In ring and octagon, local fighters in action tonight

First of all, I really appreciate the debate that's raging on the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather post. It's intelligent, passionate and, above all, respectful. No personal attacks or name calling; just a lot of people who really know the fight game agreeing to disagree.

Vehemently.

Fighting Words, indeed.

But as much as we enjoy verbal sparring, we shouldn't forget that three local fighters will throw down for real on Saturday night.

IN THE OCTAGON...

Woodbridge native and American Top Team lightweight Mark Bocek makes his sixth start in the UFC, taking on UFC debutant Joe "The Hammer" Brammer on the undercard of tonight's Ultimate Fighter Finale.

Bocek acknowledges he doesn't know much about Brammer - who was booked for the bout less than a month ago - but is sure about two things heading into Saturday night's fight.

First, that Brammer will present a stiff challenge. 

"It's his first fight in the UFC and I'm sure he's trying to make a name for himself," said Bocek who, according to his web site weighed in at 156 pounds for the fight. "He's just another guy (but) they're all tough guys."

Second, Bocek knows that this fight is an opportunity to prove that he has graduated from prospect to legitimate threat in the UFC's 155-pound division. With the symbolic stakes so high, Bocek trained for this undercard bout like he was fighting for the title.

Six weeks before every fight Bocek, a jiu-jitsu instructor at Xtreme Couture in Etobicoke, heads to Coconut Creek, Fla., checks into a local Ramada Inn, and trains with American Top Team. 

He said with its focus on strength and conditioning (Olympic lifts, sprint drills, and 12-round cardio circuits) this training camp was the most intense of his five-year pro career.

Factor in high-octane sparring sessions with guys like Jorge Masvidal and recently-dethroned WEC featherweight king Mike Brown, and Bocek believes he now has the striking skills to match his world-class grappling. 

Tonight he intends to prove he's now ready to handle the division's best.

"There was a gap two years ago, but I feel I've closed it. That's why I'm looking at this fight like it's a really big one," he said. "Hopefully (I'll fight) a really big name after this. Just work my way up the ladder."

MEANWHILE IN THE RING...

Brampton cruiserweight Troy Ross takes on Brazilian journeyman Daniel Bispo in a stay-busy bout at Casino Montreal. 

Some of you might remember Ross as a part-time star on the large and small screens.

If he beats Bispo tonight he's in line to fight in a title eliminator in the first quarter of 2010, bringing him a big step closer to the world title he's been chasing since turning pro nine years ago.

ON THE SAME CARD...

Mississauga lightweight Logan McGuinness faces Mexico's Cesar Soriano in his first scheduled eight-rounder.

McGuinness trains out of Chris Johnson's Fighting Alliance, alongside former (and future?) IBF 122-pound champ Steve Molitor, and the guys at Hennessy Sports think he can be the next Ontario fighter to win a world title.

But he'll have to handle Soriano first.

There's no local TV coverage for the card, features which former world champ and Montreal resident Joachim Alcine in the main event. But if you have a few hours and about four dollars to spare tonight, you can catch it all online at http://www.secondsouttv.com/.

Comments

[Morgan Campbell]

Bocek weigh-in photo courtesy markbocek.com, btw

[James]

McGuinness/Luis/Ross did Ontario Proud!
I was ringside and they kicked butt!!!

McGuinness was reaaly smooth and slick and has some real power too!!

IMO he looks like a great prospect, cait wait to see when he moves up in class. I think that he could be the next Molitor.

Luis looks like when he get older and gets some power can be a real good fighter, Has speed and skill!
But seems to be slapping a bit, That said has tons of potential!

Ross did what he nedded to do , Smashed Bispo
He needs a World Title shot like yesterday, Troy can do it !!!

love the Blog , keep it coming!!!