Since signing with UFC has been on a three fight win knockout streak. Defeating former Alaska FC Bantamweight Victor Rodriguez, former Combate Americas Bantamweight Champion and Randy Costa whose a tough dude not like he’s easy.
Adrian Yanez is the REAL DEAL, Not superstar level but definitely can be a fan favorite. He has those street DAWGS in there hands.
“For me, I’m still going to try to punch him in the face and do whatever I can to get the win. When you’re in there, it’s you or him, and to me, I’m always thinking it has to be me. I have to win and be the guy that comes out on top. The first part of that was definitely because Randy was doing such a good job.”
Adrian Yanez definitely going to win more with the dawgs in his hands, He’s very very GOOD and I watch MMA all the time.
27 years old, Rising UFC Bantamweight prospect with exciting fights and finishes. Skies the limit for Adrian Yanez, He’s a top 20-25 UFC Bantamweight. Really looking forward to seeing what’s in stored for Adrian Yanez in 2021.
“Hopefully, I can get two more fights in after this fight. It would set me up somewhere in a top-25 fight for the 2022 year, so I can really just dig my feet into the ground, grind and work my way up to the top-15, top-5, and hopefully the belt. That’s my plans, and I’m sticking to it.”
Timur Valiev former WSOF Bantamweight signed with UFC, First fight was a knockout loss than now TWO back to back dominant wins. 18-2 record, Prime of his career. From the hard part of Dagestan that have something under the water over there because they breed WORLD CLASS fighters.
Gold Medalist in the European Pankration Champion and Pankration World Champion.
Valiev vs Yanez would be fun fight to watch, TWO different styles which can be very interesting.
Tony Gravely
Former #1 United States Bantamweight prospect, Won SEVERAL regional bantamweight titles. On a two fight winning streak fought everyone from Merab Dvalishvili, Ricky Bandejas, Patchy Mix in his MMA career.
Trains with killers at American Top Team. All the success lead him to fighting for UFC.
Louis Smolka UFC Fifteen Fight veteran was going to fight Sean O’ Malley but Smolka got a staph infection. Louis Smolka is definitely a tough guy fought all the talented fighters, Adrian Yanez can definitely see where’s he at talent wise. What needs to be fixed.
Smolka is a dawg and will put everything on the line in the Octagon. Definitely can be another slug fest in the making.
Farid Bashrat London Shootfighters Bantamweight prospect flying to Czech Republic to fight on Oktagon 26 facing Janne Elonen-Kulmala Top Finland Bantamweight prospect with a 16-8-1 record.
Farid Bashrat brother Javid Bashrat is a 10-0 Lightweight prospect from England. Farid last fight was at Contender Norwich 29 dominating Marco Zannetti. Farid has that Lyoto Machida and old Conor McGregor taekwondo fighting style.
Levi Mowles
Levi Mowles 14-4 #1 Bantamweight prospect from United States. Former CFFC Bantamweight Champion, Atlas Fights Bantamweight Champion. No doubt Levi Mowles is going on the Dana White Contender Series in 2021, Next step in MMA career.
Levi next fight is facing Teruto Ishihara former UFC Bantamweight. Test fight for Levi to see he’s talented enough to face UFC fighters.
Ryoji Kudo
Ryoji Kudo 10-1-1 record 28 years old, Seven Fight Winning streak with a three round FIRST ROUND KO streak. Fought on the One Warrior Series where Rich Franklin discover next prospects for One Champion.
Ryoji Kudo prime of his career, Talented southpaw striker. This dude is an animal, Continues to PRESSURE his opponents. Watching his fights started making me become a fan of him. Focus on his standup but has solid Jiu-Jitsu game.
Ryoji Kudo fighting for the VACANT SHOOTO Featherweight Title. Looking to become one of the best Japan prospects sign with UFC, Bellator or One Championship in 2021.
EVERY MMA fan is excited for TJ Dillashaw vs Cory Sandhagen Main Event fight but top to bottom is a sneaky card.
Maycee Barber vs Miranda Maverick
Maycee Barber hot prospect as she was determined to become the UFC youngest champion, Taking over the throne over Valentina Shevchenko. Torn ACL stopped the momentum of Maycee Barber losing to Roxanne Modaferri than to Alexa Grasso.
