Included will be a full six title fights, including the debut of Ryan Bader (31-8), who will face Aleksandr Soldatkin (18-4) for the promotion’s heavyweight title. Bader, a former Bellator double champ at light heavyweight and heavyweight, will be facing one of the toughest heavyweights outside the UFC, with Soldatkin’s lone loss since 2019 being a DQ for an illegal knee on the Contender Series. Soldatkin is 3-0 under the RIZIN banner to date, and won the promotion’s heavyweight grand prix in September.

Razhabali Shaidulloev (16-0), the promotion’s undefeated featherweight champ, will face Mikuru Asakura (19-5), brother of UFC flyweight title challenger and ex-RIZIN champ Kai Asakura, in the night’s main event. Roberto “Satoshi” de Souza (20-3), meanwhile, will be looking to make the sixth defense of his lightweight title when he takes on Shunta Nomura (10-2).

Women’s super atomweight gold will be on the line when Seika Izawa (17-0), who defended her title earlier this month at RIZIN Landmark 12, faces off against the popular Rena Kubota (15-5). UFC alum Naoki Inoue (20-4) will put his bantamweight belt on the line against former Bellator MMA motormouth Danny Sabatello (16-4-1), while a flyweight title fight sees former Ultimate Fighter hopeful Hiromasa Ougikubo (29-8-2) take on Yuki Motoya (39-14) for the vacant RIZIN 125lb strap.

In a final fight announced on Sunday via press release, Yutaka Saito (21-9-2) faces kickboxer Ren Sugiyama (2-2) in featherweight action.

The post Six Title Fights, RIZIN Super Powerhouse Festival Announced for New Year’s Eve appeared first on Cageside Press.

Former UAE Warriors champion Vinicius de Oliveira was in action Tuesday, taking on a Combate Global veteran in Victor Madrigal. Oliveira has been one to watch for a while now, beating some solid competition in the likes of Sylvester Chipfumbu, Caionã Batista, and Sultan Zholdoshbek uulu, among others.

Heavyweights were once again in action on Tuesday, as this time around, noted heavyweight prospect Alexander Soldatkin looked to win his way into the UFC against Mario Piazzon.

Featherweight Angel Pacheco, meanwhile, was set to return from injury on the show. Having worked with the likes of the New England Cartel alongside current UFC star Rob Font, Pacheco was paired up with Danny Silva.

Dana White’s Contender Series Season 7, Week 8 takes place Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at the UFC Apex, streaming live on ESPN+ in the U.S. and UFC Fight Pass elsewhere. Full results from the event can be found below.

Vinicius de Oliveira kicked off DWCS 2023 Week 8 by showing exactly why he was one to keep an eye on. At the end of a combination about three minutes into the opening round, Oliveira landed a left hand that turned out the lights on Victor Madrigal, sending him sailing to the mat.

One fight later, Ernesta Kareckaite took Carli Judice the distance in a competitive scrap that Judice stepped into on short notice. Kareckaite took the split decision on the scorecards, but both ladies had their moments.

The third fight of the evening might have been the best of season seven to date. Danny Silva and Angel Pacheco went to war, with Silva ripping the body and getting the better of many exchanges, even landing a nasty spinning back elbow at one point. But Pacheco’s chin was sheer granite, and he even managed to battle back, delivering his own body shots, mixing in some uppercuts, and forcing Silva to go the distance. Silva would take the win, but both fighters made an impression in a fight that easily could have been Fight of the Night on any number of UFC cards.

Tuesday’s heavyweight bout fizzled in the third round when Alexander Soldatkin landed an illegal knee on Mario Piazzon. There was questions as to whether Piazzon’s hand was “weight bearing” the the commission rule that it was, resulting in a DQ win for Piazzon, whose blurred vision meant he could not continue.

Danny Barlow capped off the night in a big way, with a quick, violent TKO finish of pal Raheam Forest.

