On Wednesday, promotion officials announced the addition of six new fights to the Bellator 297 card, including a couple of ranked fighters.

Foremost among the newly added match-ups is a middleweight contest featuring former title challenger Austin Vanderford (11-2), ranked #5 in the division, taking on undefeated Dagestani prospect Imamshafi Aliev (9-0).

Aliev will be entering the Bellator cage for the second time in the fight, and will be getting his toughest test yet against American Top Team’s Vanderford, a former Dana White’s Contender Series competitor who was denied a contract despite finishing on the show in 2018.

Also added to the docket on June 16, Leandro Higo (21-6), ranked #7 in the bantamweight division, looks to bounce back from a loss in the Bantamweight World Grand Prix against Danny Sabatello when he takes on Russian Nikita Mikhailov (9-2).

Higo joined Bellator in 2017, and faced Darrion Caldwell for the promotion’s 135lb title the following year.

Another middleweight fight freshly added to Bellator 297 sees Jordan Newman (5-0) take on Matthew Perry (5-3), while at lightweight Mike Hamel (10-5) takes on Shamil Nikaev (10-0). Featherweight prospect Cody Law (6-2) returns against newcomer Edwin Chavez (6-4), and rounding on the new additions, Wladmir Gouvea (1-0) takes on Kevin Childs (1-1) at heavyweight.

Bellator 297 is led by a pair of title fights, as light heavyweight champ Vadim Nemkov takes on Yoel Romero, and featherweight champion Patricio Pitbull, a former 155lb title holder, drops to bantamweight in search of a third championship against Sergio Pettis.

The following fights have been reported for Bellator 297 on June 16, 2023:

• Vadim Nemkov vs. Yoel Romero — for the Bellator MMA light heavyweight championship
• Sergio Pettis vs. Patricio Pitbull — for the Bellator MMA bantamweight championship
• Corey Anderson vs. Phil Davis
• Daniel James vs. Gokhan Saricam
• Kyle Crutchmer vs. Bobby Nash
• Austin Vanderford vs. Imamshafi Aliev
• Gadzhi Rabadanov vs. Pieter Buist
• Leandro Higo vs. Nikita Mikhailov
• Jaleel Willis vs. Ramazan Kuramagomedov
• Alex Polizzi vs. Karl Moore
• Wladmir Gouvea vs. Kevin Childs
• Archie Colgan vs. Emmanuel Sanchez
• Mike Hamel vs. Shamil Nikaev
• Norbert Novenyi Jr. vs. Kamil Oniszczuk
• Timur Khizriev vs. Richie Smullen
• Jordan Newman vs. Matthew Perry
• Cody Law vs. Edwin Chavez
• Max Metzgar vs. David McKinney

The post Austin Vanderford, Leandro Higo Among Names Added to Bellator 297 appeared first on Cageside Press.

For the most impressive prospects in March, read on!

Featherweight, Gabriel Alves Braga (7-0)

I wasn’t blown away by this performance, because in a way Braga had a chance of losing on the scorecards. He was walked down and his nose was busted up from the beginning. He did win 30-27 though. That’s because he was patient, picked his shots, and had the bigger moments. He landed a lot of front kicks to the body slowing his opponent down. Braga did drop his opponent briefly at a time but won this one being the more efficient fighter.
Grade: C+

Light heavyweight, Rodolfo Bellato (8-1)

Bellato fought a dangerous striker in Thiago Vieira so of course, Bellato won by submission. To get the fight down it was Bellato that threw a kick and slipped. His opponent followed him down and Bellato swept and got on top. After a takedown from him, he got into mount. Bellato landed big elbows and went for the armbar. The elbow was out but he transitioned to a triangle and with just seconds left Vieira tapped. Beautiful transition to the finish.
Grade: B-

Heavyweight, Eduardo Neves (5-0)

Neves proves again he’s a dangerous guy to trade with. He landed a left-right forcing his opponent to attempt a takedown. It didn’t work out and Neves landed big shots. It was a right hand that wobbled his opponent and another right hand that put the guy to sleep. All wins by knockout and the last three coming in the first round.
Grade: C+

Lightweight, Ismael Bonfim (17-3)

Not blown away with this performance either, but Bonfim dominated a good fighter. His takedown defense was tested a lot. It held up very well and the times he went down he was attacking with a guillotine. The boxing of Bonfim was on point picking away at his opponent. He also threw a lot of kicks and knees mixing it up. Bonfim was landing a lot coming forward and countering when his foe attacked. A clean showing but I feel he could’ve done more.
Grade: C