“Bring it on,” Barber told MMA Junkie at a media day at the UFC Apex. “It’s been a roller coaster, but it’s been a huge learning lesson, and I’ve had a lot of fun with it. There’s going to be good times and bad times along life, and I’m ready for it all – and ready to learn and grow from it all.”
Switching camps to Team Alpha Male, Owned by Urijah Faber. Looking to change things up.
“It’s been really good, you know, California is amazing. It’s super beautiful, and I got a good tan, but the team overall, you know, is a lot of motivated people. There are people that are trying to be at the top of the UFC, and there are also people who are trying to get into the UFC and in other big promotions. I feel like there are two different levels of hunger, but they’re both hunger.”
I just love how everybody is in the same building as well and they are all on the same page which is what I need at this point in my career. I’ve also been working with Urijah Faber a lot and got some work in with Danny Castillo, Chris Holdsworth, and then all their fighters around my weight there.”
Defeating Miranda Maverick definitely help her confidence boost, Feels good to get that first win back. Barber returning to a winning streak in 2021.
Miranda Maverick former Invicta Flyweight Tournament winner, Two fight UFC winning streak at 24 years old with a 9-2 record. #13 UFC Flyweight right now and defeating the hot prospect Maycee Barber but Miranda Maverick is her own hot prospect.
“My school will be over in the fall, and then I’ll have less to worry about, so I’ll be able to put more of my focus on fighting. And I’m really excited about what I can do [as a fighter] when I have that time to focus more on training, nutrition, all of those kinds of things that lead to success in this business.”
“I’m still pretty young in this sport and I’ve got a lot ahead of me. The key is to keep learning and getting better and I do feel I’ll be better [Saturday] than the last version of me you saw.”
“That’s the only fight I didn’t want because I think we are very young prospects and I think we both have a big future in this sport,” Miranda said. “She (Maycee) is already on a two-fight losing streak, she is gonna be on a three-fight losing streak.”
Maycee Barber vs Miranda Maverick is gonna be a GREAT FIGHT on paper very curious to see how these three rounds breakdown.
Punahele Soriano vs Brendan Allen
Punahele Soriano Xtreme Couture product, Contender Series alumni is on a two fight winning streak with TWO first round KO’s. Soriano 8-0 record at 28 years old. 2021 can be a MAJOR year for him to put his name out there.
“It comes with a lot of pressure, but I love to live up to that and push beyond that,” offered Soriano, who missed all of 2020 after dealing with a hip injury. “I don’t want to just be another Hawaiian with a granite chin that can hit hard — I want to be the Hawaiian that can do that and everything else; the guy that can wrestle, can grapple, can win hard rounds, and can grind it out.
“I know he comes from a good camp — they’ve got tough guys there, good coaches — but I’m just going to go out there and out-fight him. I’m not afraid to get tired. I’m not afraid to get in there and give it my all. I’m not afraid to die out there.
Brendan Allen Former LFA Middleweight Champion, Won a contract on the Dana White Contender Series. Dealt with a tough loss against Sean Strickland but defeated a REALLY GOOD Karl Roberson.
Before the loss Allen was on a three fight winning streak but can start it up again.
“If I can match that feeling again, perform that way again, I feel like it’s my time to make a run,” he added with an eye towards the future. “After this one, I’ll have fought down twice, defended my spot, and hopefully I can get a big name and get someone in the Top 10.
Switched camps to Florida Powerhouse Sanford MMA, Training with the killers of killers from Gilbert Burns, Jason Jackson(Bellator Welterweight) Michael Chandler, Derek Brunson to name a few. Learning from different styles, Coaches Henri Hooft & Greg Jones.
Iron sharpens Iron and Brendan Allen tools have definitely sharpened.
I was extremely excited when UFC signed Mateusz Gamrot former KSW Featherweight and KSW Lightweight Champion. One of the best European prospects before signing with UFC.
Gamrot making his third UFC appearance against the UFC veteran Hardest hitting 145 pounder Jeremy Stephens.
“Jeremy has a very big name in the United States and I am very happy about this,” said Gamrot, detailing why he’s excited to share the cage with the battle-tested veteran on Saturday night at the UFC APEX. “He is very experienced, a UFC legend, and it is a pleasure to fight with him because if I win, my name jumps up to the next level.