Dana White’s Contender Series Season 7, Week 8 Results

Welterweight: Danny Barlow def. Raheam Forest by TKO (punches), Round 1, 1:19
Heavyweight: Mario Piazzon def. Alexander Soldatkin by DQ (illegal knee), Round 3, 0:20
Featherweight: Danny Silva def. Angel Pacheco by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Women’s Flyweight: Ernesta Kareckaite def. Carli Judice by split decision (29–28, 28–29, 29–28)
Bantamweight: Vinicius de Oliveira def. Victor Madrigal by knockout (left hand), Round 1, 3:02

Contract winners: Vinicius de Oliveira, Ernesta Kareckaite, Carli Judice, Danny Silva, Angel Pacheco, Danny Barlow

The post Dana White’s Contender Series Season 7, Week 8 Results appeared first on Cageside Press.

This time around, the show has more heavyweight action, New England Cartel alum Angel Pacheco, and former UAE Warriors champ Vinicius de Oliveira in action, among others.

Here’s a look closer look at DWCS 2023 Episode 8.

Welterweight, Raheam Forest vs. Danny Barlow

Tale of the Tape

Pros and Cons

Who has the advantage?

Striking: Barlow
Speed: Forest
Output/Volume: Forest
Kickboxing: Barlow
Striking defense: Barlow
Footwork/movement: Barlow
Wrestling: Forest
Grappling: Forest
Gas tank: Even

Prediction: Forest is a former CFFC welterweight champion. He lost that title to current UFC fighter Charles Radtke last April but did get back on the board in July. Forest has been fighting good competition for CFFC.

Barlow isn’t nearly as tested. He’s been fighting low-level opponents. With that said he’s treating those guys as expected with one-sided performances.

Both are strikers and this is where I see this fight taking place. Although both are strikers they are two different types of strikers. Forest is an aggressive explosive power puncher who puts everything into his punches and kicks. Barlow is more of a technical fighter who is patient and uses feints to find openings.

I favor the guy that’s going to come out aggressive and look for the finish and that’s Forest. I do think Barlow is fully capable of catching Forest. Forest is more proven and Barlow hasn’t fought someone with this much power however. I even think Forest could mix in a few takedowns as well. The pick is Forest by TKO.

The post DWCS 2023: Episode 8 Breakdown and Predictions appeared first on Cageside Press.

Once again this week, heavyweights were in action, no surprise given how badly the promotion was in need of them. This time out, it was undefeated Brazilian Mario Piazzon facing off with German Alexander Soldatkin. With three times the experience of his opponent, Soldatkin was undefeated in eleven fights, ever since a 2019 loss to fellow prospect Oleg Popov.

Also in action this week, former UAE Warriors bantamweight champion Vinicius de Oliveira, set to take on Victor Madrigal, a former Combate Global athlete who had found success on the regional scene.

Weigh-ins for Dana White’s Contender Series Season 7, Week 8 takes place Monday in Las Vegas, and get underway at noon ET, 9AM PT. Results can be found below. The event takes place Tuesday at the UFC Apex, streaming live on ESPN+ in the U.S. and UFC Fight Pass elsewhere.

Dana White’s Contender Series Season 7, Week 8 Weigh-In Results

Heavyweight: Mario Piazzon (240) vs. Alexander Soldatkin (246)
Women’s Flyweight: Carli Judice (125.5) vs. Ernesta Kareckaite (125)
Bantamweight: Vinicius de Oliveira (136) vs. Victor Madrigal (134.5)
Welterweight: Raheam Forest (171) vs. Danny Barlow (170.5)
Featherweight: Angel Pacheco (144.5) vs. Danny Silva (146)

The post Dana White’s Contender Series Season 7, Week 8 Weigh-In Results appeared first on Cageside Press.

ACA 132 | Belarus | Friday

Flyweight, Bidzina Gavasheshvili (8-2)

Gavasheshvili, from Georgia, is a European combat sambo champion. His only loss in six years is to thriving UFC flyweight Mudaerji Su. Gavasheshvili is exciting, well-rounded, and dominant. He fights Josiel Silva (14-5).

