Photo Credit: KennyFlorian.com

Making it a point to finish fighters, Kenny Florian defeated Din Thomas via rear naked choke in last night’s main event on Spike TV.

Evidently blowing out his knee on a takedown attempt in round one, Din Thomas was shown no mercy as a relentless Kenny Florian pounced on the wounded Floridian. He would then take Thomas’ back and sink in the rear naked choke with just under 30 seconds left in round one. It’s Florian’s third straight win the UFC and one over a respected veteran fighter in Thomas. Florian himself noted in his post fight interview that Thomas had been fighting even before he began training for MMA. The win adds a new level of respect for Florian at 155, which is exactly what he was looking to obtain from the victory.

Photo Credit: www.attpsl.com

As Din Thomas (23-7) steps into the cage tonight for the UFC fight night main event on Spike TV, he can boast over 2 times more experience than his opponent, Kenny Florian (9-3). While Florian has experienced a great deal in a career that has spanned a dozen fights (Ultimate fighter 1 finalist, Main Evented Spike TV card, Fought for Lightweight title), Thomas has logged in more hours inside the rings and cages he has fought in for about a decade. Experience gives a fighter an indefinable edge, and in this closely contested main event, that edge may be the difference needed for Thomas to secure the victory. Thomas began training in 1995 and is determined to prove he is the superior fighter. “Kenny is a smart, hard working, and dedicated fighter. He comes from a good camp, so I know he will be very well prepared for this fight”, Thomas told UFC.com. “I know I will be. I will die in there to prove that I am the better fighter.”

The event begins 9pm eastern on Spike TV, live from The Pearl in Las Vegas.

Assuncao takes on Diaz this Wednesday night on Spike TV.

What are your thoughts on Nate Diaz?
I think he is a good fighter that comes from a good camp.

What are your strengths over him, and his strengths over yourself?
We both have similar fighting styles such as we both like to trade blows, both are good on the ground, etcetera.  I feel that I am better than him in all areas.

How have you improved since your last fight in the UFC?
I spent several weeks at the Black House in Rio.  I feel that I am on top of my game now more than ever.

Did nerves impact your performance your first time in the UFC Octagon?
No, it wasn’t nerves it was lack of preperation time.  I took that fight with only 12 days until fight night.  It wouldn’t have been a big deal except I had been taking time off to rest my body some.  I ended cutting 18 pounds in 12 days. 

How do you envision this fight unfolding? 
With my hands up.

Photo Credit: KennyFlorian.com

Kenny Florian is ready for a war against Din Thomas on September 19th, but feels it’ll be over with in under 2 rounds. “I don’t think Din’s going to make it past 2 rounds”, notes Florian on his upcoming battle on UFC Fight Night. Every one of Florian’s victories have been either submissions or KOs, and in recent fights he has embodied a kill or be killed mentality stepping into the Octagon. “I think my pressure and relentless aggression is going to be a big difference, people are not going to expect it”, comments Florian. “It’s tough to defend when someone is hitting you, passing your guard, trying to submit you, kicking you, whatever it is.”

The relentlessness was evidenced in Florian’s last bout in July versus Alvin Robinson at UFC 73. His ferocity from the mount with strikes forced Robinson to tap the latter stages of round one. “You always have to be on the offence—the best defense is a good offence, that’s my philosophy”, says Florian. “I’m just going to put on a pressure style game every time I fight and get my opponents to break, and I’ll be there to pounce on the opportunities for submissions and knockouts.”

Thomas, a wily and dangerous veteran of the sport, will definitely be a real challenge for the Boston native. But Florian feels he is good place right now and supremely faithful in his ability to win the battle. “I’m at the point where I feel very comfortable with my skills right now; there’s so much for me to learn and improve on of course, but I’m at a great point right now physically, mentally and skill-wise”, states Florian. “I don’t care who it is, I’m going to go out there and give a great performance and I truly believe I can beat anyone at 155 pounds.” While not looking past him by any stretch, Thomas falls in line with Florian’s long term plans of only taking on and defeating the top brass in the lightweight division. “I’m looking forward to fighting only the best guys and I want to be without a doubt the best fighter at 155 pounds in the world”, says Florian on his goals at 155. “I know that’s saying a lot due to how stacked the division is, but I’m ready for some wars in the next couple years.”

Pete Sell will get his chance to avenge his loss to Nate Quarry on UFC Fight Night 11 on September 17th. Their first bout took place in August 2005 on the inaugural “Ultimate Fight Night” event. This time around Sell has made adjustments to his lifestyle to ensure greater probability of success. “The thing I have done different is a way of life change”, comments Sell. “I’m planning to stay in shape at all times.” He’s been in the gym and training diligently for Quarry. “I’m training real hard for this fight”, Sell notes. “I envision this fight going many different ways wherever Nate wants to battle I will be ready.”