By MATT MOLGAARD
MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer

Todd Duffee is everything promised, minus the cardio and discipline: Todd Duffee (6-1) may have found himself planted on his back gazing at the bright lights during his three round affair with Mike Russow (13-1) Saturday night, but he proved he’s got the goods to live up to the hype train propelling his career. For twelve minutes plus Duffee landed punches at will, and thwarted every takedown attempt thrown his way, with ease. The now once defeated prospect showed great hips, loads of agility and tremendous upper body strength, until the point in which the gas tank hit ’E’. As Duffee slowed, his hands fell, his movement devolved from explosive to plodding, and Russow was able to find the big man’s chin with a single crisp punch that shockingly ended the one-sided affair.

In short, Duffee looked fantastic in defeat. We’ve yet to see the grappling pedigree of this massive talent, but if it comes even remotely near the man’s striking abilities, the heavyweight division could experience some real turbulence in the near future. Tightening up the training regimen will prove to be the magic touch for this hulking talent.

It may be time to question Luis Cane’s chin: For the second consecutive time Luis Arthur Cane (10-3-0-1) has been virtually destroyed by punches. After landing a clean straight hand that hurt Cyrille Diabate (16-6-1) early, Cane’s defensive tactics took a turn for the worse. With hands held low Cane moved forward, smelling blood. It ended up being his own blood he was smelling, as the once highly touted prospect walked right into the fists of Diabate. Diabate swarmed after putting Cane down, and finished the fight in convincing fashion.

Cane’s ascent up the light heavyweight ranks is officially stalled out. After putting together three consecutive victories within the octagon, the Brazilian has seemingly faded. With an overall UFC record of 3-3, Cane is in dire need of a convincing victory to ensure further employment by the largest MMA promotion in North America. My suggestion? Bide your time, and never forget to keep your hands up.