CFFC 103 | US | Friday

Bantamweight, DeAndre Anderson (5-0)

Anderson was a successful Alabama high school wrestler and football player. He won a state championship in wrestling and amassed a 154-15 record throughout high school. It wasn’t until 2016 when he transitioned from those sports to MMA. Wanting to round off his overall skill-set, he has been competing in kickboxing and boxing while doing MMA. He has a 1-2 boxing record and a 1-1 kickboxing record. Competing in different disciplines has really improved his stand-up which is a huge compliment to a strong wrestling base. He fights Da’Mon Blackshear (10-4).

Rizin 32 | Japan | Saturday

Atomweight, Rena Kubota (11-3)

Kubota is a professional kickboxer/shootboxer with all the credentials in the world. Kubota is the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014 shootboxing champion, with a record of 23-5. RENA’s MMA career is still burgeoning but she has looked very impressive with her striking, kickboxing, and surprisingly her submissions skills. Impressively, Rena has hit two submissions already. A flying armbar and a cravat choke. She fights Miyuu Yamamoto (6-5).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlKCOK2U25s&ab_channel=FlavorBudLiving

RCC | Russia | Friday

Heavyweight, Alexander Soldatkin (10-3)

Soldatkin is a big, muscular guy and someone you don’t expect to throw a lot of spinning attacks — but that’s exactly what he does. The big man doesn’t overuse the flashy attacks but uses them just to keep his opponent guessing. Someone with his power and athleticism alone is a threat. There is still a lot of concerns going forward with him. He fights Edivan Santos (12-3).

Fight Club Rush 10 | Sweeden | Saturday

Bantamweight, Felipe Lima (10-1)

Brazil’s Lima has massive potential. He has gone the distance five times and that don’t mean he lacks the killer instinct because he goes after it. Of the footage available he’s a striker first but is a good wrestler and grapples very well. On the feet, Lima is a dynamic striker. He’s an athletic fighter guy that favors the flying knee. He goes body-head better than most and does it often. Lima has excellent shot placement being active in what he throws. The 23-year-old out of Allstars Training Center has a bright future. He fights Evgeny Odnorog (21-6).

Strawweight, Josefine Lindgren Knutsson (2-0)

Knutsson may be only two fights into her pro career but has an extensive kickboxing career. Her kickboxing record is 27-5 and she has beat girls like Mellony Geugjes and Kana Morimoto. Her two MMA fights have been against more experienced fighters. Knutsson will have her takedown defense and so far she hasn’t been taken down. Instead, Knutsson has been the one getting takedowns. On the feet though she’s looked great. Knutsson fights with a lot of volume, feints, and power. She throws combinations alone with her legs but her striking altogether is so good. Knutsson is the real deal. She fights Lanchana Green (4-3-1).

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: RIZIN, CFFC and More appeared first on Cageside Press.

 Open Fighting Championship 11 | Russia | Friday

Heavyweight, Alexander Soldatkin (10-3)

Soldatkin is a big, muscular guy and someone you don’t expect to throw a lot of spinning attacks — but that’s exactly what he does. The big man doesn’t overuse the flashy attacks but uses them just to keep his opponent guessing. His movement can be a bit stationary and he will let guys come to him instead of going forward himself. At times that works out for him because he can lull opponents into his power. Soldatkin does a fine job throwing kicks and punches together flowing through. He fights Jackson Gonçalves (10-3).

Bantamweight, Artem Semyonov (8-3)

Semyonov has seven of his wins via submission but is very comfortable on the feet. He throws a lot of output just letting loose with his hands and mainly his kicks. On the mat is where he wants to be even if it’s off his back. His takedown defense does struggle but off his back, with his guard he’s dangerous. In fact, most of his submissions are off his back. Semyonov is talented but he needs a lot of work. He fights Mukambet Kadyrali Uulu (5-0).

 Armia Fight Night 11 | Poland | Friday

Featherweight, Mansur Azhiev (6-0)

6-0 as and pro and 5-0 as an amateur, this young man from Poland has a bright future. On the feet, Azhiev has a good jab, long punches, and solid kickboxing. Azhiev will kick the legs and go up top quite often. He excels more on the mat and his wrestling to get it there is pretty strong. Azhiev has glue-like grappling, controlling every movement. His ground and pound is his best weapon. He will unload with punches in any position and getting into the crucifix is something he’s liked to finish with in the past. He fights Amaury Junior (13-9).

