Originally Posted by Gygax

Don't make it like Ninja never takes the fights to the ground. 8 of his 15 wins have come via submission, including a heel hook and a variety of chokes. Rua would easily outclass Baroni on the ground and would have little problems getting it there when he wanted to. I like Joey, but he's a step down in competition level. Rua would have been a decent favorite over NYBA, whereas the line will likely be a Pick'em.

It will be interesting to find out why Ninja was removed. Was it an injury, or was it that Gary Shaw was worried that Ninja might take this fight to the ground, something he clearly abhors. This wouldn't be the first time Shaw has pulled the rug out from under the legs of a fighter who agreed to a bout. Ask Gary Turner how he feels about Shaw.