UFC is high on Mateusz Gamrot as he’s a hungry fighter in the prime of his career at 30 years old.
2021 can be a huge year for Gamrot pursuing the UFC Lightweight Title, Defeating a respected fighter like Jeremy Stephens.
“My dream is No. 1 the world championship,” Gamrot stated. “This is my goal. Of course, money is very important but for me, I need to become champion.”
Training at the POWERHOUSE MMA Gym American Top Team iron sharpens iron and Gamrot will look to be better than ever even during his KSW title run days.
My big goal is of course winning the belt of the lightweight division. I don’t know when, but for sure I will be UFC champion in the future.” For now, however Gamrot will take it step by step. “This Saturday, if I win against Jeremy, big jump, and I would like the next opponent [to be] maybe top 20, top 15, because I think I deserve it.”
KSW #1 Polish MMA promotion, Top European MMA promotion has another event with Light Heavyweight between Szymon Kolecki vs Akop Szostak. Mid card Main Card fight is a bantamweight battle between two of the best KSW Bantamweights. Paweł Polityło vs Bruno Santos.
Pawel Politylo
Pawel Politylo 6-2 record trains at Straight Blast Gym Ireland yes same gym as the Mega Star Conor McGregor. “Polish Eagle” is a pitbull.
Chad Mendes body type, Two fight winning streak. Defeating Czech Republic prospect David Martinik in his KSW debut.
Bruno Santos
Bruno Santos 22 years old challenged Antun Racic for the KSW Bantamweight Title in his KSW debut. Didn’t go his way but shows something to challenge one of the best European Bantamweights.
Bellator been stacking cards lately since there Showtime contract. Headliner for Bellator 262 is Juliana Velasquez defending her Bellator Flyweight title against Denise Keilholtz multi-time Kickboxer.
Multiple underrated fights to watch and future title challengers for Bellator.
Johnny Eblen
Former nickname is Korean Canelo because of his heavy hands, Aiming for the striking instead of the high level wrestling.
Johnny Eblen trains at American Top Team with Bellator Welterweight Champion Yaraslav Amosov, Austin Vanderford. Daily basis training with killers on a daily basis only makes you better, Pushing you to the limits.
“I feel like I’ve been evolving as a human as a whole,” said Eblen. “I’ve been making adjustments with my lifestyle and how I train, how I think about training, and how I think about everyday habits in general.
“I still have to make more adjustments, but for this year I’ve made a lot of changes in my life for the better and you can definitely tell it’s transferring over to my performances.”
Eblen comes from Missouri University, Former champions like Tyron Woodley, Michael Chandler & Ben Askren used to wrestle there.
Eblen looks to become the next success story coming out of Missouri. 29 years old 8-0 record.
Cody Law
Bright prospect from American Top Team, Former Division 2 All American wrestler. Scott Coker signed Cody Law with NO PRO Fights, 5-0 Amateur record and now a 3-0 Bellator record. Gradually building the name of Cody Law same way Bellator did with AJ McKee, Now look where he is.
“(I need to) get the finish,” Law said. “I’m really focused on getting finishes and improving. My last fight, I made a lot of mistakes and I’m looking to improve, show a better version of myself, and always get the finish.”
Conor McGregor Ireland’s most popular athlete, One of the biggest stars in the sports world today put Ireland MMA on the ma. Now there’s many MMA fighters looking to become the next Ireland UFC champion, Following the footsteps of there hero Conor McGregor.
Cage Warriors Welterweight Champion Ian Garry born and raised in Ireland has dreams of becoming a UFC champion, Close to being offered a UFC contract in 2021 no doubt about it.
“I have my eyes set on the best promotion in the world, and I want to be the best and leave a legacy. That has not changed whatsoever.
Winning a Cage Warriors Welterweight Title is a incredible accomplishment before fighting for the UFC. Stepping stone in the right direction.
One of the best Welterweights not fighting for UFC.
“I want to be the greatest to ever do this,” Garry said. “Everyone in the pound-for-pound G.O.A.T. conversation has been a UFC champion and that’s exactly what I want to do. I need to take it one step at a time because I can’t look too far in the future.