Welterweight, Gabriel Bonfim (12-0)

It didn’t take Bonfim long at all to win the vacant LFA welterweight title. He got right to it at the bell letting his hands go rapidly. He stunned his opponent twice with the right hand. Having his opponent in major trouble a scramble happened. In that scramble, Bonfim grabbed the d’arce and pulled guard and the opponent tapped. Amazing performance and finish by the new champ.
Grade: A+

Welterweight, Magomed Magomedov (8-0)

Magomedov dominated with wrestling and mostly top control. He got the takedown each round and never let his opponent up. Magomedov stayed busy with ground and pound going to the body and head. In round three he really picked it up with his output digging to the body. Not a finish but he was busy and dominated. With this win Magomedov won the Octagon welterweight title.
Grade: B-

Featherweight, Connor Matthews (5-0)

Matthews continues to do his thing getting in and out. He came out with a lot of volume. His opponent slipped to the mat off a kick. Matthews jumped on him to take the back and finish with the RNC. That’s now five first-round finishes and four of those came in under a minute. He needs a step up in competition.
Grade: C+

Welterweight, Billy Goff (6-2)

Goff and Garry Belletto fought for the vacant CES belt and Goff took it home. It wasn’t going good for Goff, getting dropped in the first minute. Still eating shots he walked Bellatto down and eventually got the takedown. From there it was savage mode from Goff. In the guard, Goff went off with elbows to the head and body. He cut Bellatto wide open and when they got back to the feet Bellatto even called it off and the ref called it off.
Grade: C

Featherweight, Damon Wilson (4-0)

Wilson stayed in his opponent’s face frequently switching stances and finding his right hand. He did eat a few good shots but nothing bothered him. As his opponent landed a left Wilson landed a right hand over the top. The right crumbled his opponent and a few extra left hands had the ref step in. Wilson has some big power in his hands finishing his last three fights with them.
Grade: B-

Lightweight, Thomas Paull (11-3)

In dramatic fashion Paull knockout out Cage Warriors veteran Perry Andre Goodwin. Early it was Goodwin that landed a right hand getting the attention of Paull. Goodwin pressed but Paull never wilted. A leg kick to a left-right-left landed from Paull and Goodwin was out before he even hit the mat. An awesome knockout that leads to a lightweight title victory.
Grade: B

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

Law (5-0) returns to the Bellator cage this weekend for the sixth time. He was initially scheduled to face Johnny Soto at Bellator 276; however, with a little over a week to go until the fight, Soto pulled out. Law found out that he had lost his opponent, and got word of a new one, while at the mall.

“Last night [I found out], I got a text while I was at the mall with my mom. Of course, my stomach dropped because I got a text from my manager, ‘he’s out,’ and I knew right away that I was losing the opponent, and I was just worried I wasn’t going to get to fight,” Law told Cageside Press in an exclusive interview, shortly after the opponent switch. “Even for them to reschedule it a month later, I don’t want to do that; I’m ready today. I want to fight. He texted me right back and told me they got me a new guy, and I called him and said, whoever it is, let’s do it. Thank God.”

For Law, it was just the next man up. As long as he is fighting, it doesn’t matter who.

Law faces James Adcock (7-4), who makes his Bellator debut in the bout. He didn’t do much research on him, but he is happy that Adcock is a southpaw.

“I’m just happy he’s fighting. He’s a southpaw, so that will be a different look. I’ve only fought one southpaw, and that was my worst performance, so I get to redeem myself a little in this one as well,” Law said.

The undefeated fighter plans on finishing his opponent in the first round, something he has done three other times.

“I think round one finish. You’ll see how once it happens on Saturday.”

Watch the rest of our interview with Cody Law above. Law fights Adcock on the Bellator 276 prelims available on YouTube, and right here on Cageside Press. The card takes place this Saturday, March 12, 2022 at the Family Arena in St. Louis, MO.

The post Bellator 276: Cody Law Unfazed With Opponent Change, Plans On Getting Another First Round Finish appeared first on Cageside Press.

Le takes on Thanh Le this Friday at ONE Championship’s Lights Out card in Singapore — but there’s lots of other MMA action going down this week, and plenty of prospects spread out across a number of cards. Here’s a look at the best bets among the up-and-comers this week.

