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	<title>Kenny Cross Archives - Cageside Press</title>
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		<title>Dana White&#8217;s Contender Series: Six Of The Biggest Snubs So Far</title>
		<link>https://cagesidepress.com/2021/09/14/dana-whites-contender-series-six-biggest-snubs-far/</link>
					<comments>https://cagesidepress.com/2021/09/14/dana-whites-contender-series-six-biggest-snubs-far/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Alex Behunin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Sep 2021 14:00:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Contender Series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Austin Vanderford]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brendan Loughnane]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dana White's Contender Series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Danny Sabatello]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Justin Gonzalez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenny Cross]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thanh Le]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cagesidepress.com/?p=112599</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Dana White&#8217;s Contender Series is back for its fifth season, and through two weeks, there have been 10 contracts handed out so far. Wild stuff. When the series started in 2017, UFC president Dana White was very stingy when handing out contracts. In the first season, only 16 contracts were handed out. 23 were handed [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cagesidepress.com/2021/09/14/dana-whites-contender-series-six-biggest-snubs-far/" data-wpel-link="internal">Dana White&#8217;s Contender Series: Six Of The Biggest Snubs So Far</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cagesidepress.com" data-wpel-link="internal">Cageside Press</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>Dana White&#8217;s Contender Series</em> is back for its fifth season, and through two weeks, there have been 10 contracts handed out so far. Wild stuff.</p>
<p>When the series started in 2017, UFC president Dana White was very stingy when handing out contracts. In the first season, only 16 contracts were handed out. 23 were handed out in season two. Season three saw a slight increase in contracts with 30, and season four saw the most contracts handed out with 37.</p>
<p>Season five has started with 10 contracts handed out, and Carlos Candelario, who lost his fight, was awarded a contract— the first time that has happened.</p>
<p>Despite so many UFC deals being handed out, throughout four seasons and a spin-off Brazil season, some big-time fighters have been snubbed by the UFC president. Leaving fight fans scratching their heads.</p>
<p>Here are some of the biggest snubs in the history of <em>Dana White&#8217;s Contender Series</em></p>
<h2><strong>Honorable Mentions</strong></h2>
<p>Let&#8217;s start with some honorable mentions.</p>
<p>Most of these fighters eventually made it to the UFC, whether it be fighting their way in or being brought in for a short-notice fight.</p>
<ul>
<li>Kevin Holland</li>
<li>Daniel Rodriguez</li>
<li>Casey Kenney</li>
<li>Dan Ige</li>
<li>Kyler Phillips</li>
<li>Ricky Simón</li>
<li>Jalin Turner</li>
<li>Alex Munoz</li>
<li>Kyle Daukaus</li>
<li>Anthony Romero &#8211; <em>didn&#8217;t make it to the UFC</em></li>
<li>Chris Curtis &#8211; <em>didn&#8217;t make it to the UFC</em></li>
<li>Nick Maximov</li>
<li>Melsik Baghdasaryan<br />
<p>The post <a href="https://cagesidepress.com/2021/09/14/dana-whites-contender-series-six-biggest-snubs-far/" data-wpel-link="internal">Dana White&#8217;s Contender Series: Six Of The Biggest Snubs So Far</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cagesidepress.com" data-wpel-link="internal">Cageside Press</a>.</p>
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		<title>Weekly MMA Prospect Report: A Forgotten Promotion Returns</title>
		<link>https://cagesidepress.com/2020/11/11/weekly-prospect-report-11-9-20-11-15-20/</link>
					<comments>https://cagesidepress.com/2020/11/11/weekly-prospect-report-11-9-20-11-15-20/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Shawn Bitter]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2020 01:18:56 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Bellator MMA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[KSW]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prospects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UFC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aaron Pico]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ivan Erslan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus Navarrete]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jornel Lugo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenny Cross]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lito Adiwang]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Logan Storley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Manoel Sousa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mateusz Legierski]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Roberto Soldic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yaroslav Amosov]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yasmine Jauregui]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cagesidepress.com/?p=86308</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>A near-forgotten promotion returns, while Bellator&#8217;s featherweight grand prix finally gets rolling again, and brings a bunch of prospects with it on the Bellator 252 undercard. Don&#8217;t sleep on KSW 56 either. Read on for the latest installment of our Weekly MMA Prospect Report. XFC 43 &#124; Wednesday &#124; US Lightweight, Kenneth Cross (11-3) Fighting [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cagesidepress.com/2020/11/11/weekly-prospect-report-11-9-20-11-15-20/" data-wpel-link="internal">Weekly MMA Prospect Report: A Forgotten Promotion Returns</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cagesidepress.com" data-wpel-link="internal">Cageside Press</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A near-forgotten promotion returns, while Bellator&#8217;s featherweight grand prix finally gets rolling again, and brings a bunch of prospects with it on the Bellator 252 undercard. Don&#8217;t sleep on KSW 56 either. Read on for the latest installment of our Weekly MMA Prospect Report.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">XFC 43 | Wednesday | US</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Lightweight, Kenneth Cross (11-3)</strong></p>
