision win over Goldsby is the perfect example.

Not only does Riggleman possess those valuable attributes, he's competent in almost every area of his skill-set. He possesses a solid takedown game, skilled striking, excellent conditioning, and a relentless work ethic, making him one of the best-rounded fighters on the countdown.

If he truly possesses all of those skills, why isn't he higher on our list? From a technical standpoint, he could use some work, mainly on the intricate details that are usually the differences between good and great fighters. His granite chin and endless gas tank have saved him many times in the past, mainly because larger fighters took advantage of the size advantage. Riggleman found a way to win, but I'm still skeptical about his chances against top-tier talent.

Undoubtedly, the UFC's inclusion of a flyweight division helps a guy like Riggleman the most. He's fought bigger competition his entire career, and he's succeeded for the most part. His skill-set isn't lacking any one skill, and he can beat any fighter who's severely weak in one area. With opponents more his size, it's possible he strings together some big wins in 2012 and gains considerable interest. At only 26 years old, Riggleman has plenty of time to close the gap on the technical know-how he needs to succeed against stronger competition.

Since the birth of the UFC's flyweight division creates a question of who we should consider as prospects, we've tweaked the criteria specifically for this weight class. Most notably, we drew a line, excluding the following well-known, established flyweights: Jussier ‘Formiga' da Silva, Ulysses Gomez, Ian McCall, Yasuhiro Urushitani, BJ Kojima, Rambaa Somdet, Mamoru Yamaguchi, Dustin Ortiz, Darrell Montague, Danny Martinez, and any flyweights outside of our original criteria.

Footage of Jesse Riggleman after the fold...

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Remember Super Fight League, that show in India to be headlined by Bob Sapp vs. James Thompson? They're promising to be a different mix of spectacle and sport, and while one would think that they've already accomplished that with their headliner, it looks like there's a lot more planned for the event.

MMA isn't as popular in India as it is on other Asian countries, but the show, which will be run by millionaire tycoon Raj Kundra, actor Sanjay Dutt, and MMA agent Ken Pavia, will have different ways to gather in the crowd. They will have eight fights, but to start the show, they'll be having concerts from popular musicians in India to draw the crowd in. Another strategy they're taking is to have celebrities, personalities and popular fighters on the event.

One of those personalities, as BloodyElbow.com has learned through sources close to the situation, is the "New York Bad Ass" Phil Baroni, who will be returning to the commentator's booth and will be calling the action for the March 11 event.

Although not yet finalized, sources have also informed us that Jeff Osborne is being offered as Baroni's partner for play-by-play commentary.

Baroni has also served as color commentator several times in the past, most notably on the recent bout between Roger Huerta and War Machine in Texas:

Also on the news coming out of the Asian region, the ROAD FC 006 Middleweight Grand Prix recently concluded. Following an upset victory over Denis Kang last December, PRIDE vet Shungo Oyama ran through two opponents this past weekend to win the GP and take the Road FC Middleweight title.

Watch all the fight videos after the jump, and don't forget to follow me on twitter -- @antontabuena.

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Matthew Roth: So UFC 143 is over and the new champion was crowned. What I want to know from you guys is did the judges get the decision right and why? Did Carlos Condit run away or was he remaining elusive while breaking down Nick Diaz for 25 minutes?

Fraser Coffeen: Condit won. He avoided Diaz's shots while landing strikes of his own. That is counter striking, and it's a perfectly acceptable and legitimate aspect of striking. Condit did it beautifully.

Tim Burke: What Condit did was very smart. Did it make for a very good fight? No. Was he on his bike a lot? Yes. I don't believe that was simply counterstriking though. He was literally running across the cage at some points. Still, you can't argue with effectiveness.

I believe the bout could have gone either way. Diaz has a case for 1, 2 and 5. I scored it 48-47 Condit, but it was close.

Josh Nason: I thought the judges got it right and if there were 10-10 rounds actually given, I think the fifth round was that even that it would be a draw. Instead of calling out Condit for a rematch though, Diaz decided to "retire" when there's a great case to see them hook it up again. Some of the MMA community calling out Condit for "running" was a little nuts though, especially from fellow fighters. It's a really polarizing fight which should mean rematch.

Matthew Roth: I've read a bunch of people saying what Condit did was bad for the sport. Which is ridiculous to me.

Lots more after the jump...

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After Dustin Poirier's first round submission win at UFC 143 over Max Holloway, the question immediately arose of whether he was ready for a shot at Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo. With the 23-year-old on a five fight win streak and Aldo without an immediate No. 1 challenger, Poirier (12-1, 4-0 UFC) looked like a good choice.

But along the way, the focus shifted to a battle with Chan Sung Jung, affectionately known as the "Korean Zombie" and beloved by many thanks to his three round stand-and-slug split decision loss to Leonard Garcia at WEC 48.

Things heated up between the two on Twitter Wednesday with Jung throwing the first grenade:

Poirier then responded:

While he was 0-2 in the WEC, Jung (12-3, 2-0 UFC) submitted Garcia and knocked out Mark Hominick in six seconds in two 2011 Octagon appearances, picking up big bonuses in the process. Poirier went 1-1 in the WEC before moving to the UFC where he's won all four of his fights and has submitted his last two opponents.

With Eric Koch on the shelf with an injury, a No. 1 contender's bout between Poirier and Jung makes a lot of sense.