Big Ben, Whitehead, Gusmao Out of IFL Grand Prix

Top-seeded IFL heavyweight Ben Rothwell, as well as light heavyweights Mike Whitehead and Andre Gusmao, have been pulled from the IFL World Grand Prix, Sam Caplan at ProElite.com is reporting.

After the IFL was unable to secure signed commitments from each fighter for next season, Rothwell and Whitehead were pulled from the opening round of the Grand Prix, which is scheduled for November 3 in Chicago.

The IFL reportedly tried to finalize the 2008 contracts for Rothwell and Whitehead but felt that the fighters’ management (both are managed by Monte Cox) was not cooperating.

Despite not appearing in the Grand Prix, Whitehead and Rothwell are still under contract with the IFL, which has no intention of releasing these fighters is hoping to sign both fighters for next season.

Replacing Ben Rothwell will be N.Y Pitbulls heavyweight Bryan Vetell, who will fight Antoine Jaoude in the heavyweight tournament semis. In the other semifinal match Roy Nelson and Reese Andy meet.

As for Andre Gusmao, the Pitbulls light heavyweight has been forced out of action with a foot injury suffered during the IFL Team Finals. With Gusmao, Whitehead, and alternate Jamal Patterson unavailable for the tournament, Vladimir Matyushenko will fight Alex Schoenauer for the IFL light heavyweight title on Nov. 3.

Big Ben vs. Ricco Suave at IFL Finals

Renzo Gracie has had success finding replacements this season, especially in the playoffs. Middleweight Jim Miller and my man Deividas Taurosevcius, a lightweight, came up huge against the Sabres in the August 2 semis and catapulted the Pitbulls into the IFL Finals. It seems now that Gracie may have found his biggest replacement to date.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez is set to fill in for an injured Tom Sauer and face Quad Cities Silverbacks' Ben Rothwell, who has been dominant in IFL competition, at the September 20 finals. Rodriguez certainly represents the step up in veteran competition that I (and plenty of IFL fans) have been hoping to see for Rothwell.

It's cool to see that Renzo Gracie is sticking with tradition (a Pitbulls tradition, at least) and using a local guy as a sub; Rodriquez is originally from Staten Island. Even cooler is that Ricco has been sober and training. The Fight Network reports that Ricco participated in a VH1 reality TV series called Celebrity Rehab, and he credits his recent sobriety to his involvement with the show.

For more on Ricco Rodriguez debuting in the IFL, click here.

Straight Talk: U.S. Armed Forces Edition

"This trip was an experience that I will never forget. All of us are leaving with many new friends. Just as importantly, we also have a better understanding of what the soldiers are facing here in Afghanistan. It has enlightened and inspired me beyond words. I hope I will get a chance to come back here and support these troops once again. The Taliban/Terrorist threat is very real and our military is doing an amazing job of fighting it everyday. I encourage you to support the troops in whatever ways you can. They all need to know that we support them, love them and appreciate the sacrifices they are doing for this great and free country."

- UFC lightweight Kenny Florian on his trip to Afghanistan.

"I was on a navy warship 'wasp' and was privileged to have met many that fight for our country. So many had just come back from Iraq, and many were on there way. I was able to talk to solders that let me in to the grim reality they live when there over there. My Thoughts? We take all of them for granted, they fight and give their lives for our freedom, and the worlds security. I simply want to express my support for all of them that fight so hard and are the real heroes of this world. Thank You and may God's strength be with you."

- Sherdog.com post by IFL heavyweight star Ben Rothwell