UGP #3: WHAT'S HOT AND WHAT'S NOT?

What's Hot And What's Not?

Daytona Beach and the semi finals of the lightweight (formerly cruiserweight) and cruiserweight (formerly jr. heavyweight) tournaments. As well as the heavyweights and middleweight (formerly light heavyweight) round robin fights that rounded out the card, what more could you ask for? Who's going to be competing for the titles in a few weeks time? Lets find out.

HOT

• Jordan Parker Kane - In my first blog I raved about Annie Zellor and her impressive debut fight against Kenzi Grey - but not this time. Jordan Parker-Kane made short work of the THRONE fighter on this night, expertly executing a neck crank in the first round to secure his place in the finals. A tough fight against Hanako Takeuchi (who narrowly missed out on the list this week) lies ahead to crown the first lightweight champion. Can Jordan do it again, or will Hanako's striking prowess prove deadly again?

• Ferdinand Diao - We all know that Derrick La'Bell (who I'll refrain from calling the King of the Heavyweights this time) had all but secured his place in the heavyweight title fight. But his opponent could have been anyone! In the end it was The Lion who knocked out Donnie Calabrese in the first round to complete his comeback. After losing the first night to La'Bell, Ferdinand won his second fight in a row to earn that title shot in their upcoming rematch.

• Seth Daniels - I'll admit, when this tournament started I didn't expect to see Seth Daniels in the finals. I didn't think he'd make it past Robb Daniels, but sure he enough he edged out his rival. I was almost sure he wasn't going to make it past Roscoe Robinson, but that spinning wheel kick was a beautiful sight to behold! Much like his THRONE camp mate, Christian Bonanno, Seth has been blazing a trail here in UGP and he's making a fan out of me.

NOT

• Sakaria Koa - I know what you're thinking, surely Donnie Calabrese belongs on this list for finishing 0-3, but hold on. Koa was riding high off that first win against Calabrese back on UGP #1, and was in line to be nearer the top of the heavyweight round robin. But two losses on the trot have cost Shotgun that title opportunity. Can he bounce back? Hopefully, but for now he'll have to watch on to see who becomes the first heavyweight champion just like the rest of us.

• Nathan Lucas - A tough fight for Nathan Lucas, but it just seemed all too much for him on the night. A first round loss hopefully won't keep Lucas down for long, but as it is he won't be getting that cruiserweight title shot this time around.

• Annie Zellor - After that solid debut a few weeks ago, Annie Zellor was optimistic going into this one. And deservedly so. But she got out done on the night. Jordan Parker-Kane caught her off guard with that ankle grab, and then it was just elementary. Maybe she'll learn from this and keep her distance in her next fight, but that fight won't be for the lightweight title.

That's all for now, I'll be back soon with Boss Fight #2!

- Danica McDaniel