ACA 131 | Russia | Friday

Featherweight, Mehdi Baidulaev (11-2)

Baidulaev is a volume striker on the feet but is a much better wrestler and grappler. His wrestling as really good. Being able to shoot in and cut the corner and get the body lock and throw guys around. Baidulaev has five submission wins – attacking the neck is what he does so well. If it’s in a guillotine, darce, and taking the back for the RNC he goes for the neck. He fights Caionã Batista (12-4).

Bellator 270 | Ireland | Friday

Bantamweight, James Gallagher (11-1)

Gallagher fights at a karate stance but is a solid kickboxer. Gallagher is very unpredictable with his kicks— he goes to the legs, body, and head and throws spinning kicks and throws with some heat. Even though he is so good on the feet, all of his best work is on the mat. James has very good wrestling and movement on the mat, he can get dominant positions, rain down ground and pound, and go for the chokes. He fights Patchy Mix (14-1).

Gallagher recently made the move to the U.S. to train under James Krause — you can read up on that here.

LFA 117 | US | Friday

Bantamweight, Ricardo Dias (10-4)

Since moving to Huntington Beach, California from Brazil, Kings MMA has turned Dias into a much better fighter. He’s looked good in his last two fights and especially his last one. You can’t teach killer instinct and that’s what Dias brings to the cage. Dias has four submissions and four KO/TKOs which proves how well-rounded and dangerous he is. Everything he throw on the feet is with ill intentions. His hands are heavy, he throws a lot of elbows, a variety of kicks, and knees. His ground game is even better attacking limbs in a blink of an eye. Not fully sold on him but it will be interesting to see how good Kings MMA is making him. He fights former UFC fighter Michinori Tanaka (13-3).

Flyweight, Mark Climaco (6-0)

Climaco is a scrapper 125er that is a treat to watch. On the feet, he’s like a firecracker that is firing on all cylinders. He throws a lot of output and from all angles. Climaco hits hard, he’s quick, and throws in volume very well. The young 22-year-old is already very well rounded so the wrestling and ground game are there. Climaco can wrestle all fight with a relentless style. For a young flyweight prospect, he’s oozing with potential. He fights Yuma Horiuchi (8-4).

LUX Fight League | Mexico | Friday

Flyweight, Alessandro Costa (9-2)

Costa, although more of a jiu-jitsu player, is a dangerous guy on the feet. Costa’s right hand is his money shot. He has a good lunging right hook and when pressed back has a sharp counter right hand. Costa throws with some big power but his hand speed really stands out. The Brazilian doesn’t shy away from throwing explosive shots such as flying knees, rolling thunder, cartwheel kicks. He’s good at using trips/throws in the clinch.

Costa has the ability to chain wrestle as if he doesn’t complete the first takedown, he can cut a corner and adjust to get it down. What’s even better than his wrestling is his grappling. On top or on bottom Costa is a big submission threat. He has fluid hips off his back, being able to quickly attack an armbar. Even on top the armbar is what he likes to attack with. He’ll take risk going for armbars, jumping to a triangle, and taking the back because he’s so good in any position. He fights Kike Gonzalez (10-2).

VTJ 2021 | Japan | Friday

Bantamweight, Tatsuro Taira (9-0)

Taira is one of the brightest young prospects out of Japan. He’s well-rounded: on the feet, he’s got an explosive barrage of strikes he closes the distance with well. He’s got some solid takedowns and on the mat is where he’s best. Taira has fight-ending ground and pound and is a submission threat. He fights Alfredo Muaiad (6-2).

