The longest standing mixed martial arts promotion in Colorado returns on Dec. 4 with Ring of Fire 36: Demolition. The card features seven UFC veterans and is headlined by two former stars of Spike TV's “The Ultimate Fighter.” The main event features TUF Season 8 finalist Vinny Magalhaes in his ROF debut in a clash with TUF Season 3 star and local fan favorite Mike Nickels. Magalhaes is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and hails from Gracie Humaita in Rio de Janeiro, the school founded by Helio Gracie. He now resides in Las Vegas and trains and teaches out of the Tapout Training Center. Magalhaes is a three-time world champion in BJJ, and is ...

After disappointing showings on The Ultimate Fighter 3 and at UFC 73, Colorado jiu-jitsu ace “Big” Mike Nickels has found himself on the comeback trail. Wins in his last three fights, including an impressive Fight of the Night win over fellow UFC veteran David Heath in the MFC in October has Nickels possibly on the verge of returning to his former promotion. Currently standing in the way of Nickels’ achieving such a task is Ultimate Fighter 8 alumnus Vinny “Pezao” Magalhaes, as the two are scheduled to meet on the Dec. 4 edition of Colorado’s popular Ring of Fire. “I feel good,” stated Nickels heading into Friday’s fight. “I’ve been training a lot and working on ...