Ares FC 4 | France | Thursday

Strawweight, Ewelina Woźniak (6-0)

Billed more as a kickboxer, Wozniak can do it all. Wozniak has real knockout power in her hands. You saw it in her fight with Anita Bekus, with Wozniak flatlining her with a clean one-two. A left jab to the body to a right hand is the one-two and a combination she likes to throw. Wozniak doesn’t just have power in her hands but in her legs and knees as well. She’s also physically strong, and seeing her just throwing girls onto the canvas is impressive. From a distance, you’re letting her pick you apart with her kickboxing and her improved hands. You have to close the distance on her to find more success but her clinch work is deadly. Elbow and knees she’ll throw a ton. For more of a refined striker/kickboxer, her grappling is up to par. She fights Maria Silva (7-0).

Strawweight, Maria Silva (7-0)

“Viuva Negra” is a multi-time champion in Sanda and was a Muay Thai champion as well. With the skillset she brings on the feet Silva is a decent wrestler with a credible ground game. She’s an athletic explosive striker on the feet with excellent kickboxing. Silva has good movement, fast hands, and puts together her punches and kicks well. Impressively enough she’s just as good on the mat then on the feet. She fights Ewelina Wozniak (6-0).

ONE Championship | Indonesia | Friday

Lightweight, Garry Tonon (6-0)

Tonon is well-known in the world of BJJ as he holds accomplishments such as IBJJF Pan-American No-Gi Champion, IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, EBI lightweight champion, and much more. Tonon has looked stellar in his MMA career and has even looked great on his feet. Tonon uses nice footwork, landing one-twos and throwing with a lot of output while moving in-and-out. He’s shown good wrestling, getting double-legs and trip takedowns. The mat is his world, as he finds dominant positions easily and while his ground-and-pound is very good, he is obviously a big submission threat. He fights featherweight champ  Thanh Le (12-2).

Lightweight, Kiril Gorobets (11-1)

Gorobets is one of the most electrifying prospects out there today. He’s a human highlight reel with finishes from a head kick, spinning back kick, peruvian necktie, and a banana split. Gorobets is a legit all-around finisher and gets to work quite quickly with six first-round finishes. He’s dynamic on the feet throwing a bunch of different attacks from different angles. While he is a dangerous dude on the feet all-around he’s an even better wrestler. Gotobets is a submission ace with three submissions all from different techniques. He fights Martin Nguyen (13-5).

Light heavyweight, Mohamed Said Maalem (11-3)

Born in Geneva, Maalem is a good prospect. The biggest issue is he’s 37-years-old so not really a prospect in terms of years. Despite his age, he hasn’t had any signs of slowing down and at light heavyweight and up, you can get away with being older. Still, with one more loss he could be set back too far to make an impact in a major promotion. On the feet, Maalem has clubbing striking throwing big looping overhands. He does hit hard and strikes well to close the distance. He has solid wrestling and on top he’s going to threaten with big ground and pound. He fights Mohammad Fakhreddine (14-4).

Welterweight, Luis Felipe Dias (14-3)

Luis Felipe Dias is labelled as a jiu-jitsu fighter but tends to test the waters on the feet. What stands out most is a heavy outside leg kick, a sticking jab, and a one-two. I would rate the grappling of Dias very highly. From the time he touches the canvas he is constantly moving and working to finish. Dias has no fear of attempting submissions in awkward positions. Not sloppy in the slightest as he really knows what he’s doing. Besides position over submission Dias is very tactical when locking up a submission. You can’t ask for much more from Dias in the grappling department. He fights Nursulton Ruziboev (33-8-2).

Lightweight, Sam Patterson (8-1-1)

Patterson has a very strong resume and someone I only recently gave credit to. He’s knocked out former UFC fighter Felipe Silva and beat two really good prospects in Ylies Djiroun and Kamal Magomedov. His striking is very in your face, high output style. He’s always throwing something different. His straight right is his preferred weapon but his striking as a whole is top notch. Along with that his grappling is solid and he has good movement. Patterson seems to be the real deal. He fights Khunkar-Pasha Osmaev (10-6-1).

Flyweight, Asu Almabaev (14-2)

Almabaev has a background in freestyle wrestling, was a national champion in jiu-jitsu, and has a BJJ world cup. He’s currently on an eight-fight win streak taking out decent competition. On the feet Almabaev is quick, he has good fast hands, and he throws a lot of volume with combinations. His takedown defense is his glaring weakness but his good BJJ bails him out of bad positions. He’s mostly well-rounded and with proven cardio, he’s a solid fighter. He fights Imram Magaramov (4-0).

