Former welterweight contender Frank Trigg returns to the UFC

by Jesse Holland on May 28, 2009 2:11 PM EDT

After more than three years of fighting outside the promotion, former UFC welterweight number one contender and ex-Icon Sport middleweight champion, Frank Trigg, has been invited back to the UFC for another run at 170-pound glory.

The UFC made the announcement earlier today on its official Web site.

"Twinkle Toes" (19-6) is perhaps best known to UFC fans for his two defeats at the hands of former division champion Matt Hughes -- both by rear naked choke. First at UFC 45 and then again at UFC 52.

What made his second loss to Hughes so memorable was the gritty and improbable comeback by then-champion Hughes after Trigg delivered an unintentional low blow.

The former University of Oklahoma wrestler attempted to rebound at UFC 54 against Georges St. Pierre, but met a similar fate at the hands of the current champ after being dominated from the opening horn.

The Godfather of Triggonomics didn't spend much time mourning the losses. In addition to commentating for the now-defunct PRIDE organization, Trigg put together a solid 7-2 run outside of Zuffa, including wins over Jason "Mayhem" Miller and Kazuo Misaki.

Trigg was last seen outpointing a very game Danny Babcock in the main event of the XCF: "Rumble in Racetown" event back on February 14. Trigg got off to a rocky start in the first round, but soon found his range and took command in the second and third rounds, including a late knockdown in the final minute of the bout to take the unanimous decision win.

No opponent or event has been named for Trigg's return, but no question the 37-year-old veteran of the sport will be looking to make an immediate impact.

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Comments

Twinkle tows!! will he be at 170 or 185?

by Ted on May 28, 2009 2:17 PM EDT reply actions

I think he said he won’t fight at 185 anymore, so it will be 170 in the UFC.

by ligaradiofan on May 28, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions

170, at first I was thinking that the UFC finally found someone that can beat Anderson Silva at MW …………………………… LOLOLOL

by ViolentMike on May 28, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Give him Hughes! hahaha, just kidding. I could see him against Koscheck or Hazelett

by ---Caesar--- on May 28, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually thats not a bad idea, give him Hughes, that way he can avenge the 2 loss’s and send Hughes into retirement. If Trigg can’t get past Hughes then Dana should just cut the contract right then and there.

by O damn he got caught on May 28, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Meh… ok. I’m not a big fan of Trigg unless hes getting choked out. I don’t think he’ll do much here in the UFC besides be a high level gatekeeper. Kind of like Jardine or Herring of the WW division. Good enough to beat the kiddies, but not good to be champions.

BTW, Kos would knock his head off. Rebound fight for Alves once GSP sends him tapping.

by Synyster on May 28, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions

So who gets to RNC him first?

by NameNotRequired on May 29, 2009 12:27 AM EDT up reply actions

170, didn’t you read the article?

by Dragon on May 28, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions

It looks like 170lb, I think he would be better suited to fight at 185lb, he can use his Speed to control the Takedowns and their are 2 many studs at 170lb right now. If he goes to MW, he might have a decent run, wont win the Title in either Div though imo

by Siple5 on May 28, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I say Trigg is best known for being choked out by Bruce Buffer in an elevator. Maybe it’s just me.

by Speedy on May 28, 2009 2:20 PM EDT reply actions

Did you know that when Frank Mir needs training gear, he visits MMAWarehouse.com?

by Dragon on May 28, 2009 2:26 PM EDT reply actions

of course… why wouldn’t he? MMAwarehouse goes the distance!

by horny for gina on May 28, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Oddly, when I need training gear, I visit anywhere frank Mir does not.

by James S on May 28, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions

and thats why hes a top fighter and your not “BAZZIIING”

by Jared on May 28, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions

of the several reasons Mir is a top ranked fighter and i am not, shopping at mmawarehouse is not one. But the “bazziinng” was niceely done.

by James S on May 28, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions

nicely in place of niceely.. for the mania spelling nazi’s

by James S on May 28, 2009 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Not bad. Wouldn’t predict great things for Trigg back in the UFC but he is still a top 20-25 welterweight and it never hurts to have someone like that, in addition to someone with quality name recognition. Solid rebound fight for Koschek maybe. Or perhaps that’ll give him a fight he has a better chance to win to ease him back into things.

by Amos on May 28, 2009 2:27 PM EDT reply actions

I hope he doesn’t get matched up with Kos. I wouldn’t know who to root against!!!!!!!

by ViolentMike on May 28, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Dude, I dont think Trigg is a world beater or anything, but he has been around long enough to wear he is a dangerous fight for anyone not in the top 5. He isnt as relavent as he used to be, but i wouldnt want him as a rebound fight if i was Kos

by Dave on May 28, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Anything to keep him out of the announcing booth. I like him as a fighter but he is the most god awful announcer.

by DDT on May 28, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I still can’t believe how much shit he talked before fighting hughes and lost by the same damn rear naked choke!
it should be exciting seing him in the ufc again though but I don’t think he’s going to do much or go far up in the 170 ladder.

by TRIKZ on May 28, 2009 2:28 PM EDT reply actions

didn’t see this one comming. Nice pick up for the UFC.

by DB on May 28, 2009 2:46 PM EDT reply actions

Is this a good signing now? Im not so sure.

by UK_Chris on May 28, 2009 2:46 PM EDT reply actions

I think it’s a very solid signing. Great gatekeeper.

by Jon on May 28, 2009 2:53 PM EDT reply actions

Frank Trigg is going to get stomped on by pretty much everyone in WW. I predict he’s one-and-done like David Louiseau was after the loss in Montreal.

by Drake_Labatt on May 28, 2009 3:40 PM EDT reply actions

I don’t understand this pick. Are they running low on 170’s?

by mikey on May 28, 2009 4:07 PM EDT reply actions

I’d like to see Dustin McLovin Hazelett turn “Triggs” (as GSP would say) into a human pretzel.

by Pat on May 28, 2009 4:11 PM EDT reply actions

I still remember him bawling like a little baby after his fight with gsp……..he called gsp a B fighter, what does that make him? LMAO.

by nathan on May 28, 2009 4:28 PM EDT reply actions

GSP dominated him! I thought I remembered Trigg being very respectful and complimentary of GSP after that fight.

by LJ on May 28, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Trigg vs Hughes III will certainly happen out of this, and one of those fighters will retire for good after the bell goes at the end of the 3rd round.

by Belisarius on May 28, 2009 10:42 PM EDT reply actions