UFC Fight Night 21: Kenny Florian - “Third’s a Charm”
Kenny Florian faces Takanori Gomi in the main event of UFC Fight Night on March 31
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Kenny “Kenflo” Florian (12-4 MMA / 10-3 UFC) has spent most of his seven-plus years as a mixed martial artist with the UFC. Over the last five years, he has seen great success in the promotions’ loaded lightweight division. On March 31st, Florian will take on a new challenge in the form of Japanese superstar, Takanori Gomi, at the UFC Fight Night 21 main event in North Carolina.
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Florian began life after The Ultimate Fighter as a welterweight, and even though he recorded two victories without a loss, it was evident that he belonged in the 155-pound division. He submitted Sam Stout in June 2006 at the TUF 3 finale to earn a shot at the organizations’ vacant lightweight title. Four months later, he had his first opportunity for UFC gold; however, Sean Sherk was the better fighter earning a unanimous decision over Florian.
It took the Boston-native almost three years and six consecutive victories to earn another chance at the lightweight title. Over those six victories, Florian developed into a stoppage machine submitting four opponents, knocking out another, and going to a decision only once. His stock had risen to an all-time high.
At UFC 101 in August 2009, Florian had not only a 6-fight winning streak behind him but also many of the Philadelphia fans as well; he was fighting just hours from his Boston home town. All of that didn’t matter; BJ Penn was too tough on that particular night, nullifying any Florian offense on his way to a 4 th round submission victory.
With two losses in championship bouts, Florian has to find a quicker way to get a third chance for the belt. One way to do that is to build victories over top-level fighters. He already has a December UFC 107 submission victory to his credit over Clay Guida; needless to say a win over a respectable vet such as Gomi would help his chances for another fast climb up the divisional ladder.
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Nobody really knows what to expect from Gomi, It has been years since he demonstrated the elite form of a top lightweight fighter in the world. Florian must not take any chances with the Japanese legend and try and finish him as he would any other opponent.
Florian deserves respect; he has worked his way into two title fights. That in itself is an accomplishment that many fighters cannot claim. If he can keep himself grounded with the legendary Gomi and pull out the victory, his credibility will return and he will be one huge step closer to, yes, a third lightweight title fight.
By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Senior MMA Staff Writer