They Might Be Giants: Jason Brilz

It might be a bit unfair both to Jason Brilz and Tim Boetsch to fight on the preliminary card of the UFC 96, when Mike Patt (who has lost to both of them, if you're into MMAth) gets a shot at the main card against Brandon Vera . But even without the TV coverage, it seems that online, Brilz is slowly but surely building up his reputation as a solid, modest fighter with good habits of finishing fights, perseverance and a killer choke in his arsenal.

The 33-year old firefighter from Nebraska is a light heavyweight whom some voices online compare to the likes of Forrest Griffin . So far, this comparison might still be a long shot, but if you're looking at his varied fighting styles and in-ring stubborness, one can understand where this idea is coming from. But for now, what's certain is that behind his shoulders is a lengthy and decorated wrestling career, both in high school (where he was state champion) and in college (four-year letterman), and also a more-than-noteworthy MMA record (15 professional wins).

His successful UFC debut was in the UFC Fight Night 15 (Diaz vs. Neer ), where he was accepted warmly, as an Omaha, Nebraska (where the event took place) native. After rumors matching him up with Thales Leites , he ended up earning an impressive TKO against Australian, Brad Morris , this after a lengthy career in various Midwest-based organizations, where he rode a 12-win streak (including the Fight Night), including wins over Jason MacDonald , Alex Schoenauer , Rob Wince , and, as we've already mentioned, Mike Patt.

At 5'11, 205 lbs, Jason is built like a classic LHW. Tim Boetsch isn't exactly going to be a piece of cake for him, but it seems that Brilz has more riding on this fight than Boetsch, so a good-spirited fighter like him should really bring 110% to this matchup. Seeing how he's more well-rounded than Boetsch, a win over him could really jumpstart for him a climb to the top ranks of the new light heavyweights, and eventually, who knows, we might even see him taking on some of the real greats, and maybe we can really see if there's any backing to him being compared to Forrest Griffin.