In the main event of The Inner Circle bantamweights Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri took on Kiamran Nabati in a battle of rising Muay Thai stars. Nabati puts his undefeated record on the line against Pimolstri who is riding an impressive 9-fight win streak.

The event, outside of the Inner Circle portion, was available to view on YouTube.

View ONE Friday Fights 155 below

ONE Friday Fights 155

Rustam “Tomahawk” Yunusov defeats Decho Mavinn Muaythai via unanimous decision“The Angel Warrior” Panpayak Jitmuangnon defeats Othman “The Ironside” Rhouni via split decision
Dokmaipa Santiubon defeats Kohtao Petsomnuk via unanimous decision
Chokpreecha PK TomTKalaiyont defeats Huynh Van Tuan via TKO at 2:28 of round two
Rungruanglek TN Muaythai defeats Terdkiat Sit Jaykarn via TKO at 2:45 of round oneKwangpa Teenoikachin defeats Kom PK Saenchai via split decision
Shoma Okumura defeats Sheng Yizhuo via unanimous decision
Ranma defeats Yi Nuo via knockout at 1:01 of round one

The Inner Circle

Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri defeats Kiamran Nabati via split decision
Liu “Spirit Dragon” Mengyang defeats Gabriel Pereira via unanimous decision
Freddie Haggerty defeats Yonis Anane via unanimous decision
Vero “The Kayan Leopard” defeats Kana “Krusher Queen” via unanimous decision
Viet Anh Do defeats “Money” Kyungjung Kim via TKO at 2:17 of round two

ONE Friday Fights 155 went down in Bangkok, Thailand at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.

The post ONE Friday Fights 155 And Inner Circle Live Stream And Results appeared first on Cageside Press.

“I am heartbroken by Victoria Lee’s passing. I first met Victoria when she was 11 years old. I watched her blossom over the years as a martial artist and a human being. I always remember thinking how wise, thoughtful, and selfless she was beyond her years. Of course, she was an extraordinary martial arts prodigy even back then, but I could see that she was so much more than that. Victoria had the purest heart of gold and a brilliant mind. She looked after others before herself. She wanted to use her life to help the world. I will always remember Victoria for the beautiful and precious soul that she was.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Angela Lee Pucci (@angelaleemma)

No cause of death has been released by the Lee family or ONE Championship.

The post ONE President Chatri Sityodtong Releases Statement On Victoria Lee’s Passing appeared first on Cageside Press.

Some might argue yes, as he did defeat Anderson Silva, the man who many believe previously held the middleweight GOAT crown with an impressive, historic run. And Adesanya has dazzled just as Silva did in his prime.

Others will adamantly deny Adesanya for being the one to take the crown from Silva, believing it too early to label Israel Adesanya the greatest middleweight over Silva. Still, with the win streak he is currently on in the UFC, Adesanya is running through the division and clearing out all challengers. After each defence of his middleweight title there might come a day when he has done enough to carve out his spot on the Mount Rushmore of GOATs in the middleweight division.

Only Two GOATs?

But that’s it, right? Anderson Silva and Israel Adesanya is where the debate ends. Well that is the beauty of MMA— just when you think the debate for Greatest of All Time is over, another contender seems to creep up out of the woodwork and puts their stamp on the sport as a top fighter. Right now it is looking like Reinier de Ridder has surged into the spotlight as a top contender, though he may not have captured the attention of North American fight fans just yet.

Could Reinier de Ridder Become the Middleweight GOAT in Time?

Reinier de Ridder has seemingly been left out of the Middleweight GOAT conversation or any conversation as a top guy when fights fans discuss who is number one. It’s not really clear if it has to do with him being in another company, in this case ONE Championship, or if there’s some other reason Reinier de Ridder’s exposure to the rest of the world has been hindered.

Reinier’s credentials speak for themselves: he is the current ONE Light Heavyweight World Champion and ONE Middleweight World Champion, a rare double champ in MMA. Simultaneous double champ status in an evolving, multi-discipline sport is something to respect. Even becoming a champ in an established company like ONE is admirable.