<p>Fighting out of Michigan Top Team with the likes of Daron Cruickshank and Cody Stamann, Kenny Cross is a good prospect. Cross is a fast starter who is very explosive. He&#8217;s got good movement with a dangerous left hand and is super athletic. With all that, he can wrestle well and grind as he has a physical advantage over most guys. His cardio is still a work in progress but overall a fun guy. He fights (11-6).</p>
<p><iframe title="Kenny Mitchell Cross &quot;VS&quot; Jonas Flok" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cHGHCIwf96Q?start=748&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Brave CF 45 | Thursday | Bahrain</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Lightweight, Akhmed Magomedov (6-0)</strong></p>
<p>Magomedov has a background in freestyle wrestling and was the Russian National Jiu-Jitsu champion in 2017. The Russian only has six fights, but three finishes, getting it done on the mat with submissions and ground and pound. He’s a smart fighter and could be someone to watch for in the future. He fights Abdul Azim Badakhshi (10-2).</p>
<p><iframe title="Ахмед Магомедов - Габриэль Миранда" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ik0fdEmhNtA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Bellator 252 | Thursday | US</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Welterweight, Yaroslav Amosov (24-0)</strong></p>
<p>In Yaroslav Amosov’s stand-up, he combines his kicks and punches extremely well. He moves in and out fluidly with his punches and uses his reach well too. Yaroslav doesn’t have a lot of knockout power, but he is a finisher, finishing all but four of his wins. Amosov also has very good submission skills with nine submission wins, using his long arms mostly for chokes. He also has excellent takedown defense. He fights Logan Storley (11-0).</p>
<p><iframe title="Full Fight | Yaroslav Amosov vs. Ed Ruth - Bellator 239" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3nOuSetivOo?start=1&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Welterweight, Logan Storley (11-0)</strong></p>
<p>Storley is a 4X All-American wrestler out of the University of Minnesota. Storley, who is currently 11-0, has been dominating in his MMA career thus far. He makes takedowns look easy, has heavy pressure and lands big ground and pound where he is the most effective. Storley is a great wrestler, though on the feet he hasn’t shown too much. He does have a powerful right hand and does a good job throwing straight punches and has shown solid leg kicks, but can wrestle all fight long. He fights Yaroslav Amosov (24-0).</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Full Fight | Logan Storley vs. AJ Matthews - Bellator 204" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GJf74h6tNBQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Featherweight, Aaron Pico (6-3)</strong></p>
<p>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 two-fight win streak. He has excellent boxing technique with power and precision. Also, he has high-level wrestling. At only 24, he has the overall skill set to be champion one day. He fights John de Jesus (13-8).</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Full Fight | Aaron Pico vs. Daniel Carey - Bellator 238" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PEq9ZvchfcY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Bantamweight, Jornel Lugo (4-0)</strong></p>
<p>Lugo is only 4-0 as a pro but he’s been very impressive including a win over John Douma and Cortavious Romious who are both good fighters. Lugo does have a grappling game but on the feet is where he excels. He’s a tricky fighter who utilizes his striking from the end of his punches. He holds his hands low to his waist in what could be a problem but it allows the angles he uses to stay hidden. Lugo frequently switches stances giving different looks. Overall a young and talented fighter. He fights Schyler Sootho (4-0).</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="XFN 20: Jornel Lugo vs Ryan Kuse" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0tNF8fmtgzk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">ONE Championship | Friday | Singapore</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Flyweight, Lito Adiwang (11-2)</strong></p>
<p>Fighting out of the Philippines, Lito Adiwang is on a roll winning his last seven fights. On the feet, Adiwang is very explosive and has a lot of power in his hands. On the mat, he is good on top and has solid ground and pound. He can be a bit flat-footed but makes up for it with his blitzes and power. Adiwang has that one-punch stopping power. He fights Hiroshi Minowa (11-2).</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Lito Adiwang vs. Pongsiri Mitsatit | ONE Full Fight | January 2020" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kxfsyoBv6H8?start=61&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">UWC 24 | Friday | Mexico</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Strawweight, Yasmine Jauregui (4-0)</strong></p>
<p>Still very green, Yasmine Jauregui has really impressed in her career thus far. Her style is reminiscent of UFC fighter Maycee Barber in a few ways. Jauregui has shown solid ground and pound, though she looks to be more skilled on the feet. She will throw a lot of volume with her kicks and punches putting it all together well. Yasmine is always throwing and looking to end the fight. She does need to work on some things like her movement and striking defense. With that said, she can be very good. She fights Annely Jimenez Garcia (10-5).</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Yazmin Jauregui vs Yajaira Romo Full Fight | MMA | Combate Mexicali" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ETrHLQPQT7A?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Heavyweight, Jesus Navarrete (5-0)</strong></p>
<p>Navarrete is a chubbier heavyweight but is talented enough to watch out for. The big man is a technical striker with a good jab and a lot of output. Navarrete will march forward throwing his hands and kicks. He&#8217;s got that Mexican toughness marching forward taking shots to give some. Not sold on him altogether but is a good striker and fun to watch. He fights Enrique Lara (4-3).</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="UWC 21 - Jesús Navarrete vs Antonio Malacón (29-Feb-2020)" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/agF304Dzv_I?start=701&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">KSW 56 | Saturday | Russia</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Welterweight: Roberto Soldic (17-3)</strong></p>
<p>The Croatian has beaten some stiff competition including Lewis Long, Borys Mańkowski, and Dricus Du Plessis, winning five titles in his career. Soldic is one of the best welterweights outside the UFC. He&#8217;s always coming forward and always looking for the finish. Soldic has heavy hands and a very accurate head kick, which he has dropped so many opponents with. It’s the constant volume he throws that allow him to do so well. He’s always throwing punches behind kicks and vice-versa. Soldic is the real deal. He fights moving up to 185 Michał Materla (29-7).</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="ROBERTO SOLDIĆ BEST HIGHLIGHTS" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hn2V0KYFUnU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Light heavyweight, Ivan Erslan (9-0)</strong></p>
