UFC 141 Fight Card: Is Nam Phan in a Must-Win Situation?

It is no secret that UFC featherweight Nam Phan has struggled over the last five years of his career.

Since December of 2006, Phan has accumulated a professional record of 5-7. In the UFC he is 1-2, although he was awarded a win bonus in his fight against Leonard Garcia due to a very questionable decision by the judges.

Phan is a good all-around fighter who can stuff a takedown, but prefers to spend the majority of the time on his feet.

Two of his three fights in the Octagon have been awarded Fight of the Night honors.

Phan now faces the undefeated Jim Hettes at UFC 141.

Many are calling this fight a must win for Phan. I don't see it that way.

As stated above, two of Phan's three UFC fights have earned Fight of the Night honors. One of his two losses was seen as a win by Dana White.

Although he has been struggling in other promotions over the last five years, White and the UFC are only concerned with what he has done for this organization.

Wins and losses go a long way in determining the fate of UFC fighters. However, the performance they put on, as well as how loved they are by the fans, go a long way in extending their stay in the Octagon.

Take for example Kendall Grove. Although he lost five of 13 fights, he stayed in the Octagon because he was a fan favorite.

Clay Guida is another fighter who will probably stay in the UFC for as long as he is healthy, regardless of his win-loss record. The amount of excitement Guida brings to the Octagon far outweighs whether he wins or loses.

It is for these reasons that I feel that win or lose, Phan is going to have a few more fights in the Octagon. He needs to come out and put on a show. He can't afford to be passive and wait for the action to start on its own.

Expect Phan to come out swinging, and in some way (win or lose), he will put on a spectacular performance and stay on the UFC roster for the foreseeable future.