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Houston Alexander

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Houston Alexander
Houston Alexander in 2007
Born (1972-03-22) March 22, 1972 (age 52)
East St. Louis, Illinois, United States
Other namesWe Have A Problem
Height6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight203 lb (92 kg; 14 st 7 lb)
DivisionHeavyweight
Light Heavyweight
Middleweight
Reach72 in (183 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofOmaha, Nebraska, United States
TeamGrudge Training Center
Finney's HIT Squad
Years active2001–2017 (MMA)
2021–present (Bare-knuckle boxing)
Mixed martial arts record
Total36
Wins17
By knockout14
By decision3
Losses16
By knockout10
By submission2
By decision4
Draws1
No contests2
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Houston Alexander (born March 22, 1972) is an American former professional mixed martial artist who last competed in 2017.[1] A professional competitor since 2001, he has fought for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Bellator MMA, Shark Fights, the Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA), and Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki (KSW). He currently competes in bare-knuckle boxing for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, where he is 4-0. As of July 25, 2024, he is tied at #5 in the BKFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.[2]

Background

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Alexander was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, and lived there for the first eight years of his life. Growing up in a tight neighborhood, Alexander quickly learned how to defend himself before moving to Omaha, Nebraska. He was athletic growing up, and attended Omaha North High School, where he played football and wrestled, excelling in both and also started boxing when he was a teenager. He was accepted to the Savannah College of Art & Design in Georgia during his senior year of high school, but ultimately decided that he did not want to leave behind his daughter. Alexander then worked as a head machine operator grunt at an asphalt company, before turning to mixed martial arts.[3]

Mixed martial arts career

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Ultimate Fighting Championship

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Alexander made his UFC debut at UFC 71 on May 26, 2007, against Keith Jardine. He knocked out Jardine in 49 seconds during the first round in a huge upset.[4]

As of 2007, he has since trained full-time; three times a day and seven days a week.[5]

Alexander then signed a new three-fight contract with the UFC. At UFC 75 Alexander beat Italian Alessio Sakara.[6] Just like his previous fight, Alexander was abe to counter Sakara's early shots with close-contact strikes. "The way I was taught was that all your strength is inside versus outside,” Alexander said before the fight of his explosive ability when close to an opponent. "My short strikes are really, really good, and that’s from lifting weights and doing a lot of reps."

At UFC 78 Alexander faced then undefeated contender Thiago Silva. Silva won by TKO after the referee stopped the fight at 3:25 in the first round. In the fight Silva achieved mounted position on top of Alexander and landed punches until the referee called a stop to the contest.[7]

On April 2, 2008, Alexander fought former WEC Heavyweight Champion James Irvin as the first fight on the televised portion of UFC Fight Night: Kenny Florian vs Joe Lauzon in Broomfield, Colorado.[8] Irvin led off with a superman punch to the jaw that knocked Alexander down. He followed with three more devastating punches to the face that knocked Alexander unconscious[9] at which point referee Steve Mazzagatti stopped the fight. Alexander immediately got to his feet and protested the quick stoppage. The eight-second knockout tied the record for the fastest knockout in the UFC alongside Don Frye's knockout at UFC 8.[10] The loss was officially ruled as a TKO due to strikes,[11][12][13] although some sources list it as a KO.[14][15]

Alexander fought Eric "Red" Schafer at UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Neer in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska.[16] After landing some effective knees early in the fight, Alexander lost the fight via arm triangle submission in the first round.[17]

Alexander was scheduled to face Andre Gusmão at UFC 98, but had to withdraw due to a broken hand suffered in training camp.[18]

With the permission of the UFC, Alexander fought the late Sherman Pendergarst in a Heavyweight fight at Adrenaline MMA's Fourth Event.[19] Alexander defeated Pendergarst by TKO due to leg kicks that dropped "The Tank" followed by punches on the ground.[20]

Alexander made his return to the UFC at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale against internet superstar Kimbo Slice at a catchweight of 215 pounds.[21] Alexander was defeated by Kimbo Slice by unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, and 30–27) in a bout that many thought would not make it out of the first round. The fight was characterized by Alexander circling away from Kimbo while utilizing quick but not powerful leg kicks instead of directly engaging him. While the first and third rounds were largely spent at a distance, the most spectacular moment of the fight arguably came in the second round when Slice administered a suplex that rocked Alexander. Shortly following the loss, Alexander was cut from the UFC.[22]

Independent promotions

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Following his release from the UFC, Alexander then fought heavy-handed Joey Beltran at 5150 Combat League's "New Year's Revolution" on January 16, 2010, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Alexander controlled the first round by using movement and using quick leg kicks to keep Beltran at bay, In the second round Alexander was utilizing the same tactics that had won him the first round but Beltran caught Alexander with an uppercut-left hook combination that dropped and finished Alexander at 3:49 in the 2nd round.

