The debut of the UFC in Philadelphia is meaningful to many people for many reasons.  For Dana White and the UFC brass, it's an opportunity to tap into yet another major market in yet another great city.  For the fighters it's a chance to fight in front of a crowd of fans that are among the most passionate in the world.  For fans of Philadelphia fighters Ricardo Almeida and Kurt Pellegrino it's a chance to see their local favorites live.

While neither would be considered a bonafide superstar it's not due to lack of talent.  They've both accumulated years of experience against top competition.

Almeida was born in New York City, a mere 90 minutes north of Philly, and now resides and trains even closer in Hamilton, NJ.  A third degree jiu-jitsu black belt under Renzo Gracie, he has amassed victories over such notables as Matt Horwich and Nate Marquardt.  His best chance of making the transition to the next level of notoriety came at UFC 86 against Patrick Cote.  Battling an illness that was magnified by the pre-fight weight cut, Almeida wasn't 100% and lost a split decision.  He doesn't bring much flash or trash trash talk to the arena with him so the moderate popularity that he does enjoy comes mostly from having great skill and respect for the sport as well as respect for his opponents.  When he takes on 6'6" Kendall Grove Saturday night, he knows he'll have his hands full.

Pellegrino, on the other hand, does have some flash to his appearance but like Almeida, he has no negative words for his opponent, Josh Neer.  Pellegrino was born in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ where he was a star wrestler in high school.  He now trains in Belmar, NJ and brings an 8-3 UFC record into this fight.  All of his losses are to opponents who are more than respectable and is currently riding a two fight winning streak.  Nine of his thirteen overall victories have come by way of submission but Pellegrino can also strike, especially on the ground.

Saturday night now also becomes an opportunity for two local heroes to take the next step toward MMA superstardom.