Reinier de Ridder

Some mixed martial arts fans tend to discredit certain fighters’ bodies of work when they don’t fight for the UFC, but there is so much talent all over the world. The talent pool reaches far and wide and with companies like ONE, it is nice to see a talent like Reinier de Ridder not to be hidden on the regional circuit losing motivation until on day hanging up the gloves of a sport he excelled at so perfectly.

de Ridder also has superb grappling chops, having claimed a gold medal at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship in 2014. While that doesn’t exactly further an argument for being the middleweight GOAT, it should give you an idea of how well-rounded his game is.

Reinier de Ridder will look to defend his middleweight title against Kiamrian Abbasov on Friday, a very dangerous opponent who could end the fight in a violent fashion. That very same day, another middleweight great, Gegard Mousasi, will be in action, looking to defend his Bellator title against Austin Vanderford.

It might be a little early still to put Reineir de Ridder neck and neck with Silva and Adesanya as the greatest middleweight. But after a 14-0 start to his career and two belts in a major promotion, it may not be long before he is firmly in the conversation.

The post Could ONE: Full Circle’s Reinier de Ridder Become Middleweight GOAT in Time? appeared first on Cageside Press.

ONE Championship | Singapore | Friday

Lightweight, Christian Lee (15-3)

After a failed title shot in 2018, Lee rebounded and when he moved to welterweight (lightweight under the ONE weight system) he won a title. Lee is excellent on the feet, being quick and dynamic with outstanding footwork. He covers distance quickly and has some dangerous power is everything he throws. His abilities on the mat are there when needed, holding four submission wins to date. At only 23, Lee is already a star for ONE Championship. Imagine where he’s going to be in, say, five years. He’s well-rounded, has solid cardio, and gets better in every fight. He fights Rae Yoon Ok (15-3).

ACA 129 | Russia | Friday

Lightweight, Pavel Gordeev (18-2)

Gordeev has shown he is a promising prospect, beating four undefeated fighters, former UFC fighter Mickael Lebout and Shane Campbell, and other solid competition. Gordeev is mainly a striker who loves to use the jab often. The Russian has good long straight punches and his speed can be a real factor. Gordeev has also shown the ability to land at a high rate as well. His wrestling is decent enough to be effective with good scrambles and an active ground game. He fights Zhorabek Tesheboev (8-2).

Future MMA 13 | Brazil | Friday

Middleweight, Claudio Ribeiro (8-2)

Outside of his pro debut, his only loss is a split decision in 2018. Ribeiro brings a wild approach slinging wild looping punches. He’s a wild man but with a lot of power in his hands. Not just in his hands as Ribeiro throws thunderous leg kicks as well. Ribeiro is someone you don’t want to rush in on as he will catch you. Not someone to sit in the pocket and trade with either because his knockout power is dangerous. He fights Kelles Albuquerque (24-20).

Flyweight, Wellington Souza (8-1)

Souza is an exciting young prospect out of Brazil. He’s competed in some jiu-jitsu competitions but it’s his stand-up that has impressed. Souza throws heavy leg kicks and fights long very well. He throws wide but throws in twos. What makes him dangerous is his explosiveness. Souza likes to throw the flying knee and has a dangerous head kick he’s landed with a few times. Not completely sold on him but he’s worth watching. He fights Eduardo Henrique da Silva (7-1).

Featherweight, Jean Silva (8-2)

Silva is on a five-fight win streak since his last loss in early 2018. In all eight of his wins, Silva has a 100% finish rate. Silva is fast, athletic, powerful, and explosive. There are concerns about his takedown defense. He does a good job at least getting back to his feet and can end the fight at any point when he has space. Silva has the ability to go to air for the flying knee, sit down on heavy punches, attack with kicks, and grab a hold of the neck. Not sure if he’s at a high level but he’s at that excitement level. Silva fights John David (8-3).

LFA 115 | US | Friday

Light heavyweight Joshua Silveira (5-0)

Silveira trains out of American Top Team under head coach and his father, Conan Silveira. He’s currently 5-0 and went 4-0 as an amateur, so he does have good experience. Silveira wrestled in college for Arizona State University and was a Florida high school state champ. With that wrestling pedigree always in his back pocket, he’s able to let loose on the feet. His shot selection is very on-point with his hands, and his left high kick is very sneaky and dangerous. Silveira really checks all the boxes and is a major prospect to watch for. He fights Tee Cummins (3-0).