Featherweight, Husein Kadimagomaev (8-1)

Kadimagomaev is a high-level prospect coming out of Switzerland. The young 22-year-old is training out of Allstars Training Center which has been red hot the last few years. As impressive as 8-1 is, Kadimagomaev went 18-0 as an amateur. He has heavy kicks, good combinations coming in, and has solid wrestling. At such a young age he’s already so well-rounded and already so good. He fights Agshin Babaev (22-7).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHxpCbARzrU&ab_channel=BRAVECombatFederation

Light heavyweight, Murtaza Talha Ali (4-0)

Young as a pro, Ali is one of the highest-level light heavyweight amateurs in a long time. Ali is a two-time IMMAF world champion which is the biggest accomplishment out there as an amateur. Ali is a good striker and is an excellent wrestler. He’s had no issue closing the distance and powering guys to the mat. Ali has solid ground and pound and can grab the neck at any time. Ali has the blueprint to be the next big thing at light heavyweight and I think he will real soon. he fights Mikheil Sazhiniani (7-1).

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: Tonon’s Time the Shine? appeared first on Cageside Press.

Featherweight, Cody Law (5-0)

Law just continues to look great but was still fighting against a lower-level opponent. They were going back and forth but when Law was landing it was affecting his opponent. The wrestler in Law dropped his opponent with a flurry of punches. While in the guard with wrist control Law landed two nasty elbows. The first one basically knocked the guy out and the second one was the nail in the coffin. Another spectacular finish by Law.
Grade: B

Welterweight, Roman Faraldo (6-0)

Faraldo came out and took control of this fight. He was landing the jab and keeping his opponent on the outside. He wobbled his opponent with a short left hook. Knowing he hurt him he pointed at his opponent and then landed a flying knee for the knockout. A highlight-reel savage knockout that will be remembered for a while.
Grade: A

Featherweight, Aaron Pico (9-3)

Pico handed Justin Gonzales his first career loss last month. Gonzales was 12-0 as a pro and 9-0 as an amateur. Sure Gonzales got a few good shots in but Pico dominated the fight. He won mainly off his wrestling and top position. On the feet though he had smothering pressure and threw to end the fight. Pico was digging into the body over and over and you saw it hurting Gonzales. All Pico in this fight and he could be a champion one day.
Grade: A+

Light heavyweight, Uran Satybaldiev (5-0)

Satybaldiev won the biggest fight of his career taking the Open FC title back home to Kyrgyzstan. In the opening of the first round Satybaldiev dropped his opponent with a right-cross. He dominated on top in the guard landing short ground and pound. All the damage added up and the opponent stopped it himself seconds into round two.
Grade: C+

Strawweight, Danni Neilan (5-0)

Neilan dominated from start to finish late in round three. Round one she got the takedown early and dominated on top. In round two she dropped her opponent with a left hand and controlled on top. Getting the takedown right away in round three Neilan turned up the output. She moved into mount and landed ground and pound until the ref stepped in.
Grade: C+

Featherweight, Mansur Azhiev (7-0)

This was a great performance from Poland’s Mansur Azhiev. He had four brief takedowns in the third round but his performance on the feet showed out. Azhiev did a fantastic job taking control of the fight using feints and traps. He landed that overhand right many times and set up a head kick a few times. Azhiev threw punches behind kicks and his head movement and his footwork were on point. He’s proved he’s one to watch for.
Grade: A

Lightweight, Hyder Amil (5-0)

This was a pretty fight but it was a scrap between Amil and Brazil’s Robson Junior. Amil was definitely in danger in this fight. Junior had him shelling up quite a bit and was briefly on the back a few times. The difference was Amil can take damage to dish it out. Amil dropped Junior twice with a huge right hook. Somehow Junior survived but didn’t in round two. Amil dropped him again with that right hand in round two and Junior got to his feet. Amil didn’t let off throwing output closing out the fight landed a barrage of his hands and a couple of knees. A sloppy fight but one hell of a fight.
Grade: C+

Flyweight, Alessandro Costa (10-2)

Costa was dropped in round one briefly from a head kick. That woke him up though and the remainder of the fight he was in control. Costa went on to drop his opponent twice in the first. He was relentless with his pressure throwing power hooks, kick, and knees keeping his opponent guessing. At the end of rounds one and two Costa ended the round with a takedown. If Costa had a few more seconds in two he would’ve finished with the armbar. A leg kick Costa landed in round two affected his opponent right into round three. Costa swarmed with punches crumbling his opponent down. He unloaded with ground and pound until the ref stepped in. This was Costa’s second LUX title defense.
Grade: A+

