For MMA Fight Pit's Torry Crooks and Nick Montoya it's go big or go home.

Jumping headfirst into the pay-per-view business with their inaugural "Genesis" card, the duo and matchmaker Tommy Truex have put together an impressive stable of fighters set to compete on Saturday night in New Mexico.

And while time will only tell whether the promotion flourishes or flounders, UFC veterans Houston Alexander and Razak Al-Hassan will forever go down as the organization's original headlining fighters.

Serving as the night's main event alongside a wealth of talent that includes Jens Pulver, Coty "Ox" Wheeler, Junie Browning, Jamie Yager, Willie Parks, Angelica Chavez and others, Alexander and Al-Hassan find themselves once again in the national spotlight.

After making their names within the UFC and then being featured in top-notch feeder organizations Shark Fights and the Maximum Fighting Championship, the two will come together on Saturday in a bout that could vault the winner back into Dana White's good graces.

Rise, Fall, and Rise Again

Just over four years ago Alexander exploded onto the national scene after blasting Keith Jardine and Alessio Sakara in his first two trips inside the Octagon. "The Assassin" forged a large following with his dynamite hands and at one point even had fans questioning whether a title shot was in his future.

However, three straight subsequent losses to Thiago Silva, James Irvin, and Eric "Red" Schafer squelched much of the Nebraskan's hype and set him back to square one.

Following a victory outside of the organization, Alexander was invited back to take part in a can't miss matchup against the fight world's fad Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson. The heavily anticipated bout failed to live up to expectation and Alexander was once again sent packing.

Still reeling from the decision loss, Alexander went on to lose to Joey Beltran and have a bout with Justin Grizzard ruled a No Contest due to an eye poke. The once highly touted light heavyweight had his hand raised only once within seven attempts in a 20-month span.

With his career on the ropes and his record having dropped to 9-6, "The Assassin" turned everything around. He earned a unanimous decision over David Griffin, stole the show with a second round TKO over Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou at Shark Fights 13, and ended Brian Albin's night early at Psychout MMA's event in June.

Now, with three straight victories on his resume, the 39-year-old knockout artist finds himself making one more run in the public eye. Standing in his way however is a well-rounded mixed martial artist in the form of Al-Hassan.

Proving He Belongs on the Big Stage

Bringing up the name of Razak Al-Hassan to a casual fan will likely revoke memories of his broken arm loss to Steve Cantwell. After winning his first seven bouts as a professional, "Razor" made his UFC debut in December of 2008. Unfortunately, a deep armbar from his opponent snapped his bone and his win streak.

Following a decision loss to Kyle Kingsbury at UFC 104, Al-Hassan was released from the organization and sent back to the local scene. He rattled off four consecutive victories throughout the Midwest before being matched against Dwayne Lews at MFC 27.

After a back-and-forth affair Lewis was awarded a controversial split-decision victory that undoubtedly left a bad taste in Al-Hassan's mouth. Vowing never again to let the judges decide his fate, the 29-year-old is anxious to get back into the cage against Alexander.

How They Match Up

The strategy for each man on Saturday night will be no secret. For Alexander, as its been since his professional debut, the game plan is to keep the fight on the feet and look to unload bombs. Ten of his twelve career victories have come via strikes and he will look to increase that number in Albuquerque.

The strategy is equally as identifiable for Al-Hassan. Training alongside "Red" Schafer, a victor over Alexander in 2008, success will likely come in the form of takedowns and ground control. Being able to avoid his opponent's power and dictate the pace of the fight should improve his record to 12-3.

In its debut event MMA Fight Pit "Genesis" has put together an intriguing card and a legitimate main event. Whether the power of Alexander reigns supreme or the methodical approach of Al-Hassan dominates, fans in attendance or those ordering on pay-per-view can expect two well-versed martial artists looking to impress.