By Mike Davis – Cut Throat Fight Gear

When watching the UFC or Pride on PPV you will notice that there is a heavy focus on the 205lb & Heavyweight division. However did you know the division that has the most competitive and deepest talent is actually at 170 lbs?

While watching the UFC you will see Nick Diaz, Matt Hughes, Karo Parisyan slugging it out to see who is number one, but did you know the indy scene is almost as deep as what you are watching on tv?

Because there is just so much talent in this weight division, it is actually becoming quite common to see two big names duke it out at local venue. The result is that many local shows can bring in some of great fighters that would otherwise be fighting in UFC events! Great for fighters and better for fans and promoters! . So I will be dedicating this edition to the guys in that weight division that are busting their ass trying to get into the big show (the UFC);

Sean Sherk (25-1-1): In my opinion and many others Sean is the #2 ranked 170lbs'er in the world. His only loss came to Welterweight Champion (at the time) Matt Hughes in a match that went to the judges. Since that loss he has gone on a reign of terror knocking out or submitting his last nine opponents. There is no word of whether or not he will be brought back to the UFC anytime soon..

Keith Wisniewski (18-6-1): Keith is one of my favorite fighters, his first pro fight was at the tender age of 16 against UFC vet Joey Gilbert and he lost to him via split decision. He has 6 professional loses 4 of which came before the age of 18 and only one of those loses came against a guy that has NOT fought in either Pride or the UFC. When you see or talk to Keith he is of a type that you would never expect to have ever jumped in the cage and given it a go. However once you see him in action his skill and experience is too much for most in his weight class UFC included. His biggest win so far has been against Jorge Santiago. In my opinion Keith is way overdue to have the dubious distinction of UFC Vet put by his name. His last fight ended in a controversial decision against Jason Black and his next opponent is November 22nd at the Hammond Civic Center against Derrick Noble. I would have to say that out of everyone mentioned in this article he has been fighting the toughest competition lately.

Josh Neer (5-1-1): Josh fought in a lot of underground fights before he got hooked up with the right people and started focusing on a carrer in fighting. While an amature, Josh fought almost 100 different guys losing just once. Since turning pro he has fought some stiff competition in Joe Jordan (draw) and Spencer Fisher (lost split decision). His charisma is amazing and his fighting style has everyone on the edge of their seat. His fight against Spencer Fisher still has people talking about it even though it happened almost a year ago. His last fight was against Pride/UFC vet Anthony Macias who he knocked out in 41 seconds. If Josh continues fighting top talent I believe he will be UFC ready in a year

Derrick Noble (18-6): Derrick lost his first 4 fights and only twice in the last two years with fights against the American Top Team and the Russian Red Devils. Derrick is currently 1-1 against UFC vets with a huge KO against Joey Gilbert at the Iron Heart Crown. His next fight is against who I believe is his biggest challenge yet, Keith Wisnewski. Lately Derrick has been stepping up against quality opponents and how he does against Wisnewski will determine whether or not he is ready for the UFC. Out of all of these guys I believe that Derrick has the heaviest hands.

Spencer Fisher (10-1) this is supposed to be the next Miletech Fighting Systems sensation. When you see this guy fight it is like a tornado just hit the ring, he is charismatic, intense and not intimidated by anyone. In his NHB debut he and Derrick Noble squared off to have Spencer win a split decision. His only loss comes to Arizona native Carlo Prater. Look for Spencer in the UFC sometime in the future.

Carlo Prater (12-2-1) Carlo is a grappling sensation with wins over Melvin Guillard and Spencer Fisher. I have not had a chance to see much of his standup but the matches that I have seen he usually gets the take down and works from there. He has very long arms and tends to get his opponents wrapped up and tapping out before they are able to amount any type of offense. Carlo is definitly in the top 5.

Drew Fickett (22-2) Drew is a top notch wrestler with BIG wins over Carlo Prater, Dennis Hallman, and Edwin Dewees. His record is impressive however some of his foe's argue that it is inflated with people that didn't belong in there with him. He is a standard ground and pound fighter that will probably make his UFC debut sometime in the begining of next year.

The 170lbs class is stacked and there is about another dozen guys that are in this weight class that I haven't even mentioned. Jeff Paul of Xtreme Kage Kombat is set to do a series of shows that will showcase a tournament in order to figure out who the toughest 170lbr in the Midwest is.

I look at it this way if you weight 170lbs and have an undefeated record it is because you haven't fought enough top talent yet. On any given day these guys can beat one another and any little mistake can cost you the entire fight

Coming to you from Chicago, this is …

Mike Davis Cutthroat Fight Gear

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