Speer headed to WEC

PHERSY: Well, in case you missed it, Elgin mixed martial artist Tommy Speer has been cut by the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

If you didn't already think MMA was a brutal sport, how's this ... Tommy loses two fights in a row, and he's basically kicked to the curb. But that's kind of where we're at right now with the sport. There are so many great athletes, the UFC has to represent the best of the best. Tommy was kind of thrust into the spotlight because of his performance on The Ultimate Fighter. He still needs to work on his game, but I have no doubt this kid can get back in the UFC. Tommy's such a hard worker ... something about those SE Minnesota farm kids!

Speer plans to sign soon with World Extreme Cagefighting. Here's a link to my article in today's Post-Bulletin.

In my mind, this is a great move for Tommy. He was 1-0 in the WEC before he made the cast of The Ultimate Fighter. He knocked out his opponent, Sydney Silva, so hopefully it will be more of the same for the Farm Boy. Look for him to be on an upcoming live WEC event on Versus ... I'll keep you all posted when Tommy has something finalized. The only frustrating part about all of this is that a few of the guys who Tommy beat on the reality show are still in the UFC. Jon Koppenhaver is fighting in the UFC soon, and so is George (is last name is too long and tough to spell). Tommy beat both of them on the show, yet both are still in the UFC. But Tommy was given tougher opponents, in my mind ... and these guys have been allowed to fight lower-level guys. Like I said, it's a tough sport right now. Tommy will go to the WEC and take care of business, and hopefully we'll see him in the UFC again soon.

Also, a little birdie told me that Logan Clark and Travis Wiuff both could be fighting in Japan next month. Again, when things are finalized, I'll let you know on Wiuff and Clark. Actually, it sounds like an upcoming event in Japan will have tons of Minnesota flavor on it ... I'll give you all the details, possibly next week.

And don't forget the UFC will be coming to Minnesota in August (Aug. 9 to be exact). Tickets will be super expensive, and they'll sell out very fast. As soon as I find out when tickets go on sale, I'll post it here.