Fights Announced For UFC 103
by Robert Sargent
Following the controversial aftermath of UFC 99, in which he left the promotion and chose to return to competing in Japan, Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipović will step inside the Octagon again at UFC 103 when he meets Junior "Cigano" dos Santos.
In addition to the confusing return of Filipović, other action on the Dallas, Texas card includes a title eliminator between Mike "Quick" Swick and Martin "The Hitman" Kampmann.
UFC 103 is expected to be headlined by a bout between former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich "Ace" Franklin and an opponent to be determined, and speculation has already begun as to the identity of Franklin's foe. With no shortage of challengers in either the light heavyweight or middleweight divisions for Franklin, it is sure to be a quality fight.
The Swick vs Kampmann title eliminator is both good and bad. Looking at the positives, it has all of the makings of becoming one of the best fights of the year. Both competitors bring fast-paced explosive styles and both will likely be looking for a quick knockout or submission to make a statement. Swick and Kampmann are both young fighters with bright futures and this is their chance to take a big step towards possibly becoming champion.
On the other hand, critics can argue that neither Kampmann nor Swick is at all deserving of a title shot at this stage in their welterweight careers, and that this fight is set as a title eliminator because there are simply no other challengers left for champion Georges "Rush" St. Pierre's crown.
There is no doubting the talent that both Swick and Kampmann possess, but this will be just the fifth fight for Swick since dropping to 170 and only the third for Kampmann. Swick looked terrible in his welterweight debut against "The People's Warrior" Josh Burkman, but has been much more impressive in his outings since. Kampmann is coming off of a questionable Split Decision win over final WEC Welterweight Champion "The Natural Born Killer" Carlos Condit and will need to be more impressive in the bout with Swick.
The return of Filipović is a puzzling one that can be solely attributed to UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta's recent trip to Croatia to plead for the striker's return to the Octagon. Filipović evidently listened and will once again step inside the cage, but his relationship with the UFC must now be a tenuous one, at best.
Following Filipović's victory over Mostapha al-Turk at UFC 99, it was reported that Filipović had quit the promotion and had signed a three-fight deal with DREAM in Japan. UFC President Dana White was in a state of shock as he attempted to explain the Croatian knockout artist's abrupt departure.
Now back in the UFC and apparently once again focused on a run at the title, Filipović will have to get past dos Santos first, and that has proven to be no easy task thus far. Filipović's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach and former PRIDE star, Fabricio "Vai Cavalo" Werdum, has already been added to dos Santos's list of victims.
In welterweight action, former title challenger Frank "Twinkle Toes" Trigg returns to the UFC after a four-year absence when he takes on fellow wrestler Josh Koscheck. Trigg will look to establish that he is still a top star in the division, while Koscheck simply needs a win to stick around. Losses to Thiago "Pitbull" Alves and Paulo Thiago - the latter of which by shocking knockout - have sent Koscheck tumbling down the competitive welterweight ranks.
Lightweights will also be featured prominently on the card. Cole "Magrinho" Miller takes on undefeated TUF Season 8 Winner Efrain Escudero, while Tyson Griffin squares off with Hermes Franca and Gleison Tibau is expected to do battle with former UFC Lightweight Champion "The Muscle Shark" Sean Sherk.
UFC 103 takes place on September 19th at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