Alexander next faced Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou on September 11, 2010, at Shark Fights 13: Jardine vs. Prangley.[23] Following a tough first round that saw Alexander rocked and knocked down on several occasions, he came back in the second round to win via TKO (punches) at 1:31, he won Knockout and Fight of the Night.

Alexander next was scheduled to fight a rematch against James Irvin from UFC Fight Night: Kenny Florian vs Joe Lauzon back in 2008, where Irvin knocked out Alexander 8 seconds into the 1st round via a superman punch. The 8-second knockout tied the record of fastest knockout in UFC history, until UFC 102, where Todd Duffee broke the record with a 7-second KO. It was set to take place at Shark Fights 14: Horwich vs. Villefort on March 11, 2011, in Lubbock, Texas. The fight was cancelled on March 2 due to a training injury suffered by Alexander and a failed drug test by Irvin.[24]

Alexander faced Razak Al-Hassan at MMA Fight Pit: Genesis. He dominated and won the fight via TKO due to a doctor stoppage by a cut.

Alexander recently faced Canadian brawler Steve Bosse. He was knocked out in the 2nd round via a brutal elbow to the head from the clinch.[25]

Alexander took on knockout-artist and longtime veteran Gilbert Yvel on Friday, March 30, 2012, at the second Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) show. Houston lost via one punch KO in the first round.

On September 15, 2012, Alexander faced the KSW Light heavyweight Champion[broken anchor] Jan Błachowicz at KSW 20 in Gdańsk, Poland. Błachowicz dominated Alexander on the ground for most of the fight, he lost via unanimous decision.[26]

On March 30, 2013, Alexander defeated Dennis Reed via submission due to punches at Victory Fighting Championship 39.

On July 27, 2013, Alexander defeated Chuck Grigsby via Knockout in the fourth round at Victory Fighting Championship 40 to win the VFC Light heavyweight Championship.[27]

Bellator MMA

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Alexander faced former IFL Light heavyweight Champion and UFC veteran Vladimir Matyushenko on September 13, 2013, at Bellator 99 after Matyushenko's original opponent Christian M'Pumbu pulled out due to injury.[28] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[29]

On April 18, 2014, Alexander faced Matt Uhde at Bellator 117. He won the fight via TKO due to doctor stoppage at the end of the second round.[30]

Alexander was expected to face Pride FC veteran James Thompson on October 17, 2014, at Bellator 129 in a heavyweight bout.[31] However, on October 10, 2014, it was announced that Thompson was pulled from the fight due to injury.[32] Alexander instead faced Virgil Zwicker.[33] The fight ended in a majority draw due to a point being deducted for repeated illegal headbutting.[34]

A rematch with Zwicker took place at Bellator 132.[35] Zwicker won the bout via split decision.[36]

