Every week, the Z-Files intends to add some spark to the Maximum Fighting Championship website with intense and provocative interviews with some of the biggest names in mixed marital arts. Fans will also get the Z-Files unique perspective on the MMA world with takes on recent shows, analysis of fighters, and opinions on the good, the bad and the ugly of all the happenings in our sport.

Top 10 Questions for MFC 23
Z-Files #47 - Nov 27, 2009

The tradition continues as MFC 23: Unstoppable approaches. It’s time to delve deep into the issues of the upcoming fight card and try to sort out what’s to come when the lights go on and the seats fill with fans.

Here are the Top 10 Questions to pose heading into the finale of the Maximum Fighting Championship’s 2009 campaign:

1.       Is Bryan Baker the next big thing? In his first MFC appearance, Baker seemed poised to become a serious contender in the middleweight ranks. He’ll face a much stiffer test this time around in the form of Art Santore. If Baker can get past the veteran, he will have shown to be a true top-notch contender.

Fallout, news, and notes
Z-Files #46 - Oct 17, 2009

Some interesting things came out of MFC 22: Payoff and there’s quite a bit happening in the Maximum Fighting world of late as we head into the close of 2010 and the final show of the year – MFC 23: Unstoppable, a name which proves to be very appropriate as our organization continually hits new heights and achievements.

Top to bottom – televised card and undercard – Payoff was probably the best card in the organization’s history. The level of competitiveness, the fitness of the fighters, and the spark that was shown in nearly every fight demonstrated that the MFC has overtaken so many middling leagues and truly become an upper echelon promotion.

There’s still room to grow and in 2010 that will happen, but the past 9+ years have shown what a ton of elbow grease, late nights, and dedication will do.

Top 10 Questions for MFC 22
Z-Files #44 - Sept 28, 2009

It's come that time again - time to delve into an upcoming MFC fight card and pose some serious questions about the fighters stepping into the ring.
 
With what is very likely the MFC's best-ever lineup put together for MFC 22: Payoff, there are some critical fights, career crossroads to bear, a significant superfight not to mention a title fight, and key bouts for up-and-comers looking to make a name for themselves.
 
So let's begin:

Draft Day comes to MMA
Z-Files #42 - July 11, 2009

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.

The power of the pen - or in this case the keyboard - is amazing
Z-Files #41 - Jun 12, 2009

One short quote and an “international” incident is created. It’s not often that Jason “The Athlete” MacDonald fires off a shot during an interview. J-Mac tends to pick his words carefully and is 99.9% of the time very respective of opponents.

But in his interview about returning to the MFC, MacDonald hit Defcon 3 when the subject turned to “Mr. International” Shonie Carter, saying he likely wouldn’t consider a rematch with Carter since he now considered the longtime veteran “a joke” at this point in his career.

Carter didn’t take to kindly to those words and spouted off on his own saying he would “make him bleed” if they fought again.

International vs. Local
Z-Files #40 - Apr 03, 2009

I love it when people say “Wow the MFC sure has gotten big.”

It’s a pride thing and a labor of love that has paid off. Back when the MFC first was launched, I was assigned to taking photos at ringside – back then the mainstream media which I was a part of was basically banned by the bosses of newspapers and TV stations from covering the events. Slowly but surely my role expanded with the MFC from writing this column to handling media relations duties to the role that I have now.

What I appreciate the most about the MFC now is that it is so big.

More questions than answers
Z-Files #39 - Feb 27, 2009

MFC 20 provides look to future for several top fighters

  So there are 10 questions posed before each and every show in the Maximum Fighting Championship - 10 little snippets that inquiring minds what to know. Are there answers to each one after the smoke has cleared? Sometimes there are and sometimes not, but most definitely what does arise are more questions.

  What we saw at MFC 20: Destined for Greatness were a variety of interesting situations - some on an individual basis and others in a more pack-like scenario. As an example, on an individual basis, just what is left for former MFC light heavyweight champion Roger "The Hulk" Hollett?

Ten Questions for MFC 20
Z-Files #38 - Feb 11, 2009

With two titles up for grabs and a very intriguing superfight in the mix, MFC 20: Destined for Greatness is shaping up as a stellar card and a perfect 2009 launch for the Maximum Fighting Championship.