Light heavyweight, Tee Cummins (4-0)

Although Cummins isn’t experienced much in pro MMA, he has also dabbled in some bare-knuckle boxing for BKFC going 2-0. Cummins has displayed technical ability, patience, and finishing ability. That trifecta isn’t seen much at 205. In his last fight he was able to prove he can wrestler and end the fight with ground and pound. A lot still needs to be seen from Cummins, but he’s looked really good recently. Watching his old fights he’s improved quickly. He fights Josh Silveira (4-0).

Lightweight, Lucas Clay (7-1)

Lucas Clay has wins over good prospects like Brant Moore, JJ Okanovich, and Mike Breeden. On the feet, he’s still green but at least fights long. Clay is a grappler and mostly a submission artist. Both his submission wins are from a rare buggy choke. He is too willing to fight off his back but in the same sense, that’s where he’s most dangerous. There’s a lot Clay can improve on but he’s definitely worth a watch. He fights Jake Kozorosky (5-1).

Featherweight, Edwin Cooper Jr. (4-1)

Cooper is a three-time Illinois high school state champ, an NJCAA National Champ, a D2 finalist, and he was a national qualifier at the University of Iowa. His sole loss came by a submission where the ref made a mistake saying Cooper tapped. Cooper is a top-level wrestler. To wrestle is his intention in every fight as it should be. He’s very aggressive, strong, and crafty. Cooper has a deep gas tank being able to impose his will on you constantly. He’s got lock-down top control and some good ground and pound when the opening is there. He fights Andrew D Johnson (2-0-1).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOS7ZPXvWQY&t=1180s

Middleweight, Roland Dunlap (2-0)

Dunlap is someone that’s been on my radar ever since he was an amateur. Dunlap has won two wrestling state titles in high school and had a career record of 159-9. He went on to be a three-time All-American and wrestled D3 in the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. Along with that wrestling upbringing, his father was a high-level karate black belt. Dunlap fights very loosely and very long. He’ll throw a lot of kicks and he’ll attack with both legs attacking each side of his opponent. Where Dunlap shines is when he uses his wrestling. Dunlap does nice work changing levels as his opponents come forward to engage. He sneaks under punches to get a hold of the legs to lift guys up and slam them to the mat. To read my more in-depth piece on Dunlap click here. He fights Ryot Waller (3-6).

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: Christian Lee Looks to Continue His Reign appeared first on Cageside Press.

Titan FC 69 | Dominican Republic | Friday

Welterweight, Carlos Matos (8-0)

Matos is a big welterweight that is a promising 24-year-old out of the Dominican Republic. In 2019, Matos was a sambo Pan American Champion. His main trajectory is to get the fight to the mat. The wrestling isn’t as good as it should be as he uses his size to get the fights grounded. Of eight wins, he’s finished six of those by submission. From the moment it hits the mat Matos is attacking limbs working for submissions. He really dangerous in all areas grappling but taking the back and sinking in the RNC is where he excels. Matos fights Dilano Taylor (5-1).

Welterweight, Dilano Taylor (5-1)

Why is Taylor’s nickname The Postman? That’s because he delivers. A product out of Sanford MMA, Tayor is someone I have high praise for. With one sole loss as a pro, it was to Bellator’s Roman Faraldo so no shame in that. On the feet Taylor fights long very well and the striking he has is really crisp. He’s a big strong welterweight slinging and powering guys down to the mat. Taylor has some solid ground and pound and a good ground game all around. His only concern is his takedown defense and off his back but at 24 the sky is the limit. He fights Carlos Matos (8-0).

LFA 107 | US | Friday

Heavyweight, Alejandro Solorzano (9-2)

Solorzano does have an impressive record but so far he hasn’t blown me away so far. “Goliath” is a big man weighing in at the heavyweight limit at 265lbs and standing at 6’5″. Solorzano is purely a striker which is a reason he took a bare-knuckle boxing fight. He’s a technical boxer that keeps his hands high and picks his shots. He could be more active but is someone that counters well and puts it together nicely once he commits. Solorzano fights Vernon Lewis (8-4) which is a tough fight.

Bantamweight, Allan Begosso (5-0-1)

Born in Brazil, Begosso currently lives in the US in California and trains out of Team Alpha Male. Begosso isn’t active enough, only fighting once in the last three years. His level of competition hasn’t been great but has never fought anyone with a losing record. Due to the excitement level Begosso brings he’s a fun guy to watch for. He has a lot of power in his hands, is very explosive, and can finish the fight at any time. He fights Luciano Ramos (6-5).