Championships and accomplishments

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Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
36 matches 17 wins 16 losses
By knockout 14 10
By submission 0 2
By decision 3 4
Draws 1
No contests 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 17–16–1 (2) Rakim Cleveland TKO (punches) Primus FC: Cleveland vs. Alexander 2 December 9, 2017 3 3:04 Woodward, Oklahoma, United States
Loss 17–15–1 (2) Rakim Cleveland TKO (knees and punches) Extreme Challenge 234 April 15, 2017 1 4:45 Jefferson, Iowa, United States
Win 17–14–1 (2) Brian Green Decision (unanimous) MMA Fight Series: Alexander vs. Green October 9, 2016 3 5:00 West Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Loss 16–14–1 (2) Evan Nedd TKO (punches) Redemption Fighting Championship 2 April 29, 2016 3 4:57 Oranjestad, Aruba
Loss 16–13–1 (2) Guilherme Viana TKO (doctor stoppage) Bellator 146 November 20, 2015 2 5:00 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States
Loss 16–12–1 (2) Tony Lopez TKO (punches) Legend Fights: Lopez vs. Alexander July 24, 2015 3 4:35 Shawnee, Oklahoma, United States [38]
Loss 16–11–1 (2) Virgil Zwicker Decision (split) Bellator 132 January 16, 2015 3 5:00 Temecula, California, United States Catchweight (215 lbs) bout.
Draw 16–10–1 (2) Virgil Zwicker Draw (majority) Bellator 129 October 17, 2014 3 5:00 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States Alexander was deducted one point for headbutting.
Win 16–10 (2) Matt Uhde TKO (doctor stoppage) Bellator 117 April 18, 2014 2 5:00 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Loss 15–10 (2) Vladimir Matyushenko Decision (unanimous) Bellator 99 September 13, 2013 3 5:00 Temecula, California, United States
Win 15–9 (2) Chuck Grigsby KO (punch) Victory Fighting Championship 40 July 27, 2013 4 1:39 Ralston, Nebraska, United States Won the VFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 14–9 (2) Dennis Reed TKO (submission to punches) Victory Fighting Championship 39 March 30, 2013 1 1:01 Ralston, Nebraska, United States
Loss 13–9 (2) Jan Błachowicz Decision (unanimous) KSW 20: Fighting Symphonies September 15, 2012 3 5:00 Gdańsk, Poland For the KSW Light Heavyweight Championship.
Loss 13–8 (2) Gilbert Yvel KO (punch) RFA 2: Yvel vs. Alexander March 30, 2012 1 3:59 Kearney, Nebraska, United States
Loss 13–7 (2) Steve Bossé KO (elbow) Instinct MMA 1 October 7, 2011 2 4:11 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Win 13–6 (2) Razak Al-Hassan TKO (doctor stoppage) MMA Fight Pit: Genesis August 13, 2011 2 5:00 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Win 12–6 (2) Brian Albin TKO (punches) Caged In The Coliseum: Albin vs Alexander June 25, 2011 3 0:26 Jackson, Mississippi, United States
Win 11–6 (2) Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou TKO (punches) Shark Fights 13: Jardine vs Prangley September 11, 2010 2 1:31 Amarillo, Texas, United States Fight of the Night. Knockout of the Night.
Win 10–6 (2) David Griffin Decision (unanimous) UFA 1: The Clash at the Coliseum June 11, 2010 3 5:00 Charleston, South Carolina, United States
NC 9–6 (2) Justin Grizzard NC (eye poke) Extreme Challenge: The Aftermath March 27, 2010 2 N/A Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States Alexander landed an accidental eye poke which rendered Grizzard unable to continue.
Loss 9–6 (1) Joey Beltran TKO (punches) 5150 Combat League/XFL: New Year's Revolution January 16, 2010 2 3:49 Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States For the 5150 Combat League Heavyweight Championship.
Loss 9–5 (1) Kimbo Slice Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale December 5, 2009 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Catchweight (215 lbs) bout.
Win 9–4 (1) Sherman Pendergarst TKO (leg kicks and punches) Adrenaline MMA IV: Sylvia vs. Riley September 18, 2009 1 1:51 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States Heavyweight bout.
Loss 8–4 (1) Eric Schafer Submission (arm-triangle choke) UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Neer September 17, 2008 1 4:53 Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Loss 8–3 (1) James Irvin KO (superman punch) UFC Fight Night 13 April 2, 2008 1 0:08 Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Loss 8–2 (1) Thiago Silva TKO (punches) UFC 78 November 17, 2007 1 3:25 Newark, New Jersey, United States
Win 8–1 (1) Alessio Sakara TKO (knee and punches) UFC 75 September 8, 2007 1 1:01 London, England, United Kingdom Knockout of the Night.
Win 7–1 (1) Keith Jardine KO (punches) UFC 71 May 26, 2007 1 0:48 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Light Heavyweight debut.
NC 6–1 (1) Todd Allee NC (illegal knees) Extreme Challenge 76 March 31, 2007 1 3:23 Sloan, Iowa, United States Alexander delivered knees to Allee who was a grounded opponent.
Win 6–1 Jon Murphy TKO (punches) Extreme Challenge 76 March 31, 2007 1 0:56 Sloan, Iowa, United States
Win 5–1 Demian Decorah Decision (unanimous) Downtown Destruction 1 January 12, 2005 5 3:00 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Win 4–1 Brandon Quigley TKO (punches) Judgment Night 2 November 3, 2004 1 0:41 Des Moines, Iowa, United States Heavyweight debut.
Win 3–1 Justin Butler KO (punches) Gladiators 20 March 15, 2003 1 0:38 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Win 2–1 Chuck Purdow TKO (submission to punches) Gladiators 17 August 18, 2001 1 0:58 Hastings, Nebraska, United States
Win 1–1 Jamie Webb TKO (submission to punches) Gladiators 16 June 30, 2001 1 2:18 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Loss 0–1 Jason Medina Submission (arm-triangle choke) Extreme Challenge 40 June 16, 2001 2 0:47 Springfield, Illinois, United States

