2012 World MMA Light Heavyweight Scouting Report: #9 - Steve Bosse

Photo by Instinct MMA
Name:	Steve Bosse
Nickname:	The Boss
Age:	30
Height:	6'0"
Location:	Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Nobody gave Steve Bosse (9-1) a chance of becoming something more than a novelty act when he made his mixed martial arts debut in the summer of '07. The sport had already dealt with a number of tough guys who figured their success in one sport would ultimately lead to success in MMA. Most were wrong, and Bosse fell under the same assumptions.

Fortunately, Bosse did have experience in the world of fisticuffs, racking up a high of 253 penalty minutes (PIMs) during the 2006-2007 hockey season for the Saint-Jean Chiefs of the Ligue Nord-Américaine de Hockey. He ended his seven season minor league career in 2008-2009 with a grand total of 1363 PIMs , and he was considered the #1 enforcer in the LNAH.

A loss to Icho Larenas at TKO 31 in December of '07 could have been the nail in the coffin for his career. A confirmation that his entry into the sport was, in fact, a joke. Four years later, however, Bosse has put together an impressive streak of wins, knocking out UFC veteran Houston Alexander and Strikeforce veteran Mychal Clark. He defeated former UFC fighter Marvin Eastman by decision last February as well, increasing his overall streak to seven.

Bosse is surprisingly well-rounded and durable, wielding an increasingly dangerous striking game and respectable grappling chops. While his life has been focused on beating fellow goons to a pulp and transitioning those skills to the cage, Bosse has grown at this late stage in his athletic career, truly becoming a mixed martial artist by earning a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Those skills haven't, however, created some sort of grappling whiz kid on the mats. Bosse is defensive-minded, utilizing those skills to regain his feet and wage war toe-to-toe.

Bosse's defensive skills still need some work. His chin sits high in the pocket, and his aggression could be exploited by a pinpoint striker in the future. Regardless of those issues, Bosse is making every effort to improve. He currently calls the world-renowned Tristar Gym in Montreal his home, and he traveled to Phuket, Thailand this summer to train at Tiger Muay Thai.

At 30 years old, Bosse is a hard sell for most readers. He is, however, surprisingly motivated to succeed, and he's made all the right decisions in regards to his career. His status as a draw in Quebec will likely catch the eye of Joe Silva, and it would be a shock if the UFC didn't come calling in 2012. Right now, Bosse is on the sidelines from a broken hand he suffered in his battle with Houston Alexander. Look for him to return, likely under the Instinct MMA banner, by the spring for a tune-up fight before taking on a more challenging opponent.

Check out video footage of Steve Bosse after the jump...

Houston Alexander vs. Steve Bosse

Steve Bosse vs. Wes Sims

Steve Bosse vs. Icho Larenas

Steve Bossé vs Yan Pellerin