Dana White searching for hungry prospects looking for the finish in there fights and Ian Garry checks Dana White’s wishlist. Garry has 5 finishes in the first or second round with a 7-0 record.
Ian Garry gets it done! After a vicious finish, he targets the title 🏆
7-0 record Cage Warriors Welterweight Champion 2 years old, Five Star tools. Possible next Ireland MMA star. Future UFC Fighter.
“There is no way I’m picking Bellator over the UFC. I’m in this to be the best. I don’t really care about being paid,” exclaimed Garry. “If Bellator comes to me with an offer that’s great that’s fine but I don’t really care. For me the only reason I would go to that level is if I can’t make it to the UFC or for some reason I’m not good enough to make it to the UFC. My mind is purely focused on making it to the UFC and that’s what I will do. That’s why I’m with Cage Warriors — if I didn’t wanna go to the UFC I probably would have signed with Bellator already before Cage Warriors. Cage Warriors is the proving land to the UFC, they have proven time and time again with 95 people to the UFC. I’m hoping I’m gonna be number 100.”
Cage Warriors Welterweight Champion has the killer instinct, Extreme confident in his kills in addition to working hard in training that lead him to become a big time Welterweight prospect.
No matter of time before signing with UFC. Defending his title once in dramatic fashion than signing UFC or maybe getting a short notice fight.
Bellator 261 fight of the night was Daniel Weichel vs Keoni Diggs. What a FIGHT, Wish the fight was five rounds but it’s all good. Back and forth technical stand up fight.
Daniel Weichel won by Decision (split) (29–28, 28–29, 30–27) but Keoni Diggs won this fight no disrespect to Weichel but Keoni Diggs beat him stastically, Won the third round. The commentators were saying Diggs won as well.
The judges messed up on this one.
Loss on Diggs record but Diggs need to keep his head held up high, I was so impressed with his striking. Continuing to stand up with Weichel. Hearing the popp in Diggs hands, See Weichel backing up.
Diggs 34 years old 9-1 record crazy improvements. Love to see more of Keoni Diggs, Next up for him can be Pedro Carvalho, Saul Rogers or Jeremy Kennedy.
Hawaii has Max Holloway, BJ Penn, Ilima Lei Macfarlane and Keoni Diggs is one of the NEXT GREAT Hawaii born MMA fighters.
You gotta pay your dues and it’s a lot of ups and downs and of course it just makes when you get to where you’re at and you’re still climbing, I’m still climbing and we’re just trying to get to where we’re at and you never know where we’re gonna end up but we just keep pushing forward, pushing forward and it definitely makes it a lot sweeter. You stop a little and think back on things like, wow.
Keoni Diggs looked confident, In right mindset just sucks the judges got it wrong. Hope Scott Coker gives Diggs a solid fight, He impressed me a lot. Looking forward to Keoni’s next fight in 2021.
Shavkat Rakhmonov after ONE UFC FIGHT is becoming one of my favorite MMA fighters. I was extremely impressed with his UFC debut against the tough respected Cowboy Oliveira at UFC 254.
Before signing with UFC was the M1- Welterweight Champion, M1 is one of the best PROMOTIONS in the world.
Awaiting his next UFC fight. No more awaiting as Shavkat is facing Michel Prazeres on the prelims of Gane vs Volkov.
Shavkat is a UFC prospect to KEEP on your radar if there’s a SHAVKAT PSA 10 card definitely buy all of them.
Defeating Michel Prazeres will lead to tougher ranked fighters top 25 ATLEAST. Fights against Carlos Condit, Tim Means, Daniel Rodriguez all make sense.
Cage Warriors #1 European Feeder League next event is at Cage Warriors 124 THIS FRIDAY. Headlining event is Agy Sardari defending his Cage Warriors Lightweight Title against Joe McColgan.
Co Main Event was David Bear vs Justin Burlinson. Justin Burlinson having a spectacular Cage Warriors debut. Ground and Pound TKO knockout in the second.
Justin Burlinson 2021 & 2022
Justin Burlinson rising British Welterweight 5-0 record at 24 years old. Wins before his Cage Warriors wins fought on the Bellator stage. Finishing all of his opponents.
