Does Mike Whitehead deserve your respect?

At first glance, he appeared to be out of place.

In Affliction's first media conference call for its July 19 "Banned" event, the participants were Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio, former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett, middleweight/light heavyweight/heavyweight/politician Matt Lindland and -- oh yeah -- Mike Whitehead.

Mike Whitehead?

Scheduled to fight Renato "Babalu" Sobral on the evening's first pay-per-view bout, "The Ultimate Fighter 2" cast member certainly commanded the least attention from the participating media. The 27-year-old didn't even receive the courtesy of having his correct name used at all times, as he was addressed as "Mark" by at least one reporter.

So what was Whitehead doing on the call?

Well for starters, the Xtreme Couture-trained fighter hasn't lost in more than two years, and he will take a 12-fight win streak into his bout with "Babalu." But how did a guy whose last fight was a main-event gig against a 2-2 fighter at the world famous "4 Bears Casino & Lodge" in New Town, N.D., end up on arguably the most-talent-laden card in MMA history?

"Just working hard and keeping my [head] down and keeping my nose to the grinding stone," Whitehead said.


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simply yes he deserves respect he made it to the big show

He's humble, he's put in the time and is nothing but respectful.

I still think Babalu is going to wipe the mat with him.

I think Mike will be competitive, love those odds.

whitehead is a very competitive fighter, i think he is every bit as good as tim boestch or james lee.

Mike I think is being overlooked in this fight. He will be more than comfortable standing with Babalu, he is a great wrestler, and he has a more than adequate ground game. It is nice to see him getting a fight with a guy like Sobral. I think Mike can beat Babalu. I know I have some hometown bias, but I do truly feel strongly about that. Babalu is no joke, and a great test for Mike. He gets my respect.

Of course he does. What kind of dumb question is that. Every fighter who steps into a ring or cage and competes at the least deserves your respect for that.

A better question would be does he deserve your respect as being one of the elite in the division? I don't know yet. We'll see when this Babalu fight is over. But I still think Babalu will sub him in the 1st or 2nd. But it should be a good fight.

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Posted by NatedawgTha

A better question would be does he deserve your respect as being one of the elite in the division? I don't know yet. We'll see when this Babalu fight is over. But I still think Babalu will sub him in the 1st or 2nd. But it should be a good fight.

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that's obviously what he was talking about

This PPV will be the first time I've seen him fight since his completely lackluster performance on TUF 2.

That was a long time ago, so I'll try to keep an open mind.

I really like Whiteheads style

im picking him, and i really want him to win. Renato embarrassed our sport with the Heath fight. Whether he is regretful or not, it put us a step down, and for 1 person to do something that would impact everyones effort into making our sport look like a sport and not a buncha goons fighting outside the bar.

WhiteHead by UD

Yes I actually am Impressed with Whitehead, he has come a long way since his loss to Jardine, Hopefully he can get past Babalu

I respect him for the fact that he steps into a cage and fights.


Nothing against Whitehead., best of luck to him
he has good submissions, and a decent record,other then that, I dont think he is anything special as a fighter...yet, But his upcoming bout with babalu is his chance to prove himself to naysayers like myself. Hopefully he can pull of an exciting victory and maybe break some of renato's bones, because he is a giant douche