Welterweight, Kamal Magomedov (9-0)

Not a lot happened prior to the finish but it’s what Magomedov does best. After a feeling-out process, it was Magomedov that was taken down. Magomedov had his legs up for a triangle but went to the armbar and his opponent tapped. That’s still all nine wins coming by submission in the first round.
Grade: A

Bantamweight, Jonas Magard (14-5)

To win the Oktagon title Magard beat veteran Filip Macek. Magard is usually a jiu-jitsu guy but five rounds he displayed his talents on the feet. He dropped Macek four times in the fight. Magard fought behind his jab and was landing the one-two at will. He defended every takedown and just had Macek uncomfortable the whole fight.
Grade: C+

Bantamweight, Jerrell Hodge (9-3)

This fight was all Hodge through three rounds. He landed a lot of good shots with his hands but more with his legs. Hodge landed many kicks to the body and glancing head shots. It was the ground game Hodge won with. He was defending takedowns and getting takedowns of his own. Hodge easily moved into dominant position each round and stayed busy. In round three he almost finished with an arm-bar.
Grade: C+

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

Law (5-0) is targeting Spring 2022 for his next bout and he wants a fight that will get him to a title shot.

“Whoever puts me closer to the belt. Give me somebody, I’ll beat them and move forward.”

At 26-years-old Law believes he’s just getting started and sees himself as the future of the featherweight division.

“I have pretty lofty goals. I see myself as the future. I don’t feel like I’m that young. That’s why I’m fighting so often because I want to get a bunch of wins under my belt while I can and I’m already 26. I have a lot of stuff I want to accomplish by 30. So, gotta move fast, you know.”

A product of American Top Team in Coconut Creek, FL, Law had plenty of support in the stands and a short drive to work.

“It’s amazing I’ve got a lot of friends and family here. As soon as I’m done with this I’m going to shower, hang out with everybody and I get to go sleep in my own bed tonight. So it’s pretty awesome.”

Law had 5 amateur fights before going pro and he spoke on the importance of those bouts.

“Yeah I tell people all the time. I’m so glad I did amateurs. My coaches are here standing in the room and they’re two of the guys who kind of made me do amateurs. Like any young kid just finishing nationals I was ready to go pro because that’s where it’s at. And they told me no and thank God I went amateur you know. 5 amateur fights and two amateur boxings really made me comfortable. My first pro fight wasn’t just getting my feet wet I was already, I had already built up to it. I’m very happy I did it.”

Watch the full Bellator 271 post-fight press conference with Cody Law above. More coverage from the event can be found below.

The post Bellator 271: Cody Law Ready For A Step Up In Competition appeared first on Cageside Press.

Let’s get to those and other prospects in action this week!

ACA Young Eagles 22 | Russia | Thursday

Flyweight, Akhmed Khamzaev (6-0)

Khamzaev is one of the best 125’ers out of Russia. He has won via knockout and submission proving he’s well-versed in all areas. Khamzaev has good footwork cutting off the cage along with his forward movement. There isn’t a ton of footage but the tape available suggests he’s one to watch for. He fights Shabdan Sarykov (5-0).

ONE Championship | Singapore | Friday

Lightweight, Kai Tang (12-2)

Tang is someone that jumped out to me recently and his style is something I like very much. I believe he comes from a muay thai base and if so you can tell. Tang is a rangy fighter who will fight on the outside the entire time. He has a well-executed jab, nice leg kicks, and is so good at striking going backward. Tang is a sniper from the outside whether that’s with his legs or his fists. Not only a striker he will shoot for takedowns and is solid with his grappling. Tang has a wide toolset and I believe he’s the real deal. He fights Chang Min Yoon (5-1).

Bellator 271 | US | Friday

Heavyweight, Tyrell Fortune (11-1)

Fortune has an accomplished background in wrestling, as an NCAA Division II champion, and a multi-time high school state champion. His stand-up is improving; he has some power, is pretty good in the clinch, and has a stunning straight right he throws. When Fortune does get the takedown, he’s shown he’s knowledgeable in the top position and possesses some very effective ground and pound, which is one of his best assets. He just recently beat the well-known Matt Mitrione. Fortune fights Linton Vassell (21-8).

