Who's Been Eyeing The UFC and Just Got Picked Up

Apparently age does make a difference as a MMA fighter.  Some feel a 36 year old mixed martial arts fighter should retire, but on the other hand another 36 year old fighter should be hired.  According to reports from several MMA websites, a four fight deal has just been reached with veteran fighter FRANK TRIGG to come back to the UFC.  Yeah, that's right Frank Trigg.

Remember the famous loss to Matt Hughes where in the beginning of the fight Hughes was hit with a low blow. Trigg took advantage of the referee not seeing the infraction and went to work on Hughes.  After a short recovery, Matt was able to gain control and choke Frank out for an amazing win.  That fight was probably one of my favorite fights of all time. 

Now, almost four years later, with a 7-2 record outside of the UFC he's once again going to try and prove himself. It's apparent to the UFC he can be beneficial in their welter weight division or they wouldn't entertain him coming back.  I personally couldn't agree more.  I have watched Frank over the years and his improvement is amazing. 

I recall back at UFC 76, a buddy and I flew from Dallas to California to watch the fight.  We had second row floor seats and directly behind me was Frank Trigg.  In my mind I was thinking he is all dressed up and ready to do some announcing, but what I didn't know is he was making a major come back.  He changed his training camp and started doing some other fighting events.  I really didn't want to watch Trigg because I thought the low blow to Hughes should have been stopped and he should have backed off instead of trying to finish the fight even if the referee didn't see it.  That's a completely new debate, but I just thought it was unsportsmanlike.  I wouldn't have wanted to win knowing I took advantage of a crotch shot.

So, I am watching Trigg fight on HDNet and to my amazement he looks great. I consider Edwin Dewees a decent fighter and he took him out in less than two minutes. You could tell Trigg was focused, better prepared and was in good shape. His last three wins are by unanimous decision, but a win is a win.  I think this is a great move for the UFC to bring him back, but on the other hand why?

Are they thinking if they bring Trigg back he can try and redeem himself Carlos Condit whom he lost to in 2006?  Or could they be setting him up for a Matt Hughes three peat?  Also you have Alves, St. Pierre and don't forget Jon Fitch.  All of these guys are top fighters and Trigg has a big "L" with St. Pierre.  I can see it now, UFC 102 "REVENGE".

Overall I see Trigg as a nice addition to the UFC rolls.  I think he has a great chance of changing some of his losses to wins with his gained confidence and better training skills.  However, do I think or see him as someone that could hold the title....well only time will tell.  I couldn't see Randy Couture with the title before Tim Silva either. So as I have always said anything is possible in MMA.

What's your thoughts on his style, who he should fight first and how far up the welter weight ladder will he go?  I predict he will go 2 and 2 on his four fight contract if he is kept that long.  Either way, win or loss it's a huge accomplishment to get back with the UFC.  Congrats to Trigg and I look forward to seeing your return.