Will Karo Fight?

Probably the second best storyline going into UFC 94 is Karo Parisyan. Michael Rome, of Bloodyelbow.com, correctly lays out the argument that this fight is a must win for Karo. Once you consider that the WEC welterweight division is entering the UFC, Karo may be undere even more pressure to perform well. 

If Karo loses he could be in store for a career as gate keeper. Losses to Diego Sanchez (now at lightweight) and Thiago Alves created the perception that Karo can't beat top-ten fighters. Parisyan has also pulled out of a fight with Yoshiyuki Yoshida due to an injury. The same thing occured with his title shot against Matt Hughes. While one can't fault Parisyan for his injuries,  at the moment they do cast an ominous cloud over his career.  

With all that pressure Karo may be cracking. 

It became public that the UFC has a bench fighter ready to go just in case Karo pulls out for physical and mental reasons. When was the last time something like this ever became public before a fight? Perhaps this is foreshadowing for the UFC cutting some dead weight.

Recent history is not on Karo's side. The UFC cut a legit prospect at light heavyweight in Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, for inconsistent performance and a high salary. Maybe this is what is in store for Karo if he loses tomorrow night. 

The UFC's welterweight division is easily the best division in mixed martial arts. Some have described it as a shark tank and that is doing it injustice. If Karo loses perhaps the UFC cuts him in favor for a differnt top-ten welterweight currently outside of their control. Could EliteXC's Jake Shields be the replacement to Karo if he fails?

The infamous quote of Karo Parisyan to Nate Diaz in the fifth season of The Ultimate Fighter, may be coming true in a far more insidious manner than even Karo thought. If he loses tomorrow night people might begin truly asking, "Do you know who that guys is?"