<p>Erslan is easily the best Croatian 205-pound fighter outside a big promotion. Lately, he has fought decent fighters, at least decent enough to test his skills. On the feet, he is dangerous with power in his hands, but he is more of a threat on the mat. His ground and pound is by far his best weapon — it’s a fight changer. He fights Tomasz Narkun (17-3) which is a huge step up in competition.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Ivan Erslan vs Jusuf Hajrović | FULL FIGHT | FNC3" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fQLSLddc8b4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Welterweight, Mateusz Legierski (6-0)</strong></p>
<p>Legierski is well-rounded but is better on the feet. He has a heavy right hand throwing the overhand and right cross. He fights in bursts exploding forward with three-strike combinations usually. He throws a good right kick to the midsection and is good attacking the legs of his opponent. Legierski has some background in kickboxing too which explains the commitment to his kicks. He really doesn’t have much wrestling technique but has the strength to just bully guys down. He fights Francisco Albano Barrio (7-1).</p>
<p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIvq7hh7mVY&#038;ab_channel=MMApodlupou</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">SFT 24 | Saturday | Saturday</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Lightweight, Manoel Sousa (5-0)</strong></p>
<p>Sousa is a heavy-handed fighter who slings powerful right and left hooks. He does a good job going to the body and throwing kicks behind his strikes. He has good head movement and good footwork as well. He looks like a really dangerous fighter that can be a good prospect for the coming years. The powerful Sousa fights Estabili Amato (10-3).</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="FULL FIGHT MMA | SFT 18 Sousa vs. Ruffy" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sIpqS2bwp8w?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cagesidepress.com/2020/11/11/weekly-prospect-report-11-9-20-11-15-20/" data-wpel-link="internal">Weekly MMA Prospect Report: A Forgotten Promotion Returns</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cagesidepress.com" data-wpel-link="internal">Cageside Press</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>Dana White’s Contender Series Season 4, Week 3 Results</title>
		<link>https://cagesidepress.com/2020/08/18/dana-whites-contender-series-season-4-week-3-results/</link>
					<comments>https://cagesidepress.com/2020/08/18/dana-whites-contender-series-season-4-week-3-results/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2020 23:25:05 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Contender Series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Results & Recaps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cheyanne Buys]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DWTNCS 29]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hilarie Rose]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Josh Parisian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenny Cross]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kevin Syler]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cagesidepress.com/?p=78427</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The third week of Dana White&#8217;s Contender Series 2020 is once again very much about redemption. Each and every week so far has seen at least one returning fighter, and week three is no exception. Victor Reyna returns in the featured fight, after to losing to Miguel Baeza on the show last year. He&#8217;s had [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cagesidepress.com/2020/08/18/dana-whites-contender-series-season-4-week-3-results/" data-wpel-link="internal">Dana White’s Contender Series Season 4, Week 3 Results</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cagesidepress.com" data-wpel-link="internal">Cageside Press</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The third week of Dana White&#8217;s Contender Series 2020 is once again very much about redemption. Each and every week so far has seen at least one returning fighter, and week three is no exception.</p>
<p>Victor Reyna returns in the featured fight, after to losing to Miguel Baeza on the show last year. He&#8217;s had one fight in between, and is already one step ahead of last year&#8217;s performance. That&#8217;s after making weight successfully Monday. In 2019, he missed the welterweight mark by a rather wide margin.</p>
<p>Heavyweight Josh Parisian is back as well. He appeared on the show in 2018, and while he didn&#8217;t get a contract, he did win — which earned him a spot on The Ultimate Fighter. Eliminated in his first fight, he returned to the regional scene and has run up five straight wins, all by TKO, ahead of his return to DWCS.</p>
<p>In an interesting booking, brothers Louis and Orion Cosce both grace the card, with Louis fighting Victor Reyna in the featured fight, and Orion facing a solid prospect in Matt Dixon.</p>
<p>A couple of promising strawweight prospects also face off when Cheyanne Buys meets Hilarie Rose. And Kenny Cross finally gets to fight, after his week one bout fell through.</p>
<p><em>Tune in come fight time (8PM ET) for full results from tonight&#8217;s episode of Dana White&#8217;s Contender Series.</em></p>
<p>The card opener on Tuesday between lightweights Kenny Cross and Kevin Syler went the distance. Cross came on strong early, having a clear edge on the feet. He&#8217;d finish the round with some heavy ground n&#8217; pound. In round two, Cross had his opponent on the mat and seemed to be seconds from a finish. But Syler was able to reverse, and hunted for a heel hook. In the third, Cross appeared to be tiring, and Syler went after a kimura. He got a late takedown, but there was no question it was Cross earning the win on the scorecards. You&#8217;ll never see a more dejected winner, however, as Cross was not happy going to the judges.</p>
<p>In the night&#8217;s heavyweight bout, Chad Johnson opened with a leg kick, and was clearly the smaller, quicker fighter. Josh Parisian, however, proved nimble for a man his size with a high kick. While Johnson would go on the offensive and get some good strikes in, Parisian fired back. He caught Johnson with a knee in the clinch, knocked him down with a punch, briefly looked for a submission, then transitioned to mount and finished with ground n&#8217; pound. Great heavyweight fight, and the sixth straight TKO for Josh Parisian.</p>
