At a time when many fighters switch trainers about as often as they change underwear, the long-standing relationship between former UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra and New York-based striking guru Ray Longo has become an exception to the rule.

Their union, which has lasted nearly 20 years, paid dividends once again on Saturday, as Serra knocked out former Icon Sport titleholder Frank Trigg in a featured bout at UFC 109 “Relentless” at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.
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With the current generation of MMA stars such as Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell, Wanderlei Silva, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Matt Hughes beginning to see the end of their careers in sight, the sport will have to look to a new generation of stars to ensure it continues to grow. With the quality and quantity of athletes taking up the sport increasing, the growth and popularity of MMA might not only be able to sustain itself but also reach highs never thought possible.

The new year has commenced, and a new crop of fresh talent appears on the verge of breaking out. Here are nine names CBSSports.com believes will become the biggest breakout stars in the upcoming year. [GO TO ARTICLE]

As leaders in Albany struggle to deal with the state's fiscal problems, they should think outside the box and inside the Octagon.

Last April, I fought Georges St. Pierre in a rematch of the Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight title match. Our sport is banned in New York, and this fight [UFC 83] was held in Montreal, St. Pierre's hometown. The sold-out crowd of 21,000 was less than welcoming - everywhere I went that weekend, I heard jeers and boos. When I eventually lost the match, the cheers for my opponent were deafening. [GO TO ARTICLE]