  Continuing with a trend to delve deep inside an upcoming show, the Z-Files takes a look at each fight on the card and poses a question - the answer very likely to come when the cameras get switched on and the packed house takes to their seats on fight night.

  1.       Can Roger Hollett return to the form of a champion? The former MFC light heavyweight champ looked terrible when he dropped his belt in a five-round sleeper against Emanuel Newton. Where was the passion, the fire, the explosiveness that made Hollett "the Hulk"? The guy was made for highlight reel knockouts but his last effort was certainly the lowlight of his career to date. His opponent David Heath didn't fare any better in also losing to Newton but Heath's had plenty of time to get re-focused.

Everyone’s a critic
Z-Files #37 - Jan 25, 2009

Tricky blend in finding the right fit for all fighters.

No matter where you turn in the business of mixed martial arts, you’re bound to hear criticism.

In most cases that actually means you’re doing things right, because if you were doing it all wrong, the feedback tends to be far less emotional. Do it right, and the naysayers, who pretty much have nothing better to do in their lives besides criticize from their basement, come out of the woodwork spouting off all for the sake of hearing themselves ramble on.

Is the sport of MMA facing some serious questions?
Z-Files #36 - Uncertain times - Jan 11, 2009

There have certainly been some glorious times in recent months for all of us involved and interested in the vast world of mixed martial arts.
 
Being closest to an organization like the Maximum Fighting Championship, I have seen the progress and rise in profile of the MFC to becoming one of the elite promotions in North America with nothing but room to grow. It obviously was a great 2008 for the MFC, while such former notables like Elite XC and the IFL racked up staggering amounts of debt and ultimately folded under the carnage their management had created. And of course, it was another banner year for the biggest show in the world - the UFC.

Top 10 Submissions of the Year
Z-Files #35 - Best of 2008 Part 1 - Dec 9, 2008

With the 2008 schedule for the Maximum Fighting Championship winding down following the success of the fifth show of the year at the River Cree Resort and Casino, it is time once again for The Z-Files to begin handing out the yearly awards.
 
Just as in 2007 - the inaugural edition of the year-end awards - the highlights of the MFC season will be doled out in three versions. First up, is the Submission of the Year winners and they will be followed by the tops
in the Knockout of the Year category and we'll wrap it up with the very best in the Fight of the Year honours.
 
Here are the top 10 submissions in the MFC during 2008:

Z-Files #34 - Thinking things through
Questions and answers from Famous - Oct 3, 2008

The dust has settled and the sweat stopped dripping after MFC 18: Famous which turned out to be a very interesting evening of fights.

A few things went as expected, but probably far fewer than was originally thought. There were upsets - how big they were sort of depends on what your original predictions for the fights were - though there were certainly some surprises. All in all, some questions were answered and intriguingly enough some questions have arisen since the fights.

Probably the biggest surprise to most people watching Famous was the domination of Emanuel Newton over David Heath. Newton was on a big roll coming into the fight but Heath had the much better pedigree. Newton was superior in every aspect and deservingly will get his shot at light
heavyweight champ Roger Hollett.

Z-Files #33 - Undercard overachievers
Mid-year report full of questions and answers - Aug 9, 2008

There's no doubt that MFC 17: Hostile Takeover turned out to be one of the best cards in the history of the Maximum Fighting Championship.

An excellent title fight capped the night, two fast-paced lightweight bouts increased the competitive nature of the MFC's most-stacked division, and a stunningly quick and powerful knockout launched the international broadcast on HDNet. But outside of the live audience who were there to see it, the undercard didn't get the exposure it deserved. All things considered the undercard fighters impressively overachieved.

Z-Files #32 - Good guys don't always finish last
Fighters aren't the only ones who get nervous - July 11, 2008

Fighters aren't the only ones who get nervous when they step out on their own in a big way. For them it's putting on the gloves, slipping in the mouthpiece and getting under the spotlight for their chance at glory.

Behind the scenes, there are others. They don't get punched or kicked, and they don't get their hand raised in victory, but at same time they are fighting a different fight. Someone like Gerardo Torres is in a fight on an almost daily basis trying to get the best deal for his fighters. And in Torres's case, he went from having the backing of a big name and big name-company to stepping out on his own in search of new challenges.

Z-Files # 31 - The Aftermath of the Poster Boys Battle
What lies ahead - June 2, 2008

What lies ahead in the MFC for Kuchera, Lofton and others

The scar on his upper lip serves as a reminder.