<figure id="attachment_78459" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-78459" style="width: 711px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-78459" src="https://cagesidepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Josh-Parisian.jpg" alt="" width="711" height="475" srcset="https://cagesidepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Josh-Parisian.jpg 711w, https://cagesidepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Josh-Parisian-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cagesidepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Josh-Parisian-696x465.jpg 696w, https://cagesidepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Josh-Parisian-629x420.jpg 629w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 711px) 100vw, 711px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-78459" class="wp-caption-text">LAS VEGAS, NEVADA &#8211; AUGUST 18: Josh Parisian reacts after his victory over Chad Johnson in a heavyweight bout during week three of Dana White&#8217;s Contender Series Season 4 at UFC APEX on August 18, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/DWCS LLC/Zuffa LLC)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Orion Cosce&#8217;s match-up with Matt Dixon saw the latter winning the grappling battle early for a big takedown. It was the first of tree takesdowns for Dixon in the round. But while he won that battle, he didn&#8217;t win the war. Heading into the third, each fighter had likely won a round. With the fight up in the air after two, it was Orion Cosce going out and giving it his all in the final frame. He managed to get Dixon in a crucifix late, and earned the TKO win with less than twenty seconds left in the round.</p>
<figure id="attachment_78458" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-78458" style="width: 150px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-78458 size-thumbnail" src="https://cagesidepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Buys-vs-Rose-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-78458" class="wp-caption-text">LAS VEGAS, NEVADA &#8211; AUGUST 18: (L-R) Cheyanne Buys punches Hilarie Rose (Photo by Chris Unger/DWCS LLC/Zuffa LLC)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Cheyanne Buys had a solid first round to open the only women&#8217;s fight on this week&#8217;s Contender Series card — but Hilarie Rose finished with an arm-bar attempt, only to be slammed down. The second started hot as well, with both fighters attacking. Rose would end up cut open off a short elbow, while Buys appeared to have the strength advantage, winning the clinch battles. The third was another hotly contested round with Buys coming on strong and hurting Rose late. Buys opted to go to the ground and look for a submission, however, allowing Rose to recover, not that it would matter in the long run. A solid unanimous decision for Buys.</p>
<p>Louis Cosce wasted no time in getting an emphatic win in the featured fight of the Contender Series this week. He scored a knockdown with a left and unloaded with ground n&#8217; pound. That was all she wrote.</p>
<h3>Dana White’s Contender Series Season 4, Week 3 Results</h3>
<p>Louis Cosce def. Victor Reyna by TKO, 1:12<br />
Cheyanne Buys def. Hilarie Rose by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)<br />
Orion Cosce def. Matt Dixon by TKO, Round 3, 4:42<br />
Josh Parisian def. Chad Johnson by TKO, Round 1, 3:43<br />
Kenny Cross def. Kevin Syler by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)</p>
<p><em><strong>Contracts: Josh Parisian, Orion Cosce, Cheyanne Buys, Louis Cosce</strong> </em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cagesidepress.com/2020/08/18/dana-whites-contender-series-season-4-week-3-results/" data-wpel-link="internal">Dana White’s Contender Series Season 4, Week 3 Results</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cagesidepress.com" data-wpel-link="internal">Cageside Press</a>.</p>
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		<title>DWCS 2020 Week 3 Breakdown and Predictions</title>
		<link>https://cagesidepress.com/2020/08/17/dwcs-2020-week-3-breakdown-predictions/</link>
					<comments>https://cagesidepress.com/2020/08/17/dwcs-2020-week-3-breakdown-predictions/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Shawn Bitter]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2020 01:00:06 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Contender Series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prospects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chad Johnson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cheyanne Buys]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[contender series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DWCS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DWTNCS 29]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hilarie Rose]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Josh Parisian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenny Cross]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kevin Syler]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Louis Cosce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Matt Dixon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Orion Cocse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Victor Reyna]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cagesidepress.com/?p=76217</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>We&#8217;re rolling right along in season four of Dana White&#8217;s Contender Series. This week, Josh Parisian is back on DWCS for another shot at the big time, while Cheyanne Buys gets her first opportunity to jump to the UFC. Also, watch out for Weitchpec, California&#8217;s Cosce brothers, Louis and Orion — a rare pair of [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cagesidepress.com/2020/08/17/dwcs-2020-week-3-breakdown-predictions/" data-wpel-link="internal">DWCS 2020 Week 3 Breakdown and Predictions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cagesidepress.com" data-wpel-link="internal">Cageside Press</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We&#8217;re rolling right along in season four of Dana White&#8217;s Contender Series. This week, Josh Parisian is back on DWCS for another shot at the big time, while Cheyanne Buys gets her first opportunity to jump to the UFC. Also, watch out for Weitchpec, California&#8217;s Cosce brothers, Louis and Orion — a rare pair of fighting siblings both looking for their big break on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Kenny Cross finally gets a chance to compete as well, after his fight fell through in week one.</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s get right to it and break all five fights down.</p>