Featherweight, Aaron Pico (8-3)

Pico has competed in folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling, winning a championship in all three. He has competed in multiple wrestling-based matches and has become very successful. Pico also has a background in boxing, winning many belts and also being named Junior Golden Gloves champion in 2009. Pico has had a few setbacks already but is back on a four-fight win streak. He has excellent boxing techniques with power and precision. Also, he has high-level wrestling. Pico has the overall skill set to be champion one day. He fights Justin Gonzales (12-0).

Featherweight, Justin Gonzales (12-0)

Undefeated as a pro, Gonzales also went undefeated as an amateur at 9-0. Gonzales has always been an excellent wrestler and was an All-American, but he’s been adding a lot of striking to his resume. J-Train could use better footwork, but he stays aggressive and has good right and left hooks. He really just uses strikes to set up takedowns. Overall, I think he’s good, but there is still room for improvement. He fights Aaron Pico (8-3).

Heavyweight, Steve Mowry (8-0)

Standing at 6’9″, Mowry has all the tools to be a dangerous guy at heavyweight. Training out of Sanford MMA the 28-year-old has plenty of time to develop into a more complete fighter. 9-0 as a pro, Mowry went 7-0 as an amateur with six wins by submission. He has some things to work on including his striking, which is improving, but overall he does a good job and stays long. Still, he is more effective in the clinch with knees. He has solid wrestling, being at his best once on the mat. And once there he has good jiu-jitsu for a big guy. He fights Rakim Cleveland (22-13-1).

You can catch our exclusive interview with “Tall” Steve here.

Welterweight, Roman Faraldo (5-0)

Faraldo is mainly a striker as he is hardly ever on the mat from the footage available. Faraldo has knockout power, precision, and timing. He can overextend on his punches but has never been caught. For the most part, Faraldo will sit on the outside with long punches and catch his opponents coming in. At any time he can explode and shut the lights out with his hands, kicks, and knees. I’m not sold fully but he’s looked mighty dangerous. He fights Robert Turnquest (11-7).

Featherweight, Cody Law (4-0)

Between 2018-2020 Cody Law was one of the best amateur prospects as he went 5-0 before going pro. Bellator didn’t pass up the opportunity to sign Law right as he decided to turn pro in October of 2020. Law has looked outstanding. Law is light on his feet, and throws frequent combinations as his hands are improving along the way. Law has top-notch wrestling and the work he does on top is impressive. He has smashing active ground and pound, good positional grappling, and has a dangerous ability to attack the neck. He fights Colton Hamm (4-3).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?Axe%26SledgeSupplements

Welterweight, Mahmoud Fawzy Sebie (2-0)

Sebie came over from wrestling where he had an excellent career. He was a two-time Olympian, a four-time Arab wrestling champion, a five-time Africa wrestling champion, and a former Egyptian National Team member. In all three of his fights including a custom rules bout, Sebie has looked unstoppable. The longest fight he’s had is 1:52. Sebie wastes no time rushing his opponents, getting the easy takedown, and smashing with ground and pound until the ref steps in. He’s been nothing short of dominant since retiring from wrestling and entering MMA. Sebie fights Ethan Hughes (2-0).

LFA 118 | US | Friday

Strawweight, Jaqueline Amorim (4-0)

Amorim is a highly touted jiu-jitsu ace that made the transition to MMA not even a year ago. Some of her accomplishments in BJJ are IBJJF World Champion, IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, CBJJ Brasil Champion, and more. So far Amorim has easily closed the distance, got the takedown, moved to a dominant position, and finished with a sub. Her first three finishes are by submission and all three by different subs. Not just a jiu-jitsu player Amorim scored a 10-second knockout from the right hand in her last fight. She fights Loveth Young (3-1-1).

Strawweight, Loveth Young (3-1-1)

Young is already 32 and doesn’t have an appealing record. With that said, her sole loss came to current UFC fighter Vanessa Demopoulos, and she arguably won that fight. Young won by submission in her first pro win but is a cerebral striker. Among all strawweights, Young has some of the biggest knockout power in her hands. Everything she throws is to knock you out. As she is a head hunter she will switch up her angles and goes to the body well. She fights Jaqueline Amorim (4-0).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi4a8j4AGMg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?LOVETHPATRASPORTSTV

Combate Global | US | Friday

Lightweight, Cristian Perez (6-0)

Perez has been quietly flowing under the radar for the Combate Global promotion. This year alone he’s had three fights and three impressive first-round finishes. The young 26-year-old Mexican always brings it and brings a well-rounded skillset. Yet while he is well-rounded, his five finishes come by the way of submission. Although his wrestling/takedowns have looked good Perez has sat guys down from head kicks and his hands. With his relentless pressure and his aggressiveness once the fight hits the mat he’s a true finisher. Perez gets after it as his frantic pace is an issue for anyone he steps across the cage from. He fights Daniel Soto (6-5).

