Houston Alexander

Houston Alexander is a rising young star of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). He's also a DJ, a hip hop artists, and the single father of six children. He first came to prominence back in the spring. Here's how Houston Alexander's fight was described before it happened:

Houston Alexander has the husky, baritone voice of a radio disc jockey. He has the silver tongue and quick wit of a public speaker. And he has the thick arms and chest of a construction worker.

More than anything, though, he has the ear-to-ear grin of a guy who picked up a piece of paper blowing past him on the street only to discover he found a winning lottery ticket.

Alexander, 35, was fighting in obscurity in small clubs in Iowa, working as a DJ at a hip-hop radio station in Omaha, Neb., and lecturing elementary school students on the hip-hop culture when he received a phone call that changed his life.

He was being offered a chance to fight Keith Jardine, one of the top light heavyweights in the world, on a UFC pay-per-view card in front of a sellout crowd at the MGM Grand Garden.

No matter that it is against Jardine, who perhaps is two wins away from fighting for the light heavyweight title. No matter that it will be under the bright lights in the fight capital of the world.

No matter what was bad about it – and Alexander said he can't think of much that was – it was all superseded by the chance. Opportunity is what fighters like Alexander crave.

"I know I can do this, and I know I can win this fight," said Alexander, who described himself as a boxer with knockout power in both hands.

And here is how it was all described after the fight:

In a stunning UFC debut, little-known Houston Alexander knocked out rising light heavyweight contender Keith Jardine with a torrent of strikes that folded Jardine on the mat at only 48 seconds of the round. Jardine landed the first big shot of the fight -- a left that caught Alexander square -- but that was all the offense "The Dean of Mean" could mount. Alexander, a 4-1 underdog, lashed out with a series of strikes that had Jardine out on his feet. Alexander with the KO of the night thus far ... whoa!

Alexander (7-1) by KO at 48 seconds of the first round.

Alexander's fighting style is best described here:

Alexander made his UFC debut at UFC 71 on May 26, 2007 against Keith Jardine. He KO'd Jardine in 48 seconds during the first round.^[2]

He now trains full-time; three times a day and seven days a week.^[3]

Alexander has signed a new three-fight contract with the UFC. His most recent fight was a victory against Alessio Sakara at UFC 75. [2] Just like his previous fight, Sakara threw a couple of early shots before Houston countered 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 strokes are really, really good, and that’s from lifting weights and doing a lot of reps."

Hours after the UFC announced that a light-heavyweight bout between Rashad Evans and Michael BispingUFC 78, the organization announced an additional bout for the Nov. 17 event: Houston Alexander vs. Thiago Silva (11-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC). [3] will headline

It's all very different from the Chuck Liddell who used to work in the bar next door toour deli, I can tell you.