When Jason Kuchera looks in the mirror and sees that mark, he reflects on the first loss of his MMA career - a heartbreaking second-round tapout to
Aron Lofton in a punishing light heavyweight brawl at MFC 16.  

But with MFC 17 on the horizon that scar serves another purpose. It is part of a message that Kuchera intends on delivering in person to whoever his next foe will be.

Z-Files #30 - ‘Big E’ looking for big impact
Pele comes to MFC eyeing major success
- May 07, 2008

Eric Pele would make a great spokesman for one of those fad diet systems.

Take a look at the before and after pictures and you’ll instantly see the difference. Sure he could always fight but he didn’t exactly look the part. When Pele was first stepping up to fight and at the same time making a bit of name for himself on the A&E reality show Inked, the Las Vegas resident was walking around at 368 pounds. During one episode of Inked, he was shown fighting but shortly afterwards ‘Big E’ ballooned up to 450 pounds.

It was just simply too much bulk for Pele to be carrying around. So with his family first and foremost in his mind and combined with the desire to become the best mixed martial arts fighter he could, Pele worked his butt off – literally. And that brings him to the Maximum Fighting Championship’s MFC 16: Anger Management where he will face unbeaten Chase Gormley in one of the co-main events.

Z-Files #29 - Middleweight showdown at Rags to Riches
Forbes vs. Camozzi will help decide top contenders - Feb 07, 2008

No one is happier for Patrick Cote’s success than me. I think Patrick is not only a top talent but one of the most genuine individuals I’ve met in the world of mixed martial arts – a gentleman who will be an asset to an organization in the business sense when he’s finished knocking out guys’ teeth out.

That being said, as everyone knows Patrick has exploded on the UFC scene of late with his cans of whoop-ass on Kendall Grove and Drew McFedries so he’s pretty much secured himself a spot with the UFC for the time being. What that means is it’s unlikely he’ll be back anytime soon to defend his MFC middleweight title – a title win he just happened to mention as his career highlight on the UFC website prior to turning McFedries’ lights out.

Z-Files #28 - Part 3
2007's Fights Of The Year - Dec 27, 2007

10. Ryan McGillivray vs. Donald Sanchez (MFC 13): It was a back-and-forth battle throughout three rounds with Sanchez scoring big in the standup especially with pulverizing leg kicks and McGillivray scoring with several
takedowns. McGillivray, who was fighting for the first time at 155, faded late and in the end the judges liked Sanchez's game better and gave him a unanimous decision.

9. Ryan Ford vs. Aaron Gallant (MFC 12): After just a few weeks of MMA
training, Ford, a former amateur boxer, made his debut. It was a good thing
his main training partner was Jason "The Athlete" MacDonald as submission
defence was critical in fending off repeated rear-naked choke attempts by
Gallant. Ford's untamed aggression proved to be too much and he earned a
second-round TKO in wild fashion

Z-Files #28 – Part 2
2007’s Knockouts of the Year - Dec 17, 2007

Everyone loves a big finish to a fight and there’s nothing fans want more than to see a big knockout.

This year, the MFC had some great KO endings. From the powerful punches of Roger Hollett to the thunderous slams of Ryan Ford, more than a few opponents hit the canvas the hard way.

Here’s a look at the best of the bunch:.

Z-Files #28 – Part 1
MFC 2007 Year in Review - Dec 14, 2007

It has been quite a year for the Maximum Fighting Championship.

Five shows – all sellouts – and a new home at the River Cree Resort and Casino.

Two new champions crowned – Scott Junk taking the heavyweight title in a rugged battle with Jimmy Ambriz and Roger Hollett dethroning Victor Valimaki in convincing style to rip away the light heavyweight belt.

There’s been a sharp increase in the talent level of some MFC homegrown talent – the meteoric rise of undefeated welterweight Ryan Ford, the sudden ascent of Ryan Heck in the lightweight ranks, and the brute force of light heavyweight fan favourite Jason Kuchera.

From top to bottom and all the aspects of running a top-flight promotion in between, it has been a memorable ’07 calendar for the MFC. But as that calendar runs out and the 2008 schedule looms in the not-so-far-off future, I wanted to take a look back and credit those fighters who deserve recognition for their feats.