Fury FC 53 | US | Sunday

Lightweight, JJ Okanovich (8-2)

Okanovich has a lot of good experience, fighting and winning on the Contender Series and going 5-0 under the Bellator MMA banner. He’s a product out of American Kickboxing Academy growing in each fight. Okanovich isn’t the most technical fighter as he gets by with his toughness. He’s a decent wrestler, has a good submission game, is active on the feet, and has a good gas tank. Okanovich recently beat a top prospect in Anthony Romero putting his name at the top of the list. He fights Trey Ogden (14-4).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?MMABosniaandHerzegovina

Bantamweight, Mo Miller (5-0)

Miller is going to be fighting for the first time since his stint on the Contender Series this past season. A fight that had the majority of the fans left scratching their head given Dana White’s decision to pass on the fighter. Miller has a background as a wrestler being a three-time All-American at Notre Dame. Of course, Miller has good wrestling but he does have some bright spots on the feet. He throws a good one-two and his right hand is dangerous. Miller has the style to go far with his patient but technical approach on the feet and some solid wrestling to dominate a fight with. He’s fighting Johnny Campbell (21-14).

Middleweight, Joseph Holmes (6-1)

Like Mo Miller, Holmes is another snub from the past season of the Contender Series. Holmes unlike Miller was able to finish his fight but still didn’t get a contract. Since losing his pro debut Holmes has won his next six fights. Holmes is a rangy fighter with a good jab and a nice one-two. He also has a pretty good ground game as shown in his Contender Series fight. He took the guy down easy, took the back, and finished with the rear-naked choke. Holmes actually has four wins by RNC and three of those came in his last three fights. Also, a guillotine is in there as well so attacking the neck he does so well at. He fights Jhonoven Pati (6-5).

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Law (4-0) returns to the Bellator cage for his fifth fight with the promotion this Friday at Bellator 271. In the first four fights of his professional career, he’s finished three of them, only going to a decision once. He welcomes Colton Hamm (4-3) to Bellator next.

Law likes the match-up and plans on showing off some new skills.

“I think he is a great match-up for me. He seems to like to be on his back, which works out fine for me. I like this match-up because I think it’s just one of those fights where I can go in and show off some new skills on my feet and just get more cage time. I can also get a finish pretty quickly in this fight as well. So we’ll see,” Law told Cageside Press in an exclusive interview.

There is a lot of hype behind the former NCAA Division II champion and two-time DII All-American wrestler, who trains out of American Top Team. Many say he is the future of the featherweight division.

For the hype to continue and for more people to get behind it, Law needs to break into the top 10 rankings. Law hopes to get a ranked opponent next year and then be in the top 10 rankings in 2022. He does appreciate the slow build that Bellator has given him, though.

“If I’m going to be business savvy and intelligent about it, the slow-build is like the right move, right? Look at it historically through boxing. All of the best boxers got the slow build. I haven’t been fighting for that long. I mean, I think I’m three and half years into MMA training altogether. I started mid-2018, so I have not been fighting for that long, so it’s good that I’m getting this experience,” Law said.

“You know what I mean? But I do think here in the next fight or two; it’s going to be a ranked guy-maybe, not the next one. The next one will definitely be a step up in competition. I would like to be in the rankings next year, though.”

Cody Law fights Colton Hamm at Bellator 271 this Friday, November 12, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

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Bellator MMA officials announced earlier this week that Valerie Loureda (3-1) will return on the card, looking to bounce back from her first loss. She’s been paired up against Taylor Turner (5-7).

Loureda continues to have a high profile care of her social media presence, but will need to show her setback against Hannah Guy was a rare night off.

In a second women’s flyweight fight, Bruna Ellen (5-3) will take on Desiree “Dirty Dez” Yanez (5-3). Ellen will be competing for the first time since 2019, when she lost to Juliana Velasquez at Bellator 236. Velasquez would go on to win Bellator’s women’s flyweight championship, and currently reigns over the division.

Undefeated American Top Team fighter Cody Law (4-0) has also joined the Bellator 271 card. Law is set for featherweight action against Colton Ham (4-3).

