TOKYO — Affectionately known as the Iron Broomstick in some circles, Japan’s Hatsu Hioki (Pictures) is set to face Canadian Antonio Carvalho (Pictures), now fighting out of Tokyo, in this week’s Shooto: BACK TO OUR ROOTS card

At the age of 46, Marco Ruas (Pictures) returns to the ring this Saturday in Chicago after a six-year absence to face Maurice Smith (Pictures) in an International Fight League superfight. Anxious to return, Ruas, whose Southern California Condors also take the ring, said that this could be his last …

With the XFO light heavyweight belt already in tow, Ohioan Justin McElfresh (Pictures) will make his WEC debut in style as he takes on defending champion Doug Marshall (Pictures) Saturday night at The Joint in Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

A relative unknown, McElfresh, 27, sports a 5-1-0 record …

A well known figure on the UK MMA scene, Alex Reid (Pictures) has suffered more than his fair share of disappointments over the last year, most recently receiving a nasty cut to his shin during a short but intense bout with Chute Boxe fighter, Murilo Rua (Pictures).

Back in training, The Reidenator took a moment …