Z-Files #27 A heavy topic
the big boys are starting to make noise in MFC - Nov 7, 2007

There’s just something about heavyweight fighters that instinctively draws attention.

 Would anyone care if a former NCAA champion and former WWE champion decided to jump head-first into MMA if he wasn’t six-foot-four and 275 pounds? Probably not so much, but because it’s Brock Lesnar, who moves like a middleweight and has light-tower power, he’s an instant smash (no pun intended).

 Not all that long ago, the Maximum Fighting Championship set out to re-ignite its own heavyweight division. It wasn’t the easiest of tasks to take hold of, but one that was required out of necessity. First of all, it was vital to fill another belt – not with just any run-of-the-mill fighter but one with some decent credentials (there’s very little worse than two guys with a combined number of wins totaling four vying for a major title).

Z-Files #26
Why we do what we do - Oct 19, 2007

With the final MFC show of the year around the corner, I wanted to offer up some information to our fans and even those who have taken a misguided dislike to our promotion.

Promoters come and promoters go in the fight business. The point of this is simple – let’s just see who is left standing in the end. Right now the sport of mixed martial arts is still on a tremendous upswing. In fact here in Canada it is growing incredibly fast – where things were in the U.S. a year ago that’s just the same kind of momentum now found in the Great White North.

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Z-Files #25
Hollett, Valimaki headed down different roads - Sept 10, 2007


After one of the most anticipated title fights on Canadian soil, what now
becomes of the participants in the showdown for the MFC world light
heavyweight title?
 

In Roger Hollett, the MFC can't ask for a better champion - someone who is
willing to defend his title against anyone set in front of him. It's a good
bet he'll be at MFC 14 putting his championship on the line. And despite his
home town being all the way across the country, Hollett has quickly become a
fan favourite in not only the MFC's home territory of Edmonton but he's
truly a national icon as well. I'll bet he develops the same cult following
when he defends his title in new places as well when the MFC hits the west
coast and the U.S. in 2008.

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Z-Files #24
Time for titles to be filled - Aug 12, 2007


Three terrific champions currently hold MFC title belts around their waist.

Scott Junk holds the massive heavyweight title, Victor Valimaki who will defend his light heavyweight championship against Roger Hollett at MFC Lucky 13 and Patrick Cote – currently the longest-serving MFC champion with the middleweight crown.

Right now, none of the major MMA promotions in North America outside of the UFC have champions in all of their weight classes. As the MFC continues to assert itself as the fast-rising company in the fast-growing sport, the time has come to fill all the vacancies in the championship belt hotel.

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Z-Files #23 - Just a step away from professionalism
Fighters do something that I could never do.- July 10, /2007

They are incredible athletes whom I respect a great deal.

I just wish that they’d treat themselves as professionally as I’d like them to.

It’s so much better than it was say two years ago but the room for improvement is immense. And just by following some helpful hints, reading itineraries and presenting themselves as pros, the fighters would soon realize the dividends. The most obvious of the rewards – sponsorship.

There are entrepreneurs and companies out there with money falling out of their pockets. Fighters are meeting the criteria half way. They look the role but too often they fall short in talking to the media and even speaking about themselves in a press conference. Why is it so many great fighters are developing in Canada but they’re not developing on the side of professionalism?

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Z-Files #22 – MMA rules the day
Boxing is getting what it deserves – a KO punch - June 03, /2007

All you need to do to figure out why boxing purists can’t stand mixed martial arts is to give these people a quick once over with two open eyes.

It’s so quickly obvious that they are simply out of touch with the world around them.

Check out the informed opinions from HBO talking heads Jim Lampley and Larry Merchant and that’s all you need to know. In the aftermath of the technically sound but exceedingly boring De La Hoya-Mayweather fight, for no reason at all Lampley rattled off how exciting the whole scene was and that MMA couldn’t stand up against boxing. Lampley has also taken his share of shots at MMA while guest hosting for Jim Rome and simply won’t give the fast-growing sport a chance.

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Z-Files #21 – Them’s fightin’ words.
A long-awaited attack on a deserving target. - May 1/2007

After having to bite my tongue for many months, I can’t hold back any longer.

