Sherdog.com Preview: TUF Season 3 Finale Pt I

NICKELS: 6’ 4”, 205 pounds, 34, Denver, Colorado

BACKGROUND: Brazilian jiu-jitsu stylist. Played tight end and defensive end on the football team in high school. Won a gold medal in jiu-jitsu competition at the 2005 Pan American Games. Is 3-1 as a pro in MMA.

MMA CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Beat TUF 3 cast member Noah Inhofer by rear choke at Ring of Fire 19. Mike was eliminated from competition on The Ultimate Fighter Season 3 in a decision loss to Matt Hamill.

UFC EXPERIENCE: Debut

WHAT HE BRINGS TO THE BOUT: Seasoned grappler. Knows the submission game. Prefers the ground.

COMBS: 6’ 2”, 205 pounds, 33, also known as “The Soldier,” from Victorville, California

BACKGROUND: Served in Marine Corps with rank of Corporal. Is 12-0 as a pro in MMA.

MMA CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: 8-0 in the King of the Cage promotion.

Stopped PFC veteran Shannon Ritch (Pictures) with strikes at the Pit Fight Championship in 2001. KO’d UFC vet Tony Petarra (Pictures) King of the Cage 29. Stopped Brian Sesma (Pictures) with strikes at the KOTC Prime Time show.

UFC EXPERIENCE: Debut

WHAT HE BRINGS TO THE BOUT: Heavy hands. Prefers to strike. Has not gone the distance yet, stopping nine of 12 opponents with strikes.