At welterweight, the undefeated Roman Faraldo (5-0) faces off against Robert Turnquest (11-7). Finally, Roufusport middleweight Jordan Newman (3-0) puts his perfect record o the line against Shane O’Shea (4-2).

Bellator 270 takes place Friday, November 12, 2021 at the Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. A women’s featherweight title fight headlines the event, as Cris Cyborg takes on the #5 ranked Sinead Kavanagh.

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Featherweight, Cody Law (4-0)

Law got the job done once again this time with his striking. From the start, he had no feeling-out process as he right away let his hands go. Law was landing frequent combinations as his opponent would just curl up. He let loose with leg kicks, punches, and knees and with the other guy just taking it until the ref just eventually stepped in.
Grade: A

Heavyweight, Eduardo Neves (4-0)

Neves beat and knocked out a guy in Eduardo Silva who is 6’7″ and riding some hype. From the start, it was clear someone was getting knocked out quickly and it was Silva. Neves hit Silva with a right-left-right putting him out before he even dropped to the mat. Neves put him away in under a minute.
Grade: C+

Strawweight, Yasmin Castanho (5-0)

Castanho got a first-round submission handing Maristela Alves her first career loss. Alves did well at first throwing kicks keeping Castanho at bay. She eventually walked Alves down and got the fight to the mat. Quickly she jumped to a position where she has an armbar set up. When she committed to the armbar it looked like Alves was gonna slip out but an adjustment sent her tapping.
Grade: B-

Lightweight, Luan Sardinha (7-0)

Sardinha fought Kaue Fernandes who was an undefeated, highly-touted prospect. Sardinha had a rough round one getting taken down early and fought off his back the entire round. As Fernandes was passing guard very well and had good moment Sardinha did a good job getting the guard back. After the first round, Fernandes was spent and Sardinha took over. Sardinha defended every takedown and was the one on top staying safe and landing. Fernandes was really sloppy with his hands and Sardinha was landing a lot of good shots outstriking him by a large margin. With how tired Fernandes was Sardinha should’ve finished him.
Grade: C+

Light-heavyweight, Rodolfo Bellato (7-1)

A stunning win from Bellato beating a good fighter in Carlos Eduardo. Bellato dropped Eduardo early with just a straight jab. As he rushed in Eduarda did land a nice double leg takedown. Bellato quickly scrambled and got top position. Methodically he moved into the mount, took the back, and with a switch of grip he sunk in the RNC for the tap.
Grade: A

Lightweight, Rodrigo Lídio (12-2)

Two top Brazilian lightweights in Lidio and Arthur Lima squared off in a back-and-forth fight. Early in round one Lidio dropped Lima in an exchange. Lima was able to swivel to the back and get a takedown. For the last few minutes Lima kept top position and even got another takedown at the end of the round. In round two of course the fight started on the feet and Lidio made the best of it. He landed a left hook on the button for the walk-off knockout. That’s now his fifth straight knockout. Serious power.
Grade: C+

Bantamweight, Marcos Breno (14-2)

Breno made a statement here beating Ary Farias who is one of the best prospects out of Brazil. It was such a quick fight, ending in under a minute with an unexpected outcome. Farias kindly closed the distance carelessly with his hands low. Breno capitalized with an overhand right putting Farias out cold for the faceplant knockout.
Grade: A

Lightweight, Ismael Bonfim (15-3)

Bonfim fought a serious prospect in Rangel de Sá which was an exciting fight. Sa gave Bonfim issues with his speed and kickboxing. Bonfim kept his composure and his boxing experience and gas tank won him the fight. Bonfim sat back landing on the more wild striker in Sa. He was landing some nice shots to the body and was throwing kicks when he saw the opening and counters Sa frequently. His hands looked really good.
Grade: B

Bantamweight, Luan Luiz Lacerda (11-1)

Lacerda, a high-level grappler, did some work on the feet in this one. He dropped his opponent early in round one with a body shot. He didn’t finish but threw a good snapping left jab and a straight right followed. In Round two Lacreda got the takedown right away and went right onto the leg and submitted the guy with a heel hook. Legit BJJ.
Grade: A

Strawweight, Dayane Souza (8-1-1)

Souza looked really good here and did so handing Elaine Lopes her first loss. Lopes has some moments on the feet landing some good punches. Souza fired back and landed some nice leg kicks. She got the fight down in round one but it was it round two she found the submission. Off a takedown, she was on the back win no hooks and still sunk in a deep RNC. Lopes had nothing to do but tap. Dominant and smart performance from Souza.
Grade: B

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