Having spent some time over the last few weeks keeping tabs on the subjects of amateur drafts and free agency in other sports – mainly hockey and basketball – I thought it would be interesting to see how the sport of mixed martial arts could utilize the same things.

It would be incredibly difficult of course with so many variables coming into play, but for the sake of a Z-Files, I thought it would be a bold road to travel on – venturing down the trail where if I was looking into an MFC crystal ball, just who would I be interested in spending a “draft pick” on or who would be worthy of a giant bag of cash as a stellar unrestricted free agent.

10:06 a.m. Draft Day – After a sleepless night in a hotel hospitality suite going over videotape, interview notes and feedback from around the globe, I’ve gathered my pro and amateur scouts around a giant table as my team is now “on the clock” for its first pick. It’s definitely nerve-wracking as I ponder which exciting young prospect to take. There are some very good choices out there and no clear-cut No. 1. I call everyone together and we stride up to the podium, stand in front of the microphone and declare the team’s first-round pick to be … Paapa Inkumusah.

It’s not an easy choice, but I feel a very good one. This guy has a growing fan club every time he steps to the ring. And the best thing about Paapa (which fans of Heat XC have already discovered, while MFC fans will get a glimpse of very soon) is that when the Calgary, Alberta, product has his prey wounded, he is in for the kill in lightning-quick fashion. Paapa could easily become the next big thing in mixed martial arts.

10:22 a.m. – Still basking in the glory of getting a great pick in the first round, I’m approached by a couple of teams to see if I’m willing to work out a trade. There’s nothing I like better than wheeling and dealing and I’m being offered another first-rounder. I’ve still got my eye on some top young talent so why not. I’ll mortgage a little bit of the present in exchange for some long-term future success. Again I hit the podium to lock up my pick. Originally thinking I’d like a fast-and-furious featherweight, I opt instead for some size and grab … Bryan Baker.

The Team Wildman product from California worked through several submission attempts at MFC 20 which showed his patience and defense before he dropped the hammer on Rory Singer. He’s got great size and a killer instinct. I think I’ve stolen a gem.

3:52 p.m. – The “Draft” is nearly completed. I’ve walked away very excited about the team’s picks which included the highly entertaining Diego Wilson and a massive steal in Evan Sanguin, a very good lightweight prospect out of Jason MacDonald’s Pure Gym.

8 a.m. Free-Agent Frenzy – A day after the “Draft” the phone is ringing wildly as agents and managers are calling to see how much is left in the bank to spend on their clients. There are interesting options out there. Does the team go for a seasoned veteran to round out the roster or do you look in the other direction for some blossoming talent that hasn’t been fully tapped yet?

11:44 a.m. – Decision time. Without bursting the budget (Lord knows we’ve all learned from so many predecessors – example: Elite XC) the team has opted for a couple choices and feels the bases are covered. After very nearly coming to a deal that would have locked up a high-priced heavyweight, it’s been decided that doubling up the effort will have a bigger bang for the buck. So welcome to the fold John Alessio, the popular and outgoing welterweight who has plenty of gas left in his tank. And a hearty hello to Trevor Prangley, perhaps not an overwhelming choice amongst the names out there but someone who you’ve got to like for two reasons – he comes to fights anyone anytime, and he’s got enough charisma to be a guy who isn’t lost in front of the camera selling your squad.

All in all a good couple days of shaping the future of my “team.” There are foundations to build upon and a good nucleus of stars to rely on for results. It’s an uphill road to climb but the positivity is flowing and with some leadership there’s a playoff berth in our future.

J-MAC’S ATTACK: After much hot air between “The Athlete” and “Mr. International” Shonie Carter it appears as though the two will not go head to head. Frankly MacDonald’s game at this point is far and above from Carter can bring, although it would have been quite a sight to see MacDonald reach a boiling point during weigh-ins and ring introductions as Carter took his painfully sweet time dropping trou from pimp suit down to speedos. Most likely scenario now – MacDonald taking on Travis Lutter is what would be a jiu-jitsu clinic.

HOLDING OUT FOR THE HULK: One of the “back in the day” MFC champions, Roger “The Hulk” Hollett has been on the shelf since dropping two straight fights - a title matchup against Emanuel Newton and then a clash with David Heath. Hollett is apparently contemplating a move down to middleweight, but he won’t get an easy ride there, not with the likes of Bryan Baker and perhaps Travis Galbraith waiting to climb over him. Hollett could face Galbraith at light heavyweight – not an easy assignment either – or he could wind up in a slugfest showdown with Aron Lofton.