UFC 130: Jorge Santiago Returns to the Octagon against Brian Stann

via cdn3.sbnation.com

Since our precious Head Kick Legend revolves more around international combat sports than most others, I'm going to go ahead and presume that you've seen last year's Sengoku title tilt between Jorge Santiago and Kazuo Misaki.  If you haven't, go now, because you may well have missed the fight of the year in 2010.  Santiago once again defeated Misaki in a spirited contest, but it was his last bout with Sengoku, and he took advantage of the promotion essentially releasing everyone to sign with Zuffa.  This won't be Santiago's UFC debut, as he went 1-2 with the organization in 2006 with losses to Chris Leben and Alan Belcher.  Since then, Jorge has one lone loss, which he avenged against Mamed Khalidov at Sengoku 12.

For the more American-centric (read: patriotic) among us, there's Brian Stann - legit war hero and up-and-coming middleweight.  Largely dismissed going in, Stann made noise when he became the first man to TKO Chris Leben (who had just won three straight bouts, including two within a two week span) at UFC 125 in January.  Stann seems to be acclimating to his new weight class - after becoming WEC light-heavyweight champion in 2008, Stann went 2-3 at 205, culminating in a lopsided loss to Phil Davis which prompted the weight cut.  Stann is now 2-0 at 185, with a FOTY award and a victory over Leben - whoever wins this bout will be in the top ten discussion and ready for a big step up in competition.

As an aside: I understand that Zuffa's marketing of Stann's war record - particularly when he was in the WEC - has rubbed some people the wrong way.  It's been heavy handed at times, propagandistic at worst - but I implore you not to hold these things against Brian Stann.  Between his excellent charity work with Hire Heroes USA and continued efforts to raise awareness for veterans, Stann would have been a fool to turn down an ounce of promotion from anyone, especially his employer.  Silver Stars don't award themselves.

ATT's Santiago is well rounded, hungry and seems ready to make an actual UFC run this time; Brian Stann has other ideas.  Who ya got?