junbo79 Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/duffee-on-fast-track-white-believes-19409 Todd Duffee walked into the Octagon for the first time as one of the sport?s hottest prospects. He walked out a UFC record holder. In the third fight on the UFC 102 ?Couture vs. Nogueira? undercard, Duffee crushed Tim Hague with a stunning seven-second knockout, as he set a new mark for the fastest KO in promotional history. Nearly the instant the fight began, Duffee dropped Hague with a stiff left jab, followed up with heavy shots, relieved Hague of his senses and ended a near year-long hiatus from competition. ?I expected a three-round war. I wouldn?t say it?s unfulfilling, because it gave me an opportunity to get ?KO of the Night,? which would have been a complete life-changer for me,? Duffee said. ?Tim?s a tough opponent. I?d like to see him back out there. It?s been a year since I last fought. I?d like to get out there again soon to find out how much I?ve developed. I want to be a better martial artist everyday.? Despite such a long break between fights, Duffee showed no signs of ring rust and was so eager to begin the match that he shunned Hague?s invitation to touch gloves before the bout began. ?No disrespect to Tim, but I felt like I was better in every aspect. I knew I was a better athlete. That?s not me trying to be arrogant, but there?s maybe three or four guys out there that are as athletic as I am,? Duffee said. ?This week has been the least-stressful week of my last year -- no question. Finally getting to walk out there, it was probably the most calming feeling ever.? Though the American Top Team product did not earn ?Knockout of the Night? honors -- they went to middleweight contender Nate Marquardt -- he remains one of MMA?s most exciting young talents. He has a plethora of natural tools at his disposal, which, when coupled with some experience, could pose a serious threat to the UFC?s heavyweight division. In his last outing before entering the UFC, he dominated Pride Fighting Championships and UFC veteran Assuerio Silva at Jungle Fight 11 en route to a second-round stoppage victory. At 6-foot-3, 260 pounds and sporting a physique that would make Charles Atlas blush, no one doubts the 23-year-old?s potential. The real question surrounding Duffee?s career is simple: with only five fights under his belt, has he proven himself ready for prime time? ?[The quick KO] is a little bittersweet, but I think it?s going to probably build the hype. People who really know the sport are going to say, ?We still need to see him.? It?s sickening for me to hear that,? Duffee said. ?I want to prove myself bad. At this point in my career, I feel like I should already have had 10 or 15 high-level fights, and I would like a chance to prove that.? UFC President Dana White agrees with the heavyweight. When asked at the post-fight press conference what his plans were for the young lion from ATT, White did not dance around the question. ?[Duffee] came up to me in the back and said, ?I want to fight again. I want to fight soon.? I know I have managers and everything else [to deal with before making a fight], but I want to get him in there as soon as possible,? White said. ?I want to fast-track him. I want him to fight good guys right now. This kid is fired up, and I like that.? Exactly what that means could be up for debate. There are plenty of intriguing matchups for Duffee in the UFC?s deep and ever-growing heavyweight pool, but will White and matchmaker Joe Silva follow through and throw Duffee into the frying pan against legitimate contenders? That query notwithstanding, the young heavyweight can take some short-term encouragement in his record-setting knockout. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jade7 Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 If he wants to fight again soon, throw him in against Antoni Hardonk at UFC 105. It will take a few more fights before we know if he's going to be another Houston Alexander or a genuine top-level HW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyTH_MMA Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 If he wants to fight again soon' date=' throw him in against Antoni Hardonk at UFC 105. It will take a few more fights before we know if he's going to be another Houston Alexander or a genuine top-level HW.[/quote'] That would be a good fight, good call. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atreu Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 If he wants to fight again soon' date=' throw him in against Antoni Hardonk at UFC 105. It will take a few more fights before we know if he's going to be another Houston Alexander or a genuine top-level HW.[/quote'] That's a good match up but just one problem, Hardonk is already on the 104 card unfortunately... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junbo79 Posted September 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 Bet White regrets announcing Rothwell and Velasquez right about now. With N og's performance and their new exciting prospect, Duffee the HW picture is looking golden all of a sudden. Brings up another point. Why should Rothwell even be considered in a 4 man tournament with everything going on right now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atreu Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 Bet White regrets announcing Rothwell and Velasquez right about now. With N og's performance and their new exciting prospect' date=' Duffee the HW picture is looking golden all of a sudden. Brings up another point. Why should Rothwell even be considered in a 4 man tournament with everything going on right now?[/quote'] Yes Ben should certainly have to fight his way up in my opinion, not already be considered for a title shot after his next match. That's just silly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason_Fears Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 I like duffee he hits hard.. that stiff jab on the chin and then the left uppercut on the mat.. duffe just needs some tough fights .. i say about 3 fights maybe only 2 if there really tough.. But I see him giving brock a test on the feet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exodus9mm Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 Yes Ben should certainly have to fight his way up in my opinion' date=' not already be considered for a title shot after his next match. That's just silly.[/quote'] Especially since he got absolutely mangled by Arlovski, a guy most people have taken out of the Top 10 picture. Rothwell by no stretch could be considered elite HW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atreu Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 Especially since he got absolutely mangled by Arlovski' date=' a guy most people have taken out of the Top 10 picture. Rothwell by no stretch could be considered elite HW.[/quote'] I used to watch him in the IFL and sure he was dominant but he certainly didn't look good so I have to contribute that to the poor competition. He would get destroyed by Brock in the first minute of the first round in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jade7 Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 There's always the Al-Turk option for Duffee. That would be a decent matchup and one that could happen soon. Or maybe match him up against the loser of Dos Santos vs. Cro Cop, although that might be too big a jump for him right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruuddawg Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 The guy looks promising, but then again....we said that about Houston Alexander. But .....THEN AGAIN.....Todd Duffee is a YOUNG hot prospect. I dont want to start shouting yet. like alot of people are doing, my opinion is we will see how he does in his next few fights when he gets put to the test. I think hes fighting hardonk, i seen someone say that in this thread if im not mistaken. Anyway, we'll wait and see... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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