UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen features action in the Welterweight division as Matt Brown (17-11 MMA; 10-5 UFC) takes on Mike Pyle (25-8-1 MMA; 8-3 UFC). This is the third of six main card fights. Neither man is currently ranked in the official UFC rankings. UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen airs live on Fox Sports 1 this Saturday, August 17, with the main card starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
Matt Brown vs. Mike Pyle in 2013 AND it has actual divisional relevance? Who would have guessed. These two veteran fighters have been around the game for some time, primarily as solid, middle of the pack kind of fighters. But as of late, they have both stepped up their games, with Brown winning his last 5, Pyle his last 4. This feels like perhaps the last big run for both men - and for one that last run probably ends tonight. The stakes are high for these two.
How do these two stack up?
Brown: 32 years old | 6'0" | 76" reach
Pyle: 37 years old | 6'1" | 74" reach
What have these two done recently?
Brown: W - Jordan Mein (KO) | W - Mike Swick (KO) | W - Luis Ramos (KO)
Pyle: W - Rick Story (SD) | W - James Head (KO) | W - Josh Neer (KO)
How did these two get here?
Matt Brown came to the UFC through season 7 of TUF, where he developed a weird, Chuck Norris-esque cult persona. His UFC career was middling at first, with a 5-5 record inside the Octagon. Then, in 2012, he flipped a switch, and has been on fire ever since, winning 5 straight, 4 via violent stoppage against a collection of tough opponents. I still don't see a particularly high ceiling for Brown, but his climb has been good to watch.
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Mike Pyle is an incredible 14 year veteran of the sport. He's fought men like Rampage Jackson and Jon Fitch years before they were known. Pyle seemed destined for a decent career as a journeyman and possibly a solid post-fight career as a trainer when he made his UFC debut in 2009, going 1-2. Then, like Brown, he changed. He's 7-1 since, all against tough UFC opponents (the 1 loss is to Rory MacDonald - no shame there). Just like with Brown, I don't see him moving much higher, but he continues to surprise me.
Why should you care?
Come on, these are two veterans who have fought their hearts out to make it to this level. How can you not cheer for that?
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