UFC 158: St. Pierre vs. Diaz includes action in the Middleweight division. Ultimate Fighter season 11 contestants Chris Camozzi (18-5 MMA; 6-2 UFC) and Nick Ring (13-1 MMA; 3-1 UFC) square off in this battle of rising fighters. This is the second of five fights on the PPV broadcast. The UFC 158 PPV airs this Saturday night, March 16, with the main card beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT.
On a card with such a huge main event and stacked top of the card, this is a strange fight for main card inclusion. Both Camozzi and Ring have shown themselves to be solid fighters in the Middleweight division. However, neither man has yet scored the kind of big win that elevates him to the next level. They have a big opportunity here in front of what should be a very sizable PPV audience. We'll see if one of them can step it up and make a real name for himself with a big showing.
How do these two stack up?
Camozzi: 26 years old | 6'3" | 76" reach
Ring: 34 years old | 6'1" | 74" reach
What have these two done recently?
Camozzi: W - Luiz Cane (UD) | W - Nick Catone (TKO) | W - Dustin Jacoby (Sub)
Ring: W - Court McGee (UD) | L - Tim Boetsch (UD) | W - James Head (Sub)
How did these two get here?
Chris Camozzi had a rough time on TUF, being forced out of the house early due to injury. He then had a bumpy start to his UFC career, going 2-2. But he turned things around in 2012, going 3-0 and finishing the year strong with an impressive win over Luiz Cane in Brazil. That was definitely a good win, and the best of Camozzi's 7 year career. He looks to build off that momentum against Ring.
More Bloody Elbow coverage of UFC 158: St. Pierre vs. Diaz
Nick "The Promise" Ring was also forced off TUF season 11 due to injury. He's had more consistent UFC success, with his lone loss coming against the tough Tim Boetsch. In his last fight, he took on the eventual TUF 11 winner Court McGee. Ring took a controversial decision win in that fight, which, given his injury, makes him somewhat the real TUF winner that season. Ring hasn't had an all around great performance since defeating Head back at UFC 131 two years ago. At 34 years old, if he wants to move up the ladder at Middleweight, he can not afford a loss.
Why should you care?
To be honest, this is the least compelling main card fight. It could be good - it could be a snoozer. We'll have to see.
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