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It's been pointed out to me a couple of times that I ironically left out one of my favorite welterweights to watch: Dustin Hazelett.
Hazelett is currently 12-4, having won his last two fights over Josh Burkman and Tamdan McCrory. His only loss since his UFC debut in 2006 came in a barnburner of a fight against Josh Koscheck in September of 2007. Hazelett last competed in November of last year, defeating McCrory with a fantastic reverse armbar (his second straight "Submission of the Night.") Unfortunately, while training for his next bout, Hazelett injured his ACL and has not fought since, which led me to inexcusably forget to mention him in the welterweight Lay of the Land. However, Hazelett is recovering from the ACL surgery, and he is currently looking at an early 2010 return. As for his status in the division, I'd have him in the pool at the moment. But with a big win over a name opponent, he'd have to be a step or two away from a title shot. Hazelett is unquestionably a fast-rising young talent in the division, and he'll be one to watch for a long time to come.
Stay tuned for the Heavyweight Lay of the Land, coming before the weekend.
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