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Posted 05/23/2009 at 07:25 PM
The UFC's heavyweight division was a mess just a couple of years ago. In late 2007, then champion Randy 'The Natural' Couture was mired in a contract dispute with the company and was 42 years old to boot.
Former champion Frank Mir was still recovering from a broken leg incurred during a motorcycle accident, and in lackluster shape. Highly touted Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic was released from his contract after back-to-back losses inside the octagon. There was little or no exciting newcomers on the scene, making the heavyweight division a complete mess.
However things have picked up considerably in the 206-265 weight division, highlighted by the return of 'Cro Cop.' The Croatian kickboxer just re-signed with the company, and is scheduled to fight at UFC 99 in Germany against Mustapha Al-Turk.
Since the 2007 lowpoint concerning the UFC heavyweight division, Brock Lesnar, Cheick Kongo, Cain Velasquez and Shane Carwin have added much-needed depth and excitement to this division. The UFC heavyweights are now carrying their weight, and will be highlighted on the UFC 100 card in July when Lesnar and Mir meet once again for the title.
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