<h3>Welterweight: Victor Reyna vs. Louis Cosce</h3>
<h4>Tale of the Tape</h4>
<div style="width: 40%; padding: 0 10px 0 0; float: left;"><strong>Victor Reyna</strong><br />
34-years-old<br />
5’5″<br />
70″ Reach<br />
Arlington, Texas<br />
All Powers Fitness and Fighting<br />
11-4</div>
<div style="width: 40%; padding: 0 10px 0 0; float: right;"><strong>Lous Cosce</strong><br />
24-years-old<br />
5’9″<br />
Arcata, California<br />
Lost Boys Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai<br />
6-0</div>
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
<h4>Pros and Cons</h4>
<div style="width: 40%; padding: 0 10px 0 0; float: left;">
<p><strong>Victor Reyna</strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pros</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Strong against the cage</li>
<li>Hits hard</li>
<li>Good wrestling</li>
<li>Good left cross</li>
<li>Always throws in volume</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cons</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Poor TDD</li>
<li>Head stays on the centerline/Easily hit</li>
<li>Ineffective movement</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="width: 40%; padding: 0 10px 0 0; float: right;">
<p><strong>Lous Cosce</strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pros</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Fast starter</li>
<li>High pace</li>
<li>Heavy hands</li>
<li>Solid ground and pound</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cons</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Questionable cardio</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
<h4>Who has the advantage?</h4>
<p>Striking: Cosce<br />
Speed: Cosce<br />
Output/Volume: Cosce<br />
Knockout Power: Cosce<br />
Chin: Cosce<br />
Kickboxing: Reyna<br />
Footwork: Neither<br />
Wrestling: Reyna<br />
Grappling: Reyna<br />
Submissions: Cosce<br />
Cardio: Reyna</p>
<h4>Prediction</h4>
<p>Cosce does have a lot of advantages on paper, that&#8217;s shown in all his bouts being one-round fights. The longest Cocse has been in the cage is 4:34 and Reyna has gone the distance five times. However Reyna has a big experience advantage and has fought far better competition. Reyna has ten more fights than Cosce and Reyna has fought opponents like Miguel Baeza, Daniel Rodriguez, and Kevin Holland whereas Cosce has only one win over a fighter with a winning record. Cosce is extremely dangerous but with the amount of pressure he puts on early it&#8217;s going to be hard for him to keep that pace up for long. Reyna can take a shot for sure, having been dropped a few times by Miguel Baeza and surviving. The pick Reyna because there is still a lot unknown about Cosce.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cagesidepress.com/2020/08/17/dwcs-2020-week-3-breakdown-predictions/" data-wpel-link="internal">DWCS 2020 Week 3 Breakdown and Predictions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cagesidepress.com" data-wpel-link="internal">Cageside Press</a>.</p>
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		<title>DWCS 2020 Week 1 Breakdown and Predictions</title>
		<link>https://cagesidepress.com/2020/08/03/dwcs-2020-week-1-breakdown-predictions/</link>
					<comments>https://cagesidepress.com/2020/08/03/dwcs-2020-week-1-breakdown-predictions/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Shawn Bitter]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2020 20:28:09 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Contender Series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prospects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Contender Series Season 4]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Damonte Robinson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dustin Jacoby]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DWCS Season 4]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DWTNCS 27]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jerome Rivera]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jordan Leavitt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jose Flores]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenny Cross]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Luis Rodriguez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mikey Gonzalez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ty Flores]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uros Medic]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cagesidepress.com/?p=75522</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Dana White&#8217;s Contender Series (DWCS) returns this week, kicking off a new season for the fighting show. A chance for prospects and regional veterans alike to fight their way into the UFC, the short-format (five fights in a night) shows have proven popular with fans and fighters alike. With The Ultimate Fighter days behind us, [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cagesidepress.com/2020/08/03/dwcs-2020-week-1-breakdown-predictions/" data-wpel-link="internal">DWCS 2020 Week 1 Breakdown and Predictions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cagesidepress.com" data-wpel-link="internal">Cageside Press</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Dana White&#8217;s Contender Series (DWCS) returns this week, kicking off a new season for the fighting show. A chance for prospects and regional veterans alike to fight their way into the UFC, the short-format (five fights in a night) shows have proven popular with fans and fighters alike. With The Ultimate Fighter days behind us, this is perhaps the best look at who&#8217;s ready to break into the UFC, and who could be with a little more seasoning.</p>
<p>Past editions of the show have produced talents like Sean O&#8217;Malley, Edmen Shahbazyan, Johnny Walker and more. Who&#8217;s going to break out this year? Good question. We&#8217;ve got your week one breakdown right here!</p>
<h3>Lightweight: Kenny Cross vs. Damonte Robinson</h3>
<h4>Tale of the Tape</h4>
<div style="width: 40%; padding: 0 10px 0 0; float: left;"><b>Kenny Cross<br />
</b>25-years-old<br />
6&#8217;0″<br />
Novi, Michigan<br />
Michigan Top Team<br />
10-3</div>
<div style="width: 40%; padding: 0 10px 0 0; float: right;"><strong>Damonte Robinson</strong><br />
25-years-old<br />
6&#8217;0&#8243;<br />
Canton, Ohio<br />
CJT MMA<br />
6-1-1</div>
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
<h4>Pros and Cons</h4>
<div style="width: 40%; padding: 0 10px 0 0; float: left;">
<p><strong>Kenny Cross</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pros</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Fast starter</li>
<li>Super aggressive</li>
<li>Decent kicks</li>
<li>Good right-cross</li>
<li>Super strong</li>
<li>Athletic</li>
