Bleacherreport
Competition is steep at the highest levels of the mixed martial arts game. In the UFC, it is just downright wrong how competitive it is. Job security can come and go as fast as a Machida crane kick to the jaw, no matter who taught it to him.
There are fighters in every division and on every card this summer who are in danger of being released by the UFC if they lose, bore or stink the joint out, in their respective matches. Here is a look at the top 10.
10. Ed Herman
Ed "Short Fuse" Herman is set to fight fellow
The Ultimate Fighter Show alum Tim Credeur on June 5th in the Finale of the thirteenth season of the show.
Cruel here, because Herman is young at 30 years old and this is his return fight after a 14 month layoff and two major knee surgeries. It is his health that I am concerned about more than whether he performs.
With that long off and only a win vs. David Loiseau to show for since 2008, will Herman be relevant much longer if he loses to a game Credeur?
9. Kendall Grove
Another reality show alum who is in a bit of bubble trouble is Hawaian middleweight Kendall "Da Spyder" Grove. He is set to fight Tim Boetsch at UFC 130 on May 29th.
Grove is coming off a unanimous decision loss to jiu jitsu ace and former contender Damian Maia in December. He did beat Goran Reljic in July, but has gone win one, lose one in his last five in the UFC and when he fights top guys, he loses.
A loss against Boetsch would surely drop him way down in the eyes of the public if it does not get him fired.
8. Steve Cantwell
Steve Cantwell is on a three fight losing streak. That is usually enough said right there based on the UFC's seeming unwritten rule of three losses and out.
The former WEC heavyweight champion is coming off losses to Luis Cane, Brian Stann, and Cyrille Diabate, dating back to early 2009.
The only thing that may save Cantwell is that he is not scheduled to fight this summer. I still think it could come at any time.
7. Tyson Griffin
Tyson Griffin is another fighter on a three fight losing streak. He was so frustrated competing in the tough lightweight division that he made the decision to move down in weight to 145 pounds for his next fight at UFC Live 4 on June 27th.
Griffin will be thrown to the fire as he faces Manny Gamburyan, who just came off a title shot vs. Jose Aldo in which he was knocked out in the second round.
Two decision losses with a knockout loss to Gomi in between has set up a very tough position for Griffin, who may find himself a free agent if he loses again.
6. Matt Brown
Matt Brown has fought for a lot in his up and down life, and now he is fighting for his job vs. Rich Attonito at UFC Live 4 in June. Brown also has a three loss streak under his belt, all via submission.
The known tough guy and brawler will have another chance to show if he has evolved his game, but another loss for Brown will surely be the death of "The Immortal" in the UFC
continued,,,,,,
.