Brave CF 55 | Russia | Friday

Welterweight, Kamal Magomedov (8-0)

Magomedov is a really good well-rounded fighter that has tons of potential. He has very clean boxing skills and will change levels and shoot for a takedown at any time. The Russian is a big threat when it comes to catching a neck and on the feet, he’s a threat finding that jaw. He needs to just be more active as this is his first fight in two years. He fights Vitaly Tverdokhlebov (11-6).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-f-FIGHTNIGHTSGLOBALTV

Cage Titans 50 | US | Friday

Featherweight, Connor Matthews (4-0)

Matthews trains out of Lauzon MMA with a ton of talented fighters. His first three pro fights he finished in under a minute. The longest he’s fought has been a little over two minutes. Matthews doesn’t waste time taking the fight to his opponent. Sometimes it’s even his foes coming forward and walking into a punch or knee from him. When Matthews gets it to the mat his ground and pound is really good and he has three submissions. Just still really green right now. He fights Kody Allen Murray (1-0).

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: From Dublin to Russia to Japan appeared first on Cageside Press.

Tale of the Tape

Fighting out of Togliatti, Russia
Age: 28
Weight class: Heavyweight
Height: 6’2”
Training out of Tiewaz Pro
Record: 10-3
6 KO/TKOs, 2 Submissions

Striking: B-
Kickboxing: B-
Movement: C
Output/Volume: B
Aggression: B-
Head movement: C
Speed: C
Knockout power: B+
Bodywork: C
Takedown defense: C+
Grappling: C+
Grappling defense: C
Wrestling: C
Clinch: C
Feints/Fakes: C
Endurance: C+
IQ: B-

Stand-up

Soldatkin is a big, muscular guy and someone you don’t expect to throw a lot of spinning attacks — but that’s exactly what he does. The big man doesn’t overuse the flashy attacks but uses them just to keep his opponent guessing. His movement can be a bit stationary and he will let guys come to him instead of going forward himself. At times that works out for him because he can lull opponents into his power. On the other hand his head doesn’t move and going backwards he tends to get hit a lot.

Soldatkin does a fine job throwing kicks and punches together flowing through. I will say he does miss more times than not and will waste a lot of energy. But when he does connect it usually has a big impact. He has the power, explosion, and output but just needs the movement, angles, and set-ups for his striking to be more of a weapon.

Wrestling

You’re not going to see Soldatkin shoot for double legs very often. He’s more of someone that likes to force guys down using his strength. At times he’s been able to counter-wrestle using his strength to throw opponents down when they advance the takedown. I wouldn’t rate his wrestling high because powering opposing fighters down with no real technique won’t take you far.

Grappling

Defensive grappling is an area in need of some work. Offensive grappling he’s fair at. Soldatkin does have three submissions so that at least shows he knows how to close a grounded fight. He’s more of a striker though so grappling to him in on the backburner

Overall

Soldatkin is one of those fighters I thought were better before I dug deep on the footage. Not saying he’s bad as he is worth keeping an eye on. Someone with his power and athleticism alone is a threat. You can get away with a not-so-great gas tank at heavyweight since most of the time the bigger guys don’t go three rounds. But with that said having bad takedown defense and having trouble off your back foot means you won’t fare well against the better heavyweights.

Soldatkin is only 28, so it’s still up in the air as to how much better he can get. 28 is young for a heavyweight. I’d like to see him be more aggressive and set up his big strikes more. All he needs is a few things and he will be a much better prospect. Right now he’s just another heavyweight that will struggle every time a step-up in competition comes.

The post Prospect Watch: Russia’s Alexander Soldatkin appeared first on Cageside Press.

Bantamweight, Gamzat Magomedov (6-1)

This was a huge win for Russia’s Magomedov, handing Mochamed Machaev his first career loss. In an exchange, Magomedov caught Machaev with a right hand flooring him. Machaev rolled and as he got back to the feet he was still throwing, which is when Magomedov caught him with a left hand. That dropped him and the follow-up shots put him out cold. All that happened in under a minute and moved the win streak to four for Magomedov.
Grade: A-

Welterweight, Benoit Saint-Denis (8-0)

Saint-Denis blazed through his opponent with an easy first-round stoppage. He got a quick double leg takedown to start the fight. It was not long before Saint-Denis got into the mount to land some good ground and pound. The second time he got into mount he locked in an arm-triangle and his opponent tapped. One-way traffic.
Grade: A

Featherweight, Inglesson de Lara (4-0)