ONE Championship | Singapore | Saturday

Strawweight, Ritu Phogat (4-0)

Phogat is still new to MMA, but is a former wrestler who won a gold medal in the 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship. So far in her MMA career, Ritu hasn’t had a problem getting the fight down. Once on top, she has proven to have heavy top control and really active ground and pounds. She still has a lot to show but has looked dominant. She fights Bi Nguyen (5-6) in a previously taped bout, and will then compete in the atomweight grand prix later in the month.

Valor Fighting Challenge 82 | US | Saturday

Heavyweight, Tee Cummins (3-0)

Cummins is only 3-0. Although he isn’t experienced much in pro MMA, Cummins has also dabbled in some bare-knuckle boxing for BKFC going 2-0. In his most recent fight for LFA, he displayed technical ability, patience, and still earned a sick finish. That trifecta isn’t seen much at 205. A lot still needs to be seen from Cummins, but he’s looked really good recently. Watching his old fights he’s improved quickly. Moving up to heavyweight, he will fight Eric Olsen (1-3).

Gulf Coast MMA 10 | US | Saturday

Welterweight, Michael Lombardo (11-2)

Lombardo has been on the Contender Series twice and won his last time out. He was never awarded a UFC contract after that win because it was frankly a boring performance. That having been said, it was a very dominant performance from Lombardo. Wrestling comes first with the style of Lombardo. He does have really sound wrestling and has solid chain wrestling as well. Along with the wrestling, he has good grappling as well. Lombardo fights Omar Johnson (7-3).

Fury FC 46 | US | Sunday

Welterweight, Nikolay Veretennikov (8-3)

Veretennikov is from Kazakhstan and has good wins over tough regional guys like Austin Jones, Artenas Young, and Steve Jones. He also holds a win over current UFC fighter Charlie Ontiveros. I believe Veretennikov has competed in wrestling, boxing, and does have a background in Sambo. He stays pressure-heavy moving forward and cutting the cage in half. He has a slew of weapons including kicks, knees, hooks, and wrestling. When he puts it together he’s like a gnat on a summer day. He fights former UFC fighter, Anthony Ivy (8-4).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlzr46N8OII

Featherweight, Cameron Graves (9-3)

Graves have been fighting on the regional scene in Texas for his entire career. Graves is the former Fury FC featherweight champion which is the premier promotion out of Texas. Graves has also fought twice for LFA. Momentum is everything and as Graves is on a two-fight win streak — but it was his last performance that stood out. It was a beautiful head kick knockout he scored to retain his Fury FC strap. Graves fights Fernando Padilla (13-4).

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: Ritu Phogat Looks to Stay Undefeated appeared first on Cageside Press.

First of all, how did you get into MMA?
My dad got me doing some pad work to help with my fitness for football. At the time I was in an academy he had a slight hope I’d start boxing as well as pursue my football career. My cousin, Will started MMA and invited me down to his gym. I completely fell in love with the sport straight away and ended up knocking football on the head. I didn’t start boxing and told my dad I was going to be an MMA fighter and luckily he was very supportive 😂.

Do you have any background in any other sports? If so, explain?
Yes Football academy level  and always competed for my school in rugby football and athletics.

What do you do for work or would MMA be your full-time job? 
I do part time work for my dad but train the rest of the time. He’s very supportive in my career

Who are you currently training with and who are some of your main sparring partners?
I train down Team Underground with the likes of Will Drewitt, my cousin ranked number five in the UK, Jahreau Shepherd, Rico Biggs, David and Chloe Cooke, Amir Shanelle Dyer and many more. I also occasionally get the great John Haggerty to join in the MMA class, he’s a savage! It’s all run by the captain of the ship Steve Cooke and he gets all the top prospects and killers down.