<li>Scramble well</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cons</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Submission defense lacks</li>
<li>Reckless</li>
<li>Hands low</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="width: 40%; padding: 0 10px 0 0; float: right;">
<p><strong>Damonte Robinson</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pros</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Good use of range</li>
<li>Athletic</li>
<li>Mixes in strikes and kicks well</li>
<li>Decent wrestling</li>
<li>Good RNC</li>
<li>Good kicks</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cons</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Defensive grappling needs work</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
<h4>Who has the advantage?</h4>
<p>Striking: Cross<br />
Speed: Cross<br />
Output/Volume: Cross<br />
Knockout Power: Cross<br />
Chin: Even<br />
Kickboxing: Robinson<br />
Footwork: Cross<br />
Wrestling: Robinson<br />
Grappling: Robinson<br />
Submissions: Robinson<br />
Cardio: Robinson</p>
<h4>Prediction</h4>
<p>Kevin Syler was originally scheduled against Cross for the first week of DWCS, but had to drop off the card. This is a super fun bout and a better fight than Cross/Syler. All three of Cross&#8217;s losses are by submission so that is a bit concerning. With Cross being so aggressive and pressing forward he could easily walk into a takedown. I&#8217;m just not fully sold on the wrestling ability of Robinson. Of the footage available I really like what Robinson brings to the table and I won&#8217;t be surprised if he gets the win. I favor Cross though because he&#8217;s shown a lot more in his career and the fact that Robinson is taking this fight on days&#8217; notice. Skill for skill I think both have a lot to offer but Cross to me has more valuable weapons.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cagesidepress.com/2020/08/03/dwcs-2020-week-1-breakdown-predictions/" data-wpel-link="internal">DWCS 2020 Week 1 Breakdown and Predictions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cagesidepress.com" data-wpel-link="internal">Cageside Press</a>.</p>
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		<title>Scouting Prospects for the Contender Series Season 4: Part 2</title>
		<link>https://cagesidepress.com/2020/03/21/scouting-prospects-contender-series-season-4-part-2/</link>
					<comments>https://cagesidepress.com/2020/03/21/scouting-prospects-contender-series-season-4-part-2/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Shawn Bitter]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2020 12:00:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Contender Series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prospects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adrian Hadribeaj]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Andre Miranda]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Andrew Tenneson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Archilles Estremadura]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brant Moore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cody Brundage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Contender Series Season 4]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diego Lopes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DWCS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Erin Blanchfield]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Herbeth Sousa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irwin Rivera]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jaleel Willis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jasmine Jasudavicius]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jeremiah Wells]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joanderson Brito]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonas Bilharinho]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kay Hansen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenny Cross]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Martin Buday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nate Smith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Paul Capaldo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ronnie Lawrence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sherrard Blackledge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Timur Valiev]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UFC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vinicius de Jesus]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cagesidepress.com/?p=67664</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Last week, we looked at 25 prospects who deserved to be a part of the this year&#8217;s edition of Dana White&#8217;s Contender Series. Now, we have 22 more deserving names. Left out will be fighters that fought on the previous three seasons, though some may return. Kenny Cross Lightweight &#124; 25 &#124; Novi, Michigan &#124; 10-3 &#124; Win [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cagesidepress.com/2020/03/21/scouting-prospects-contender-series-season-4-part-2/" data-wpel-link="internal">Scouting Prospects for the Contender Series Season 4: Part 2</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cagesidepress.com" data-wpel-link="internal">Cageside Press</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Last week, we looked at 25 prospects who deserved to be a part of the this year&#8217;s edition of Dana White&#8217;s Contender Series. Now, we have 22 more deserving names. Left out will be fighters that fought on the previous three seasons, though some may return.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Kenny Cross</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Lightweight | 25 | Novi, Michigan | 10-3 | Win Streak: 4 | 6 KO/TKOs, 4 Submissions</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Fighting out of Michigan Top Team with the likes of Daron Cruickshank and Cody Stamann, Kenny Cross is a good prospect. Cross has quietly flown under the radar with now four consecutive wins and a 100% finish rate. Despite a few earlier setbacks, Cross has wins over Jonas Flok and Robert Hale in his last two fights who are both talented guys.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Nate Smith</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Flyweight | 24 | Denver, Colorado | 6-0 | Win Streak: 8 | 1 KO/TKO, 3 Submissions</strong></p>
<p>Nate Smith has a background in wrestling that too many don’t seem to know about. He was a USA Junior Olympic wrestler in Greco Roman, Fargo All-American as well as a national champion. After a lengthy amateur career, Smith has found his stride looking quite dominant. His wrestling is solid, he’s quick, and his jiu-jitsu is solid as well.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Adrian Hadribeaj</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Welterweight | 29 | Macomb, Michigan | 10-1 | Win Streak: 5 | 2 KO/TKO, 2 Submissions</strong></p>
