It seems like most of the recent chatter about the UFC heavyweight division has been focused on Mirko “Cro Cop�? Filipovic (21-4-2) and the return of Randy Couture (14-8).

These are two huge stories and both are phenomenal fighters, which deserve the attention.

In the background, however, a “Texas Crazy Horse�? is getting ready to make his Octagon debut.

UFC newcomer and MMA veteran Heath Herring (26-11) will fight Jake O’Brien at UFC Fight Night 8 on January 25. He fought some of the best fighters in the world while in PRIDE FC, and now he’s poised to cut his teeth in the UFC.

There’s going to be a lot of talk about Herring throughout 2007, especially where he fits in to the Sylvia belt hunt. And without a doubt, you’re going to hear about his involvement in one of the most bizarre moments in MMA history.

During the staredown before his fight at the K-1 2005 New Year’s Eve show, Herring hauled off on his opponent, Yoshihiro Nakao, for getting a little too close.

In fact, Nakao kissed Herring.

Needless to say, the fight was over before it even started. It was eventually ruled a no contest.