[39]

Bare-knuckle boxing record

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Professional record breakdown
4 matches 4 wins 0 losses
By knockout 3 0
By decision 1 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 4–0 Jeremy Smith Decision (unanimous) BKFC 43 May 19, 2023 5 2:00 Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Win 3–0 Joey Beltran KO (punches) BKFC 33 November 18, 2022 2 0:38 Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Win 2–0 Jay Fish TKO (punches) BKFC Fight Night: Omaha May 13, 2022 1 1:41 Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Win 1–0 Wes Combs KO (punch) BKFC 21 September 10, 2021 1 0:34 Omaha, Nebraska, United States

Television

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Alexander made an appearance on the Fox Sports Network's "Sport Science" in 2009.[citation needed]

Music career

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Alexander, also known as "Scrib", "Cone-Dome", or "FAS/ONE", has long been a bastion of Omaha's underground hip hop scene. In the 1980s he led a hip hop movement in North Omaha called the Scribble Crew as an alliance of graffiti writers who developed a reputation as the top tag artists in the area. The art stands today at 24th and Binney Streets and 16th and Corby Streets among other North Omaha locations, and is still respected by the community. His Midwest Alliance act was active through the 1990s and into the new millennium, and is seen as influential on the Omaha scene.[40]

Today Alexander is a DJ on KOPW 106.9, a local radio station in Omaha. He hosts an independent music show featuring hip hop and facilitates an elementary school program called the "Culture Shock School Tour" which teaches students about hip hop.[1] Alexander has also been vocal about Omaha's lack of support for its hip hop artists.[41]