What is the reason behind your nickname “Humble”?
I have always been very respectful to coaches, training partners, and opponents. I’ve never trash talked and disrespected anyone I’ve been in there with. I’ve had late pullouts sometimes on the day and even some opponents trash talk me and my family but I remain calm and focused. I respect everyone who steps in the cage and is involved in this amazing sport. I always say no matter what I will let my performance do the talking. The actual name “Humble” Harry was given to me by the great Dave O’Donnell he started it for me and it stuck with everyone 😊

List of accomplishments such as titles, belt ranks, etc…?
Currently ranked 13th in the UK and Ireland hoping to break top ten after this win. Amateur K1 champion twice, Amateur MMA champion twice, pro UCMMA flyweight champion, and ECMMA flyweight champion.

What are your favorite striking and grappling techniques?
My favourite striking techniques are boxing, lots of feints mixed in with kicks to set up takedowns. I have my cousin, Archie Sharp highly ranked with the WBO and closing in on a world title so watching him helps me a lot. My dad was also a very good amateur boxer so I love picking up new boxing combinations. Grappling I love heel hooks and a variety of subs taught to me by Steve Cooke. Wrestling techniques I have learnt so many from Dean Bray who was at Titan for ten years. Being the smallest in every gym I’ve really had installed that wrestling grind philosophy in me. I love double legs high and crotches. I’m a true martial artist at heart and believe you are akways learning.

You’re set to fght Steffan Olegon coming up. He has no prior MMA experience so how hard is it to prepare for someone who has zero footage? 
At first I thought I’d find it hard because I study footage religiously but with the team I have I see so many different styles I feel ready for any style he brings. I was set to fight a boy with a good boxing pedigree but he pulled out last minute  I’ve heard my next opponent is a Swedish and he’s from a K1 background with so many K1 champions. We have in our gym guys like David Cooke, Shanelle Dyer, Chloe Cooke, and having both the great John Haggertys there. The list goes on of people I can train with or turn to for stand up advice. I’ll never be without quality stand up training at the great Team Underground. I’m also confident if he is exceptional on the feet I can take it to the ground and control him and finish him with ground and pound or find a submission.

You have one career loss in your career. What did you learn from that fight and how did it change you? 
It changed me so much. It was a fight I was winning and I learned anything can happen in this game to never take your foot off the gas and to always finish your opponent. If you have the chance also never take a fight if you’re not one hundred percent but I make no excuses he was the better man on that night. That is a fight I will certainly look to get back this year. We have become friends who have mutual respect for one another in the great words of Mikel Kessler “we will be friends before and after but no friends in the battle”.

You’re still so young in your career so where do you see yourself in three years from now?
I really see my self on a big show like ONE Championship. I love everything they stand for in martial arts and it is full of the best fighters in the world. I hope to be pushing on to become a world champion. With such good people behind me and a strong team I feel we can go all the way and that is why I got into this sport because I love it and to become a world champion

If you weren’t fighting today where would you be?
I would be working with my dad hoping to become a success like him my dad has worked very hard with his family run business for thirty years and then put money into property he never stops it’s admirable to say the least and the work ethic he’s installed in me has certainly helped my career he is the man I look up to so I’d certainly be learning under him in business he’s the first person I go to for advice If I achieve half as much as he has I’ll be a happy man.

Q&A

Favorite movie?

Roadhouse. If you haven’t seen it trust me go watch.

Favorite TV show?

Peaky Blinders. Can’t get enough.

Favorite wrestler growing up?

Triple H. I tried all the moves on my cousin Will. He’s bigger than me now and the fifth ranked featherweight so I can’t anymore. I’d always practice the pedigree on my little brother poor kid 😂

Favorite cheat meal?

It’s gotta be pizza.

Skittles or M&M’s?

M&MS for sure 

Favorite workout?

Circuits. I feel that continuous training really replicates a fight.

Favorite game growing up?

Bulldog. Some good memories. 

What’s a goal you have?

To make my parents proud.

Secret/Unknown talent?

I’m a really good singer. I’ve been called the song bird of my generation, that’s a step brothers quote but yeah after a win I do have a sing with the family and team back at the house 😂

Least favorite fighter?

Bob Sapp and no words needed.

Sh*t talker or Sweet talker?

Sweet talker. Me trying to trash talk would be hard to watch 😂

Favorite sports and sports team?

I mainly watch MMA but also I like a bit of football. My Favourite sports team is Manchester United and it can be hard being a united fan lately 😂

Favorite current and past MMA fighter?

My favourite current MMA fighter is Khabib, what he has done is extraordinary. And past MMA fighter would have to be GSP, the man’s an all time great whose resume speaks for itself.

