This week, pretty much all of the major promotions are off, with the exception of the UFC, who have a less-than-memorable Fight Night event set for Saturday. There are still prospects in action in MMA this week, however, and of the four we’re highlighting this week, three hold undefeated records.
Here’s a look.
XKO 54 | Friday | US
Lightweight, William Starks (6-2)
Starks is 6-2 as a pro, and he had a lot of amateur fights going 15-1. Starks was very successful in his amateur career being the IMMAF 2015 and 2016 world champion. He is a very strong athletic fighter and has very good wrestling showing nice timing and athleticism. On top, Starks is solid; he has won by TKO and submission but is more of a grinder. On the feet, it’s still a work in progress but he’s explosive and has pretty good kicks. He fights Milko Tucto (5-2).
FAC 10 | Friday | US
Lightweight, David Onama (7-0)
Onama is one of the many bright stars coming out of Glory MMA & Fitness. Onama has only been a pro for three years but previously as an amateur, he went 10-0. Now 7-0 as a pro he’s 17-0 combined. He throws good long straight punches and has some pop in his left hand. He’s an even better wrestler with solid ground and pound and jiu-jitsu. Onama is still green but has some good experience and is very well-rounded. He fights Brad Robison (5-1).
Heavyweight, Nyle Bartling (4-0)
Bartling grew up wrestling. He was a three-time state qualifier and claimed the district title three times. Outside of wrestling his freshman year for Ohio State, he wrestled his last three years of college for the University of Nebraska. Wrestling is what his style is in MMA. He doesn’t waste any time closing the distance and powering guys down. The technique into the takedowns isn’t great yet but his finish ability is solid. On top he’s a strong guy and has shown the ability to stop the fight by submission and ground and pound. Bartling fights Cesar Gutierrez (2-3).
Clan Wars 42 | UK | Friday
Featherweight, Shem Rock (6-0)
Rock is still young in his MMA career but he has an extensive background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Rock hasn’t shown a lot on the feet but he does like to kick with his long frame at 6’0″. In his last fight, he won with a head kick. Rock’s grappling, though, is top-notch. His best weapon is his back take, but on the mat, in general, is where he wants to be. Rock has a 100-percent finish rate and has even won by a rare python trap. He fights Nathan Kelly (2-2).