Personal life

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Alexander donated one of his kidneys to his oldest daughter in 2000.[42]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "MMAjunkie.com Exclusive: An Interview with UFC 71's Houston Alexander". MMAjunkie. May 22, 2007. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  2. ^ "BKFC Fighters - Pound for Pound Rankings". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  3. ^ "Houston Alexander | FIGHT! Magazine". Archived from the original on June 10, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
  4. ^ "Brawl Sports: UFC 71 :: Houston Alexander vs. Keith Jardine". Retrieved June 4, 2007.
  5. ^ "Style Wars: An exclusive interview with Houston Alexander". UFCmania. Archived from the original on July 8, 2007. Retrieved July 25, 2007.
  6. ^ "Alexander Inks New Deal; UFC 75 Fight to be Broadcast | UFC Daily". Archived from the original on September 26, 2007. Retrieved July 4, 2007.
  7. ^ Lawless, Josh (January 13, 2019). "Houston Alexander Casually Performed Chokeslam On Opponent In UFC Fight". sportbible.com. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  8. ^ "Houston Alexander". MMAjunkie. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  9. ^ Mike Sloan (April 3, 2008). "Florian Halts Lauzon; Maynard, Diaz Also Win". Sherdog.com. Retrieved February 21, 2009.
  10. ^ Ken Pishna (April 2, 2008). "Ufc fight night 13: florian brings the big guns". MMAWeekly.com. Archived from the original on June 6, 2008. Retrieved February 21, 2009.
  11. ^ Dann Stupp and Bruce Huckfeldt (April 2, 2008). "UFC Fight Night 13 Live Results". MMAJunkie.com. Archived from the original on April 3, 2009. Retrieved February 21, 2009.
  12. ^ "UFC Fight Night Kenny Florian vs Joe Lauzon". UFC.com. April 2, 2008. Archived from the original on January 21, 2008. Retrieved February 21, 2009.
  13. ^ Michael David Smith (April 2, 2008). "James Irvin TKOs Houston Alexander in 8 Seconds: Fastest Knockout in UFC History". Fanhouse. Retrieved February 21, 2009.
  14. ^ "Ufc fight night 13 live results from colorado". MMAWeekly.com. April 2, 2008. Archived from the original on February 24, 2009. Retrieved February 21, 2009.
  15. ^ "Fight Finder – UFC – Fight Night 13". Sherdog.com. April 2, 2008. Retrieved February 21, 2009.
  16. ^ "Houston Alexander agrees to meet Eric Schafer at UFN 14". MMAjunkie.com. May 22, 2008. Archived from the original on May 25, 2008.
  17. ^ Burkholder, Denny (September 17, 2008). "So Neer, yet so far away -- Diaz wins via decision at Fight Night 15". Mixed Martial Arts and Boxing. CBS Sports. Archived from the original on September 27, 2008.
  18. ^ Gerbasi, Thomas (May 3, 2009). "Alexander Breaks Hand, Forced to Withdraw from UFC 98 Bout against Gusmao". ufcespanol.com. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  19. ^ "Tim Sylvia headlines Adrenaline MMA IV against Jason Riley on Sept. 18 in Iowa". Archived from the original on August 15, 2009.
  20. ^ Hunt, Kelvin (September 18, 2009). "Adrenaline MMA IV Results: Houston Alexander Defeats Sherman Pendergarst Via TKO In Round 1". mmaforreal.com. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  21. ^ "Houston Alexander applying for NSAC license, meeting Kimbo at TUF 10 Finale?". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on October 30, 2009. Retrieved October 29, 2009.
  22. ^ Stupp, Dann (December 10, 2009). "UFC to cut Houston Alexander following 'Kimbo Slice' loss". mmajunkie.com. Memphis, TN. Archived from the original on December 13, 2009. Retrieved December 11, 2009.
  23. ^ Hui, Ray (July 21, 2010). "Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou vs. Houston Alexander at Shark Fights 13". mmafighting.com. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  24. ^ Martin, Damon (March 2, 2011). "Shark Fights Cancels James Irvin vs. Houston Alexander After Irvin Allegedly Tests Positive for Steroids". Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  25. ^ Haggerty, Kevin (October 9, 2011). "Steve Bosse vs Houston Alexander: Retired Pro Hockey enforcer knockout video of UFC veteran". mmamania.com. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  26. ^ The MMA Corner Staff (September 10, 2012). "Fight of the Week: KSW 20 – Jan Blachowicz vs. Houston Alexander". themmacorner.com. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  27. ^ Anderson, Brynn (July 27, 2013). "Houston Alexander claims belt". omaha.com. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  28. ^ "Houston Alexander replaces Christian M'Pumbu, Meets Matyushenko at Bellator 99". Sherdog.com. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
  29. ^ Kontek, Riley (September 14, 2013). "Bellator 99 Results: Matyushenko Wins, Four Featherweights Advance". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  30. ^ "Bellator 117 Results: Play-by-Play & Updates". sherdog.com. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  31. ^ "Bellator 129 to feature Paul Bradley-Josh Neer, Houston Alexander-James Thompson". Mmajunkie.com. September 22, 2014. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  32. ^ "James Thompson out of Bellator 129 fight with Houston Alexander due to injury". Mmafighting.com. October 10, 2014. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  33. ^ "James Thompson out, Virgil Zwicker in against Houston Alexander at Bellator 129". MMAFighting.com. October 12, 2014. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  34. ^ Team ME (October 18, 2014). "Watch Houston Alexander take his giant hematoma and headbutt Virgil Zwicker". middleeasy.com. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  35. ^ "Bellator 132 Fight Card". Bellator.com. Archived from the original on November 19, 2014. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  36. ^ "BELLATOR 132 RESULTS: Zwicker Earns Decision Win Over Alexander". bjpenn.com. January 16, 2015. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  37. ^ "Der Trevel Blog - Mmam Adman". Mmam Adman. Archived from the original on March 2, 2013. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  38. ^ "Legend Fights". Tapology. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  39. ^ Sherdog.com. "Houston". Sherdog. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
  40. ^ "Midwest Alliance - Rockin' the B-Boy Language". Timmcmahan.com. March 19, 1999. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  41. ^ "On the Town: Fans Should Support Local Hip-Hop - Business - RedOrbit". Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved July 1, 2007.
  42. ^ Martin, Damon (November 12, 2007). "HOUSTON ALEXANDER IS ALL ABOUT PERSPECTIVE". MMAWeekly.com. Archived from the original on November 14, 2007.
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