<p>Adrian Hadribeaj fights at a Karate stance which helps keep distance and use attacks. He is lightning fast with his hands and is reminiscent of Sage Northcutt with his stand-up. He can drop you with anything and while his leg kicks are more dangerous, he usually finishes with his hands. Having great takedown defense doesn’t hurt either, and going five rounds five times says a lot.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Cody Brundage</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Light-heavyweight | 25 | Fowlerville, Michigan | 5-0 | Win Streak: 6 | 3 KO/TKOs, 2 Submissions</strong></p>
<p>Last December, Cody Brundage beat Erick Lozano via decision. The outcome wasn&#8217;t good enough so they rematched and Brundage that time got the early stoppage. He&#8217;s the current Lights Out Championship 205-pound champ. Brundage is still a bit green but his athleticism and wrestling can take him far in a shallow division.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Jeremiah Wells</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Welterweight | 33 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 8-2-1 | Win Streak: 2 | 3 KO/TKOs, 3 Submissions</strong></p>
<p>Wells is a good fighter but at already 33-years-old another loss may be too much of a setback. Wells is a very explosive fighter who will attack in bursts and is willing to throw flying knees and superman punches. He also has some decent wrestling to fall back on. Overall, he’s very fun to watch and a dangerous guy no matter who he fights.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Vinicius de Jesus</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Welterweight | 30 | Stamford, Connecticut | 9-2 | Win Streak: 4 | 4 KO/TKOs, 2 Submissions</strong></p>
<p>Vinicius de Jesus is the current CES welterweight champion dethroning Jeremiah Wells who is listed above. de Jesus is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitu black belt competing in the Combat Jiu-Jitsu Worlds 2019 as well. He&#8217;s already fought on the big stage appearing Bellator four times, going 3-1 for the promotion.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Herbeth Sousa</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Bantamweight | 25 | Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil | 15-1 | Win Streak: 5 | 2 KO/TKOs, 10 Submissions</strong></p>
<p>With only one loss, Herbeth Sousa is currently on a five-fight win streak. He&#8217;s beat Glyan Alves and Alexander Keshtov which are two fighters I was pretty high on at the time. His last fight was for CFFC in the US which helps Seann Shelby look at him for the Contender Series. “Indio” is an aggressive grappler who has ten submissions all coming in the first round. His wrestling is solid but obviously, it’s the grappling that’s key. His transitions are smooth and his finishing ability on the submissions is dangerous as he is a black belt in BJJ.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Erin Blanchfield</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Flyweight | 20 | New York, New York, US | 5-1 | Win Streak: 2 | 2 KO/TKOs, 1 Submission</strong></p>
<p>Erin Blanchfield is very well-known in the jiu-jitsu world where she won the EBI 12 flyweight championship. Her sole MMA loss is to UFC fighter Tracy Cortez; many thought Blanchfield won that fight. She really impressed me in her last fight when she knocked out Victoria Leonardo who is a good prospect. Erin is only 20 so it will do her well not to go into the UFC straight away. With that said, a spot on the Contender Series is just more experience. A developmental deal could ensue.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cagesidepress.com/2020/03/21/scouting-prospects-contender-series-season-4-part-2/" data-wpel-link="internal">Scouting Prospects for the Contender Series Season 4: Part 2</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cagesidepress.com" data-wpel-link="internal">Cageside Press</a>.</p>
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		<title>MMA Prospect Watch: The Most Impressive Fighters from February</title>
		<link>https://cagesidepress.com/2020/03/09/mma-prospect-watch-impressive-fighters-february/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Shawn Bitter]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2020 18:29:15 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prospects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alex Polizzi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ali Bagov]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Casey O'Neill]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christian Edwards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cody Brundage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denice Zamboanga]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denise Kielholtz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dennis Buzikia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Erin Blanchfield]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gadzhi Rabadanov]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Genaro Valdez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grant Neal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Herbeth Sousa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ilias bulaid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Iuri Lapicus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jack Della]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jasmine Jasudavicius]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Keith Lee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenny Cross]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kieran Lister]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kyle Crutchmer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kyle Daukaus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ludovít Klein]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Luis Rodriguez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Manoel Sousa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Max Rohskopf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Maycon Silva]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Melquizael Costa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mikhail Odintsov]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mikuru Asakura]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nate Smith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Usman Nurmagomedov]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Valentin Moldavsky]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yaroslav