Ferguson or Khabib?

For me it’s gotta be Khabib I could never go against a man that dominant but I do feel it’ll be the hardest fight if his career and well finally see him in some adversity because let’s face it up to now there’s been barely any.

What’s a fear you have?

To not fulfill my potential and not get what I want out of life

Pet peeve?

People who don’t  know the difference between cagefighting, MMA and who shout ‘hit him’ 😂

Boldest MMA prediction?

MMA will one day be as big as boxing in the UK.

The post Get to Know UCMMA/ECMMA Flyweight Champ Harry Keane appeared first on Cageside Press.

WXC 86 | Wednesday | US

Featherweight: Collin Anglin (6-1)

Collin Anglin is a confident fighter who keeps his hands low but relies on his movement. Anglin switches stances often and stays busy throwing combinations from a lot of angles. He throws mainly in bursts and throws well mixing in kicks to his arsenal. Anglin also has some good head movement and exceptional cardio getting better as the fight goes on. Not fully sold on him yet as he needs to fight better competition. He fights Will Frost (1-1).

UAE Warriors 10 | Friday | Abu Dhabi

Lightweight: Josh Togo (7-3)

A few years ago, Togo was on a three-fight skid. Now he’s won his last three fights (also a NC) and is the current Eternal MMA lightweight champ. Togo doesn’t have a lot of power but has the technical ability on the outside to work opponents. He will pick his foes apart with lead leg kicks, lead uppercuts, and jabs mixing it up. He fights Ali Dyusenov (3-2).

UCC 48 | Friday | Panama

Strawweight: Pierangela Rodriguez Giunta (4-0)

Pierangela Rodriguez Giunta is an all-action type fighter who is a fun one to watch. She badly needs to work on her takedown defense as that is by far her weakest area. Rodriguez loves to just throw her hands. In her constant rapid attack, she does hit hard and is pretty accurate. Her aggressive style is one of the reasons she has a 100% finish rate. She fights her biggest challenge to date in Kayla Hracho (1-0).

ONE Championship | Friday | Philippines

Flyweight: Lito Adiwang (10-2)

Fighting out of the Philippines, Lito Adiwang is on a roll winning his last six 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 Pongsiri Mitsatit (10-4) who is his biggest challenge to date.

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

LFA 81 | Friday | US

Featherweight: Jamall Emmers (16-4)

Jamall Emmers is a very technical striker that always throws one-two’s as the power isn’t there but the combinations and aggressiveness shine. The wrestling is solid where his shots are perfectly-timed and solid execution is done very well. With his upcoming fight with Rafael Barbosa, himself a very good prospect, there is a lot of promise for the winner.

Emmers has some good wins but he has huge wins against UFC contenders Alexander Hernandez and Cory Sandhagen. In 2018 he had a chance at a UFC contract on the Contender Series but lost to Julian Erosa. Since then, Emmers is on a three-fight win streak. He fights a tough prospect in Rafael Barbosa (12-2).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=METD7qU-KB0

CFFC 81 | Saturday | US

Middleweigh: Kyle Daukaus (8-0)

On the feet, Kyle Daukaus is not great but throws a lot of volume and is very good using his length. He’s much more versed on the mat and his wrestling to get in there is good. Daukaus has a good submission base with seven wins by submission with his D’Arce choke being a prime choice. He’s active with his submission attempts and his ground and pound as well. He fights Nolan Norwood (12-5).

Bantamweight: Alexander Keshtov (9-0)

Alexander Keshtov is an undefeated fighter out of the amazing camp K-Dojo Warrior Tribe training with some UFC fighters and other top prospects. Keshtov is an excellent prospect as he is super diverse, throwing many different attacks both with his striking and kicks and he puts them all together perfectly. While his wrestling hasn’t been on display much, he owns solid takedown defense. He definitely looks like a future UFC fighter. He fights Herbeth Sousa (14-1).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BOSDmsyVSg

Bantamweight: Herbeth Sousa (14-1)

With only one loss, Herbeth Sousa is currently on a three-fight win streak. “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. He still needs some work on the feet but only 25-years-old, not even in his prime in MMA terms. He fights Alexander Keshtov (9-0).

