The sporting world has always been a constantly changing one, with its athletes moving in and out. Recently, though, three figures, often misunderstood, often maligned, in no means great, but worthy of true respect in my eyes, have left. It's time to say good bye.
Keith Jardine - Less than a week ago, the Ultimate FIghting Championship (UFC) decided to terminate the contract of the Ultimate Fighter alum. Jardine's most recent loss to Matt Hamill was actually his fourth consecutive loss, which prompted the issuance of his pink slip. Jardine has always been a favorite of mine, as he possesses one of the truly great monickers of all time (It actually was my pick for "Top Monicker"). More than that, though, "The Dean of Mean," got my respect because he was always ready to fight, evidenced by the fact that he often stepped up when the UFC needed a competent light heavyweight to fill a card. Very few fighters are willing to fight on short notice as back ups or substitutes, but Jardine made no bones about it. While his termination is not a permanent banishment from the UFC, fans will certainly miss the "Dean," and his unorthodox fighting style.