Normally, I think personal vendettas or gripes are best left for places like the Underground Forum which seems to be full of them – some legitimate and some incredibly petty. In fact, the target of this column has been the subject of many of these attacks most of which I’ve left alone and chalked up to ill-will, jealousy, etc.

This time, however, I believe that many in the MMA world will find this airing of a grievance particularly interesting. I’ll take you back in time first of all because this is really where it all began for me.

Z-Files #20 - Scott Junk.
Life in Hawaii seems like paradise. - Apr 08,/2007


Life in Hawaii seems like paradise.

Unless you’re a young kid who looks a lot different than the rest of the youngsters in the neighborhood.

Scott Junk was saddled with the nickname “Punk Haole” (punk white boy) by the kids on street. Those words led to lots of fights. Now Junk fights for a living with his first bout outside of Hawaii coming Friday, April 20 when he headlines the Maximum Fighting Championship’s Unplugged 3.

Z-Files #19 Musings on the MMA World
Some random thoughts, rants and opinions on things going on:. - Mar28,/2007

* The sale of Pride to the Fertitta Brothers (essentially the UFC itself) has generated all kinds of talk in mainstream and MMA media. Is it bad or is it good for the sport?

There are many ways to break this down, so here’s a couple. This now means there is virtually complete global domination by one entity for the entire sport yet it seems as though the UFC, WEC and Pride will all maintain separate identities. The good? Unified rules which will eliminate “soccer” kicks and stomps, institute proper rounds and scoring, etc.

The Z-Files #18 - Are they really the best champions?
Champions make or break a fight organization.
- Mar 8/2007

No matter who the owner, president or play-by-play announcer is, they are not the face of the company. The champions are the figureheads out front, the ones who are instantly recognizable, the ones who are the real representatives.

With that in mind, I thought about some champions – some who I know personally, others who I have talked to in the past and even a few who I’ve only ever seen on TV.

Let’s start with the most obvious (and newest) champion, Randy “The Natural” Couture. He is now THE man when it comes to the UFC. But is that a good thing.

Yes and, I ’m sorry to say, no.

The Z-Files #17 - St. Pierre set for title shot - Nov 7/2006

Georges “Rush” St. PierreHe’s had to wait for his second chance for a long time, but perhaps his patience will pay off in a big way.

Or will Georges “Rush” St. Pierre fall short in his quest to finally knock Matt Hughes of his perch as the not only the UFC’s Welterweight titleholder but as one of MMA’s greatest champions of all time.

Z-Files #16 - What’s on the mind of “The Mastermind”? - Oct 18/2006

Fabio Holanda gears up for Stout showdown

He’s ready. More than ready. The time is right and so is everything in the game plan of Fabio “The Mastermind” Holanda.

Z-Files #15 - "The Athlete" primed for UFC debut - Oct 8/2006

Jason "The Athlete" MacDonald is just hours away from making his dream become a reality.

As he sits in his hotel room, the anticipation is obvious. He can almost taste stepping into the UFC Octagon for the very first time, but he's still a full day from that happening. There's really no tension in the room as MacDonald is cool and calm - the essence of a prepared fighter despite his unfamiliar surroundings.

Z-Files #14 - The two biggest names in the Maximum Fighting Championship are on quite a roll. - July 26/2006

The two biggest names in the Maximum Fighting Championship are on quite a roll. Both Jason “The Athlete” MacDonald and Victor “The Matrix” Valimaki had little trouble mowing through their opposition at Extreme Cage Combat-3 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. MacDonald needed only 1:41 to lock a vicious armbar on Fritz Paul – one which resulted in a broken arm for the Quebec fighter. Valimaki was just as impressive as he crushed “Sugar” Shane Lightle with a barrage of punches that led to a knockout win at 1:46 of the first round. The dominating victories give both MacDonald and Valimaki three-fight winning streaks as they head toward major battles back into the MFC ring on Sept. 8 in MFC-10 Unfinished Business. Both fighters took some time after their fights in Halifax to talk with The Z-Files.

Z-Files Special Edition 2 - Mike Maurer - June 14/2006

Mike Maurer is back on the gridiron. But his alter ego “The Wolverine” is thinking about another appearance in the Maximum Fighting Championship ring.

The Edmonton Eskimos fullback, who was the Most Outstanding Canadian in the 2005 Grey Cup game, recently settled into training camp for the 2006 season with the defending CFL champs but thoughts of MMA weren’t far from his mind when the Z-Files caught up with him.