Featherweight: Pat Sabatini (11-2)

Pat Sabatini has only two losses in his career to top prospects in Jose Mariscal and Robert Watley. Sabatini does have a background in grappling, competing in several competitions, and has a background in combat sambo. Sabatini is clearly dangerous on the mat with nine finishes all coming by submission. He is very improved with solid trip takedowns, good ground-and-pound, improved stand up and excellent cardio. He fights James Gonzalez (5-3).

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: CFFC 81 Takes Center Stage appeared first on Cageside Press.

For most of its history, Mixed Martial Arts as a sport has been recognized in mainstream culture by one brand: the UFC. The power commanded by this promotion was so great that it gave birth to people saying things like “do you train UFC?” However, for the past few years, as the sport gained popularity, fans in the mainstream have started exploring the sport beyond the promotion, and this has brought in several organizations into the spotlight.

Starting from KSW in Europe to Brave in the middle-east to ONE and RIZIN in Asia, several promotions have popped up and have created their own dedicated audiences. Fighters today have the option of gaining fame in the MMA community without strictly relying on UFC. Promotions like Bellator MMA have also seen a significant growth by securing TV deals in large markets like the U.K., India and elsewhere.

While it would clearly be hyperbole to say that one of these promotions can challenge the UFC in terms of scale and audience, one effect of the sport’s expanding audience is the rise of star fighters in other promotions. Fighters like Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (Bellator) and Angela Lee (ONE Championship) are ranked as high in some independent mainstream MMA rankings as the UFC’s own fighters. Their popularity has increased to a global level in some cases, thanks to the backing of their respective promotions. Thus raising the question, how would these fighters fare in the UFC? And could a champion from ONE or KSW or Bellator actually challenge a UFC champion? These questions today are limited to very small hardcore pockets and are most often not raised in the mainstream yet, but for how long?

When the UFC signed former Bellator and ONE champion, Ben Askren it was time to put the theory of “fighters from other promotion being as good as UFC champions” to test. Eddie Alvarez had been a forerunner in the debate, but Askren was one of the most popular MMA fighters to have not competed in the UFC. He was regarded as an elite wrestler with the capability of beating even the best UFC fighters. His reign in Bellator saw him beating the likes of Douglas Lima and Andrey Koreshkov. Askren would secure a record-setting four title defenses before he moved to Asia with ONE, where he took out opponents with ease.

If Askren does manage to become a legit contender with multiple wins in the UFC, it adds a lot of weight to the argument that the UFC has lost its stranglehold on the best fighters in the world. However, if he doesn’t win it strongly reinforces the idea that UFC still is the home to the best, and that only the best make it big there.

So far, at least by the looks of it, fans haven’t given their verdict on Askren just yet. He may have won his first fight against former champion Robbie Lawler, but the victory was very controversial and most thought that prior to the possibly premature ending Lawler was winning. The second fight was simply way too short. The fight more of became a compliment to Jorge Masvidal’s abilities than a comment on Askren’s career.

Now, Askren is scheduled to face one of the best grapplers to enter the Octagon, Demian Maia. The pair headline UFC Singapore this weekend.

Maia is a UFC stalwart with a very stacked resume. He has had two shots at the UFC gold, one at middleweight against the great Anderson Silva, the other against Tyrone Woodley at welterweight. This pairing might become the performance on which Askren is evaluated on in the end. Though the fight is taking place in Asia and the card is a minor one, the names involved in the main event are huge.

Whether or not one fight really answers the questions we have about Askren, or one fighter answers the question of whether UFC fighters are truly the best, is open to debate. Nevertheless it should be fun to see what fans make of Askren after the fight, and whether it changes the way they look at non-UFC champions.

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ONE Championship lands in Bangkok, Thailand this Friday, while RIZIN will be in Nagoya, Japan for RIZIN 18 on Sunday. Those are just two of the cards going down this weekend that will see several MMA prospects in action. So without further adieu, here’s the most recent installment of our Weekly MMA Prospect report!

S-70 | Tuesday | Russia

Featherweight, Leonardo Limberger (12-1)

Limberger has shown one-punch knockout power, but his high volume output is where he excels. He throws one-twos from a variety of angles, almost never throwing just one strike, and mixes in kicks beautifully. The featherweight is an excellent range fighter with great footwork and perfectly-timed counters. He uses leg kicks as one of his main weapons and does a good job switching to spinning kicks that are neither sloppy nor telegraphed at all.