This was a frantic fight between Lara and his opponent Alex Sombra. Lara asserted himself right away landing a good combination. He was taken down but it wasn’t long before he got back up. Lara dropped Sombra briefly with a left hand as he got back up. When they separated Lara started to let loose. He landed a nice left hook to the body, a good right hand-knee combination, and a right-left that dropped Sombra. The follow-up shots put Sombra out.
Grade: C

Middleweight, Brunno Ferreira (4-0)

Ferreira took his opponent down with an outside trip. When he got the takedown, Ferreira landed right into side control. He transitioned into the mount, took the back, and sunk in the RNC for the submission win. Ferreira remains undefeated and still holds his 100% finish rate.
Grade: B-

Featherweight, Damon Wilson (2-0)

In round one Wilson showed a diverse attack landing a lot of combinations from a lot of angels. He took a lot of good shots but landed a lot of volume. In round two in only 18 seconds Wilson blitzed forward and a power right landed. It dropped his opponent and the follow-up punches sent the ref in. I was impressed with the striking and output of Wilson.
Grade: C+

Lightweight, Zac Pauga (4-0)

Despite being dropped and mounted in round one Pauga looked good. He got the takedown in each round but it was his striking that set him apart. Pauga landed a lot with his lead left hook and right hand. He landed that right hand many times with the hook, overhand, and the uppercut. He was landing everything from his right hand to a knee and in the clinch landed a few good elbows. Pauga looked good.
Grade: B+

Featherweight, Busurmankul Abdibait Uulu (14-3-1)

Uulu fought a tough opponent in Ruslan Yamanbaev, who fought behind in this fight for the most part. Yamanbaev was cruising on the outside throwing a lot of kicks going to the body and legs. He started to take over in round one before Uulu slipped a punch and countered with a right-left. That put Yamanbaev on skates and Uulu landed a lot of shots to the jaw. In round two it was still a competitive fight as both were throwing heat. A right hand from Uulu and a flurry sat Yamanbaev down. It was a weird ending but Uulu showed good composure and picked his shots.
Grade: C+

Flyweight, Mansur Malachiev (10-0)

Russia’s Malachiev fought another good prospect in Rashid Vagabov who won his last five fights prior to this one. Malachiev threw an overhand to grab a leg to chain to a double leg to get a takedown. He had his arm trapped in a modified omoplata but was able to spin out. In a scramble, he locked in a ninja choke for the dub.
Grade: A-

Featherweight, Abdurakhman Gitinovasov (8-1)

Opponent Viktor Mitkov fought pretty carelessly in this fight, shooting in blindly against a much better wrestler in Gitinovasov. Round one and two were easy for Gitinovasov as he just defended a takedown and dominated with top control. In round three Mitkov threw a sloppy spinning back fist and Gitinovasov took the fight down. Mitkov was able to get back to his feet but Gitinovasov used a trip to a double leg for a beautiful takedown. A dominant showing from Gitinovasov.
Grade: B-

Welterweight, Imam-Shapi Mukhtarov (10-0)

Mukhtarov let his hands go in this fight throwing with volume while going to the body and head. He kept up the forward pressure lunging forward with two punches at a time. He landed at the same rate with both his hands while mixing in some kicks as well. His opponent changed levels for a takedown in round three. He left his neck exposed and Mukhtarov sunk in a ninja choke. It was in there good and it put the guy out cold face first. Just a nasty finish to the fight.
Grade: B

Welterweight, Shakhban Alkhasov (5-0)

This fight was nothing but domination for Alkhasov. With his long reach, he pawed with straight punches, head kicks, and even a wheel kick before he closed the distance. He used a strong body lock to get the takedown. When he landed in half-guard that’s where he finished it posturing up and putting his opponent out cold with the von flue choke.
Grade: A-

Bantamweight, Jean Matsumoto (9-0)

Matsumoto who is the SFT flyweight champion, moved up to bantamweight and won that title as well in August. His opponent Wanderley Junior was the champ and this fight was a back and forth scrap. Both men had a knockdown in round one. Matsumoto was dropped with a punch and he dropped Junior with a head kick. Both landed tons of volume with leg kicks, bodywork, and head strikes. Both scored takedowns and had submission attempts. Matsumoto just had more moments.
Grade: B+