Amosov]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cagesidepress.com/?p=65254</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Another solid batch of prospects were in action in February &#8211; including a number of undefeated fighters. We&#8217;ll get right to those who impressed the most in the MMA Prospect Watch for February! Flyweight, Jasmine Jasudavicius (4-0)  Jasmine Jasudavicius&#8217; opponent Gabriella Gulfin was significantly smaller but the aggressor. It was easy for Jasudavicius to get the Thai clinch [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cagesidepress.com/2020/03/09/mma-prospect-watch-impressive-fighters-february/" data-wpel-link="internal">MMA Prospect Watch: The Most Impressive Fighters from February</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cagesidepress.com" data-wpel-link="internal">Cageside Press</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Another solid batch of prospects were in action in February &#8211; including a number of undefeated fighters. We&#8217;ll get right to those who impressed the most in the MMA Prospect Watch for February!</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Flyweight, Jasmine Jasudavicius (4-0) </em></span></p>
<p>Jasmine Jasudavicius&#8217; opponent Gabriella Gulfin was significantly smaller but the aggressor. It was easy for Jasudavicius to get the Thai clinch and bully Gulfin. Jasudavicius landed many knees to the body and excellent elbows to the head. Jasudavicius hurt Gulfin with an elbow off the break and landed a few good right hands. All the punishment forced Gulfin to shoot for a lazy takedown as Jasudavicius defended and landed knees to the body sending the ref in.<br />
<strong>Grade: A</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Bantamweight, Herbeth Sousa (15-1)</em></span></p>
<p>Herbeth Sousa fought Alexander Keshtov in February, which was a battle between two top prospects in the division. The fight, however, wasn&#8217;t even close as Sousa dominated all four rounds. Sousa secured five takedowns showing good chain wrestling in the process. Sousa gave Keshtov no room as he was all over him in the grappling department. It wasn&#8217;t a flashy performance but a very dominant one.<br />
<strong>Grade: B</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Middleweight, Kyle Daukaus (9-0)</em></span></p>
<p>It was all Kyle Daukaus in this fight en-route to a second-round finish. Daukaus made this a grappling match showcasing his skills. He went for countless submissions such as the d&#8217;arce, arm-triangle, guillotine, and the RNC. His long arms led to a huge advantage on the mat. Daukaus was winning every grappling exchange and won every scramble. In the second round, he finally put his opponent away with the d&#8217;arce choke.<br />
<strong>Grade: B</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Welterweight, Iuri Lapicus (14-0)</em></span></p>
<p>Iuri Lapicus had his biggest challenge to date going against Marat Gafurov, the former ONE Featherweight Champion. Lapicus started off the fight landing very hard outside leg kicks forcing Gafurov to tie up. Lapicus hit a beautiful judo throw then scrambled to the back to finish with the RNC. Beautiful finishing sequence.<br />
<strong>Grade: A+</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Flyweight, Erin Blanchfield (5-1)</em></span></p>
<p>Erin Blanchfield fought Victoria Leonardo last month, who is a good prospect and someone we&#8217;ve featured here before. Coming in this was a grappler in Erin fighting a striker in Leonardo. Blanchfield couldn&#8217;t really get the takedown but she didn&#8217;t really need it. In the first, Blanchfield dropped Leonardo with a brutal head kick. Somehow Leonardo survived and made it to the second round. Erin threw that head kick over and over until she once again landed it flush this time sending the ref in. Leonardo is a super tough girl and a grappler just took her out with a head kick.<br />
<strong>Grade: B+</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Lightweight, Kenny Cross (10-3)</em></span></p>
<p>Kenny Cross has quietly flown under the radar with four consecutive wins now, and a 100% finish rate. In this fight, he beat a good fighter in Robert Hale handing him his first TKO loss in his career. Light on his feet, Cross landed a straight left down the pipe buckling the knees of Hale. Cross capitalized with a left hook putting Hale down and the extra punches resulted in the TKO.<br />
<strong>Grade: B-</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Heavyweight, Cody Brundage (5-0)</em></span></p>
<p>Cody Brundage beat Erick Lozano last December via decision. The outcome wasn&#8217;t good enough so they rematched and this time Brundage got the early stoppage. Brundage quickly closed the distance and got the fight to the mat. He transitioned into the mount and would lock in the arm-triangle for the tap.<br />
<strong>Grade: B-</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Lightweight, Gadzhi Rabadanov (14-3)</em></span></p>
<p>Gadzhi Rabadanov usually dominates opponents with his wrestling. In this fight though, he excelled on the feet. Rabadanov scored four knockdowns throughout three rounds. He dropped his opponent with two short left hands and a short right hand. In round three, he landed a huge overhand right dropping his foe, but he was really tough. Rabadanov did well in burst and picked his shots well.<br />
<strong>Grade: B-</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Lightweight, Usman Nurmagomedov (9-0)</em></span></p>
<p>Khabib Nurmagomedov has a lot of relatives in the sport and Usman (cousin) has quietly grown into a good prospect. Usman displayed a heavy kickboxing attack throwing at range plus front kicks and roundhouse kicks. While looking good from the outside, Usman landed  key knees in the clinch and some good elbows getting the TKO stoppage.<br />
<strong>Grade: C+</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Featherweight, Ľudovít Klein (16-2)</em></span></p>
<p>L&#8217;udovit Klein continues to build his resume with seven straight wins now. In this bout he was able to take out a former UFC fighter in Łukasz Sajewski. The Polish Sajewski was heavy for the takedown at the bell. While Klien did show some solid takedown defense he was eventually taken down. Klein worked his way back to his feet and landed a barrage of punches and kicks. Klein would drop Sajewski with a head kick sending the ref in for the stoppage.<br />
<strong>Grade: B-</strong></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cagesidepress.com/2020/03/09/mma-prospect-watch-impressive-fighters-february/" data-wpel-link="internal">MMA Prospect Watch: The Most Impressive Fighters from February</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cagesidepress.com" data-wpel-link="internal">Cageside Press</a>.</p>
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