UFC Prospect Duffee Contemplating West Coast Move

UFC heavyweight Todd Duffee is touring a number of MMA gyms in Las Vegas this week, as the 23-year-old was recently accepted into the University of Nevada-Las Vegas for its spring 2010 semester beginning in January.

Duffee, who gained attention for his seven-second knockout of Tim Hague at UFC 102 on Aug. 29 in Portland, Ore., said he booked the trip “on a whim” after receiving his acceptance letter late last week. He emphasized that his relationship with American Top Team, whom he trains with in Coconut Creek, Fla., remains strong.

Whether or not he answers the call of higher education, Duffee said he could very well return to ATT to launch his nine-week training camp in preparation for his bout with Paul Buentello at UFC 107 on Dec. 12 in Memphis, Tenn.

“There’s no reason for me not to go back to American Top Team,” said Duffee. “They’ve been nothing but great to me. They’re my team.”

Duffee said only his educational pursuits would necessitate migration to another camp. He meets with a UNLV advisor on Thursday to review his options.

On Monday, the undefeated 6-foot-3 heavyweight trained alongside friend Forrest Griffin at Xtreme Couture MMA and hopes to visit Wanderlei Silva’s gym, among others, during the week.

Juggling college and training is nothing new for Duffee. The Athens native said he’s already earned more than 100 credits toward an international business degree at the University of Georgia over the last three years. Duffee is now eying a move to broadcasting.

“I’m looking for something that could solidify me in MMA,” said Duffee. “I’d like to stay in the sport after my fighting days are over.”