Bantamweight, Francesco Patron Manzo (8-0)

Manzo looked outstanding here to keep his undefeated record. He marched his opponent down chopping the legs and throwing punches in bunches. He let go with his offense and was landing a lot of volume. At one point Manzo almost secured a kneebar finish. Manzo landed a left hook to the body to a right leg kick putting his opponent down. He jumped on the back and from there locked in an armbar for the tap. Excellent and beautiful transition to a submission.
Grade: A

Strawweight, Tania Torres (5-0)

LUX held an eight-women strawweight tournament and in the end, it was down to Torres and Saray Orozco. This fight was a war that came down to determination and heart. Torres was dropped with a head kick in round two but survived and bit down on her mouth guard and fought back. Torres, when she let her hands go, was ripping combinations to the body and head. She found the target frequently with her hands and threw a lot of knees as well. On the other side she took a lot of damage but just had more bright moments herself.
Grade: C+

Bantamweight, Ryan Kuse (4-0)

Kuse showed a good skillset overall in a second-round stoppage. On the feet he maintained distance very well landing at will with kicks and long punches. He got a takedown in round one and dominated in top position. He got a takedown in round two and that’s where he found the finish. Kuse went between the mount and the back multiple times before the ground and pound sent the ref in.
Grade: B

Featherweight, Tom Pagliarulo (2-0)

The 6’0″ Pagliarulo is a real problem and he showed that in this fight. He had good movement and was snipping on the outside with his punches and landed two glancing head kicks. Pagliarulo was landing at will and picking his shots. His opponent threw a blind leg kick and Pagliarulo caught it and countered with a straight right. The initial shot put the guy out cold and the ref stepped in. Brutal finish and perfectly set up.
Grade: A

Lightweight, Eddy George (4-0)

His opponent came out with some type of jumping wheel kick which missed by a mile. George responded with a combination to an easy takedown. He quickly got into mount and unloaded with ground and pound. George unloaded with elbows and even though his opponent was covering up he wasn’t moving. The ref eventually stepped in.
Grade: C+

Welterweight, Andreeas Binder (3-0)

Binder breezed past his opponent with a first-round stoppage. He opened up with a few hard outside leg kicks and looping hooks. He used a body lock to get the takedown into side control. Binder got into mount and went off with smashing ground and pound. Some punishing short elbows sent the ref in. Dominant showing and showed a bit of everything.
Grade: C

Flyweight, Andres Luna Martinetti (11-0)

In under 30-seconds Martinetti took the fight down. From there he put his opponent through a lot. While staying busy with ground and pound at a point he was in the mount. When he got on the back he even attempted a suloev stretch. When that didn’t work in a scramble he landed a ground shot that had his opponent cover up. Martinetti went after the finish and landed big punches until the ref came in.
Grade: B

Lightweight, Elvin Espinoza (6-0)

Espinoza made his PFL debut and fought his toughest test to date in Hopeton Stewart. Espinoza didn’t treat it as his toughest test as he had a spotless performance. He quickly took Stewart down. He got right into mount and had the back but Stewart escaped. Espinoza used a throw to get the fight down again and an adjustment got him in top position. Right back into mount and on the back, he sunk in an RNC and put Stewart to sleep.
Grade: A

Welterweight, Michael Lombardo (12-2)

Lombardo is someone that’s pretty conservative in his fights but he went after it in this one. He fought another Contender Series veteran in Kyron Bowen. It was a competitive fight but Lombardo was landing more impactful shots. He was doubling up on the jab and coming through with the right hand. Lombardo was landing a few leg kicks that were visibly bothering Bowen. He sat Bowen down with a hard leg kick and again a second time. As Bowen threw another kick to the leg as Bowen was down he grabbed his leg in agony and the ref stepped in.
Grade: B+

The post MMA Prospect Watch: The Most Impressive Fighters from August appeared first on Cageside Press.