Many young fighters with good camps and solid management teams often are forced to make a tough decision: Sign with a major organization such as the UFC and risk a quick release, or stay on the regional fight circuit to get that crucial experience.
Rob Emerson found himself in such a situation in 2007, but after appearing on “The Ultimate Fighter 5″ and earning a UFC contract, he was thrown into the deep end.
Now, with a 3-2 record in the octagon and a recent UFC 109 victory over Phillipe Nover, Emerson is happy – and comfortable – to be swimming with the sharks.