Pink Slip Saturdays is a new addition to MMARatings.net, where Adam will write about five fighters on each card who could literally be fighting for their job, given UFC president Dana White’s recent comments about cutting 100 fighters from the roster.
Opponent at UFC 161: Ryan Jimmo
MMA Record: 25-9, 1 NC (4-4, 1 NC UFC)
Why he could be cut: Igor Pokrajac is coming off a loss to arguably the worst fighter in the UFC light heavyweight division in the form of Joey Beltran, although luckily for Pokrajac, it reads as a no contest now, because Beltran tested positive for PEDs. Still, the UFC knows that Pokrajac just isn’t that great of a fighter, and since the Beltran fight was so boring, he needs to put on a good performance against Ryan Jimmo on Saturday night if he wants to stay in the good graces of Zuffa.. However, a win would be the only way he guarantees that he stays around.
Opponent at UFC 161: Tyron Woodley
MMA Record: 27-6-1, 1 NC (2-2, 1 NC UFC)
Why he could be cut: Jake Shields has developed a reputation as one of the most boring fighters in the UFC, and considering he’s coming off a drug suspension, he’s in even more jeopardy of getting cut with a loss to Tyron Woodley this weekend. Sure, Shields has only lost to top fighters, but he’s just not very fun to watch, and he costs a lot of money. If he loses, you can almost guarantee he gets released.
Opponent at UFC 161: Roland Delorme
MMA Record: 9-2 (2-2 UFC)
Why he could be cut: Edwin Figueroa definitely has some potential, as he’s a pretty slick striker who is fun to watch, but with a looming 2-3 record if he loses this weekend – a record that really should read 1-4 if not for a ridiculous decision nod over Alex Caceres at UFC 143 – that’s likely not good enough to keep his spot in the bantamweight division. He needs to beat hometown hero Roland Delorme to guarantee his future employment with Zuffa.
Opponent at UFC 161: John Maguire
MMA Record: 9-2 (0-2 UFC)
Why he could be cut: With an 0-2 record, and with both losses coming to fighters not in the UFC anymore, there’s no doubt that Mitch Clarke needs to get a win over John Maguire on Saturday in order to avoid a pink slip. To be completely honest, Clarke is very lucky he’s still on the UFC roster, and the only reason he’s getting another fight is because he’s one of the few Canadian UFC fighters from the prairies. So, if he wants another fight in the Octagon, he needs to beat Maguire at UFC 161.
Opponent at UFC 161: Yves Jabouin
MMA Record: 11-7 (1-3 UFC)
Why he could be cut: There’s no doubt Dustin Pague needs a win over Yves Jabouin on Saturday night to keep his spot on the UFC bantamweight roster, as he only has a 1-3 record in the UFC. Although Pague is a favorite of the UFC matchmakers for his willingness to take fights on short notice, there’s eventually a limit of how many fights you can lose before you get cut, and a 1-4 record – even if a loss on Saturday night comes in an entertaining fight — just won’t be good enough for the top promotion in the sport, and that’s why he badly needs a win.
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UFC 161: Evans vs. Henderson is due to take place on June 15, 2013 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Click the stars to rate how good you think UFC 161 will be.
I could see Shields getting cut for being over-priced.
And I think it would be good for the sport.
He's still a good fighter,
but he needs to get cut loose from his making fun of Strikeforce status and get back to being a fighter.
I'd like to see him head out bellator or WSOF way.