Z Files #12: 05/29/06 - Mr. Lance Gibson Sr.

There are few people in the mixed martial arts community along the West Coast who don’t know the name Lance Gibson. Not only has Lance appeared in the UFC, Super Brawl and Shooto, but he has become one of the most highly regarded trainers in North America. But those outside of MMA circles are also getting to know Lance, though they may not realize it. Lance is becoming a familiar face to moviegoers with appearances in Romeo Must Die and Rumble in the Bronx. Lance can now be found – albeit under heavy makeup – in this summer’s major blockbuster X-Men 3.

Z Files #11: 05/15/06 - The Ultimate Fighter – Season 3

With the midway point of “The Ultimate Fighter – Season 3” upon us, it would seem like the logical time to take a look back on the series.

But this is not a glimpse at the fighters or who’s won and lost. It’s a review of the coaches – who has done well and who hasn’t made the grade.

Z Files #10: 04/18/06 - The MFC's First Champ - Patrick "The Predator" Cote

2006 has already been a big year for Patrick Cote and it may be getting a whole lot better. He's already been crowned the first MFC champion and is on the verge of some major happenings even though he can't quite let the cat out of the bag just yet.

Z Files #9: 04/10/06 - Tim "The Maine-iac" Sylvia

Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia can’t wait to get back in the octagon. And for his next bout, Sylvia has a mission – to regain the UFC heavyweight championship.

Z Files #8: 04/05/06 - "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock

Z-Files: As you and I speak, you’re in Las Vegas and we’re just 24 hours away from the premiere of “The Ultimate Fighter - Season 3.” The highlight clips airing on Spike feature the in-your-face hostility between you and Tito Ortiz. Does that trend continue all season?

Z Files #7: 03/27/06 - "Mr. International" Shonie Carter

Shonie Carter may not be as famous as other stars of mixed martial arts but he might just deserve the same legendary status alongside the world’s best.

The 33-year-old has fought in almost every organization imaginable, in every hotspot of MMA around the world, and stood toe to toe with names like Dave Menne and Pat Miletich. Next up for “Mr. International” is a battle in the newest MMA hotbed of California when he takes on Jake Ellenberger for the IFC United States welterweight title.

Z Files #6: 03/11/06 - Review of MFC 9 - No Excuses

There’s no question that the Maximum Fighting Championship is coming off its greatest night.

Z Files #5: 03/09/06 - Setting the Scene for MFC 9 - No Excuses

It was a first-class scene as the Maximum Fighting Championship held a press conference in Edmonton for Friday’s MFC 9 – No Excuses show. The Maverick Brewing Co. played host to the press conference and there was a tremendous turnout of media, fans and sponsors who were all eager to get a first glimpse of the main participants on the fight card as well as a first look at the new MFC world middleweight championship title belt.

Z Files #4: 03/05/06 - Review of UFC 58 - Canada vs. USA

Last night’s UFC card should have been something special. It was good but not great – the end result leaving me only partially satisfied and hardly thrilled. Basically, I was left wanting for more. I couldn’t have been more impressed on a number of levels. Mark Hominick was amazing (albeit I missed most of that fight but saw the best parts) and he should be among the next wave of the UFC’s rising stars.

Z Files #3: 02/26/06 - The Ultimate Fighter Champ - Forrest Griffin

You wouldn’t expect Forrest Griffin to be as relaxed as he sounds – not with the biggest fight of his career right around the corner. But the light heavyweight winner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 1 is comfortably calm even as he talks about his upcoming showdown with Tito Ortiz.

Z Files #2: 02/20/06 - Georges "Rush" St. Pierre

Georges “Rush” St. Pierre is getting a raw deal, but he’s either too polite or too politically correct to come right out and say it. The entire MMA world knows that St. Pierre is at the front of the pack to face UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes. But instead of receiving a much-deserved second crack at the crown, St. Pierre is being sidetracked into yet another battle to prove he truly is the No. 1 contender.

Z Files #1: 02/12/06 - What's in store for Canadian MMA

Can’t we all just get along? Thank you, Rodney King. It’s a nice thought. How good would it be if Canada’s little chunk of the MMA world could come together, shake hands, dare I say even hug, and unite as one? From my perspective, it would be a huge step in the right direction for this sport...