Limberger has underrated wrestling, as he has great timing on his double leg and he sets it up and executes perfectly. On the mat, you can’t ask for much more, possessing good BJJ on top or off of his back, which shows in his five submission victories. Limberger is constantly passing into better positions, getting the mount and the back, and landing effective ground and pound. He fights Boris Fedorov (9-1) who is something of a question mark.

One Championship | Friday | Thailand

Flyweight, Asha Roka (4-0)

Fighting out of India, Asha Roka is a young prospect at only 20-years-old. She has got her cage time out of the way very quickly with her longest fight going 1:41. On the other side her fastest win is a 0:09 knockout. Roka has experience in boxing and bringing it into the cage she does have two knockouts in her MMA career. She’s also shown a submission game with two submission wins. She’s very wild but aggressive, throwing wild hard hooks while staying on the gas. Roka still has a lot to show and needs a step up in competition bad. She fights Ning Stamp (1-0).

Featherweight, Thanh Le (9-2)

Thanh Le is a karate-based fighter and one of the most exciting known prospects out there. He has amazing power, kicks, and punches with “lights out” written on everything he throws. His takedown defense was a problem in the past but he has seemed to improve in that area in his most recent bouts. He is 33-years old, so another loss would be a big step back. He fights Kotetsu Boku (26-13-2) who is on a two-fight skid.

Next up, XFC, CFFC, and RIZIN 18!

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Himanshu Kaushik created waves in the Indian MMA community following his first-round knockout win over Egi Rozten at ONE Championship: Hero’s Ascent. It was a big day for India as Indian fighters didn’t usually find much success in major international promotions. He took some time to answer questions about his last fight, future, state of Indian MMA, and more.

Paarth Pande: You were a Wushu fighter. What got you interested in MMA?

Himanshu Kaushik: When I was practicing Wushu, Super Fight League was launched in India. Wushu fighters like Rajinder Singh Meena and Paritosh were specially invited to fight over there. So after watching them compete, I got interested in the sport. As they didn’t have my weight class, 48KG, I had to wait for a year and build up to 56 KGs. After touching 54 KGs, I emailed them my achievements and they gave me a chance to compete.

PP: Earlier this year you secured a win in ONE Championship. How did it feel? Do you think your win proves that Indian MMA fighters can deliver at international platforms?

HK: After this win, I felt I have managed to do something people before I haven’t. The amount of support and wishes I got made me very happy. Yes, I feel that me, Pooja [Tomar] and many others winning at ONE proves that Indian MMA fighters can come forward. This is the very beginning of Indian MMA, I feel after some time we will also win titles.

PP: Why do Indian fighters find it difficult to win at the international stage?

HK: We are ready for everything but we start panicking. In major events, all the gyms like Phuket Top Team and Gold MMA come with their specialized team. We, on the other hand, only have our cornerman with us. Also, there is a serious shortage of resources in India. Everybody here is solely focused on cricket and wrestling, no one focuses on MMA. So, we only get limited training. The gyms here too are Judo-based or wrestling-based but there is no proper MMA gym. India also lacks proper MMA institutions. Every country has one major gym in their country, India so far doesn’t have one.

PP: What are your thoughts on your last performance? What went wrong?

HK: I wasn’t well. A day before the fight I had loose motions, vomiting, and fever. There was a lot of weakness in my body. Hence, I got tired very quickly in the fight. I did follow my gameplan early in the fight but I didn’t have the stamina.

I was healthy when I took the fight. I fell ill a day before the fight. See, in ONE championship, they weigh you three times. I cleared the first and second attempt. It was the third attempt from which I couldn’t recover. As soon as I had food, I got loose motions. I don’t exactly know what happened. On the day of the fight, where the weight class was 56.9KG, my weight with clothes was 56.4.

PP: Do you plan on fighting soon?

HK: Yes. I will fight this year. I might even fight twice more this year.

PP: What are your thoughts on the current state of Indian MMA?

HK: At the present moment, we are very behind the entire international scene. But if we open up good gyms and fighters get good opportunities, then we can grow. For instance one of the fighters, Roshan [Mainam] was picked by Evolve MMA to train over there for two years. Now the Roshan who will return will be completely different from the Roshan who went from here.

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