This Wednesday, the premiere black-tie MMA event in America returns as Smash Global VII takes place in Hollywood.
Editor’s Note: Gabriel Gonzalez is the official MMA Correspondent of Smash Global VII
On Wednesday, the premier black-tie event in mixed martial arts returns as Smash Global puts on its seventh fight card. The gala takes place just several days before the Oscars and the event takes full advantage by inviting stars from across the sports and entertainment spectrum to the event. But while guests are treated to fine cuisine, they will also witness several bouts of exciting mixed martial arts action.
Originally promoted as a response to Meryl Streep’s infamous statement at the Golden Globes where she insulted the sport of mixed martial arts, Smash Global has now expanded to become the premier black-tie MMA organization that has invited stars such as Steven Seagal, Dennis Rodman, and others to enjoy the sport.
Smash Global founder Steve Orosco, a former fighter himself, explained that while the sport exploded in popularity, the fan base had not grown to match. He discussed that all of the pageantry and presentation of the event is a move to bring in the “Formula One crowd” of entrepreneurs and the country club to enjoy “MMA on an elegant stage.”
This Wednesday’s card will feature several up and comers jockeying to take advantage of the Hollywood spotlight. In the night’s main event, Brazil’s Flavio Carvalho (5-2) will be looking for his sixth career victory when he takes on Russia’s Soslan Abanokov (4-4) who is a World Series of Fighting veteran returning after a three-year absence from the cage.
In other marquee action, Team Bodyshop’s Eugene Correa makes his professional debut after training with young MMA upstarts Aaron Pico and Joey Davis under coach Antonio McKee. He will be facing Hawaii’s Canaan Kawaihae (2-0) who will fight for the first time as a professional on the mainland. Also, Lamar “Lion King” Reed (7-4) will look to make it four straight when he fights Eric “The Matrix” Steans (6-7.) Opening up the card will be Combate Americas veteran Rudy Morales (4-5) who will take on Dennis “Fatality” Fisher (0-1.)
The night will also honor several celebrities from the world of combat sports. The night’s biggest recipient is world renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master Rigan Machado, an eighth-degree black-belt who counts Ashton Kutcher, Robert Pattinson, Wiz Khalifa, Chuck Norris, and others as his students.
Also, UFC Hall-of-Famer Stephan Bonnar will serve as the night’s celebrity guest announcer. “The American Psycho” will always be remembered for his battle with Forest Griffin at the original Ultimate Fighter finale that helped propel the sport forward, but in recent years has been active on the pro-wrestling circuit. Bonnar returns to the mixed martial arts world for the first time since 2014 where he fought Tito Ortiz in Bellator.
The event will air on PlutoTV this weekend where UFC veteran and Fox Sports 1 analyst Yves Edwards and Strikeforce vet Andrew “Squid” Montañez will call the action. Also, yours truly from Cageside Press will also serve as the MMA correspondent for the evening. For more information on Smash Global, stay tuned to CageSidePress.com
