Spring Cleaning Comes Early-- Four Fighters Cut After "UFC 109: Relentless"

It is well known that a couple of poor octagon performances can lead to a fighter being sent packing. More rarely, however, are four fighters released following a single event as happened in the aftermath of UFC 109. In this case it was main event fighter Mark "The Hammer" Coleman (16-10), main card fighter Frank "Twinkle Toes" Trigg (19-8), TUF 8 runner-up Phillipe Nover (5-3-1), and Canadian heavyweight Tim Hague (10-3) all receiving their walking papers.

Future Prospects:

Mark Coleman: It was almost sad to see "The Hammer" so thoroughly outclassed by Randy Couture (18-10). Not that most didn't expect him to lose, but many thought he would at least put up a decent fight. If Coleman wants to rematch some of his old nemeses, like Dan Severn (92-16-7), Don Frye (20-8-1) or Gary Goodridge (23-20-1), more power to him, but he should clearly never fight a ranked opponent again.

Frank "Twinkle Toes" Trigg: It has become fairly clear that Trigg was running on fumes when he earned his way back into the UFC, but now has essentially nothing left to give. Trigg could still make a decent living in regional promotions, but that is just not his style. Trigg has routinely expressed interest in the broadcast booth, which is where he will likely look to ply his trade in the future.

Phillipe Nover: Few fighters have entered the UFC with so much positive buzz only to be drummed out in less than fourteen months with an 0-3 record. Nover is young enough to earn his way back, but, to do so, he must overcome several challenges from hungry young lightweights who will be eager to gain recognition by beating him. It will be a pretty tough road for Nover, but best of luck to him.

Tim Hague: Everyone knows that Tim Hague beat Chris Tuchscherer (18-2) at UFC 109, even though he officially lost in what Joe Rogan called the worst decision he has ever seen. So, considering the traditional lack of depth in the HW division, earning his way back should not be too difficult for Tim. On the bright side, Hague's fans will get another chance to see him fight live in Alberta, and promoters there should bid aggressively for Tim's services, which could mean a few big paydays.