Burlinson is flying under the radar but with the Cage Warriors win against a VERY TOUGH David Bear who fought for Brave Combat Federation before and Desert Force. Making his second Cage Warriors appearance.
2021 Burlinson can make serious noise, Becoming a Cage Warriors Welterweight title contender in 2021. Defeating the highly respect and highly Cage Warriors ranked David Bear.
Up next for Burlinson can be facing a favorite European prospect of mine Mateusz Figlak whose on a three fight winning streak.
Winner of Burlinson vs Figlak deserves a Cage Warriors Welterweight title shot as they challenge the winner of Jack Grant vs Ian Garry(Vacant cage Warriors Welterweight Title.)
Yaroslav Amosov Finally won the Bellator Welterweight Title against Douglas Lima, One of the best Welterweights in the world. Yaroslav Amosov continuing his undefeated record of 26-0, Showing he’s one of the best Welterweights in the world.
Start defending his Bellator Welterweight Title and Yaroslav Amosov will get the respect he deserves.
What’s Yaroslav Amosov first title defense should be against first?
Jason Jackson
Yaroslav Amosov asked for the All-Around talented Jason Jackson. Former LFA WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION, Training partners with Gilbert Burns, Vicente Luque.
Jackson on a hot streak since signing with Bellator, Defeating Jordan Mein, Benson Henderson, Neiman Gracie and Paul Daley. Can’t go wrong defeating these talented fighters. BJJ black belts and former UFC champions.
I met (Jason) Jackson. He’s a good guy. He’s a very positive man. We talked. He’s a good guy. We (said), after this fight, if I won, then maybe Jackson would be the next fight together. No problem, with a smile. I think it’s Jason Jackson.
Jason Jackson trains with some of the best fighters in the world formerly Kamaru Usman, Michael Chandler, Gilbert Burns.
100% confident he can challenge and give Amosov the toughest fight of his life. Five Round highly technical fight constant back and forth. Not a sloppy Micky Ward vs Arturo Gatti fight but a beautiful display of Mix Martial Arts, Bringing the Bellator Welterweight division to the next level.
“And I’ll be fighting Amosov because that’s the fight everyone wants to see.”
Including myself and many MMA fans wants to see Yaroslav Amosov vs Jason Jackson. WORLD CLASS Welterweight clash!! Might see a change of a champion or we see Yaroslav Amosov defend his title successfully, Showing how talented this man is.
Do we see Amosov dominate Jason Jackson with grappling, Maybe Jackson fighting
Yaroslav Amosov vs Jason Jackson Summer of 2021 or Fall of 2021 Headlining a Bellator Showtime card.
Anthony Romero one of the best Lightweight Prospects in the United States. Every hardcore MMA fan knows who this guy is. Fought on the Dana White Contender Series, Won his fight but sadly didn’t get the UFC contract.
Romero won his last fight at LFA 96 but no UFC contract. Hopefully with a first round finish Sean Shelby or Mick Maynard offers a UFC contract. Maybe Bellator comes around.
Headlining Fury FC 47 against Anderson Hutchinson.
9-0
24 years old
Ohio Combat League Lightweight Champion
UAE Warriors 20
Martun Mezhlumyan Armenia Lightweight prospect with a 11-2 record, Won the Eagles Fighting Championship Lightweight Title. Back and Forth High Level Paced fight against one of the best Eastern Europe MMA Fighters Valeriu Mircea.
28 years old
11-2 record
8 first round finishes
Fought for UAE Warriors, ACB, M-1 Global
Amiran Gogoladze 11-1 record at 23 years old, #1 Georgian Welterweight Prospect. Making his UAE Warriors debut as he came into this fight with several first round finishes. Nickname is the sniper for a reason.
Amiran opponent is Handesson Ferreira, Former PFL Wleterweight. If Amiran wants to catch the eye of the UFC or Bellator defeating a former PFL Fighter will help get a contract.
Fight of the Night WAR will be happening with Dan Ige vs Korean Zombie. Dan Ige looking to become a top ten Featherweight in 2021. Fighters like Aleksa Camur and Casey O’Neill looking to become top ten fighters in the next following years.
Aleksa Camur
Stipe Miocic protégé Aleksa Camur making his third appearance after losing to William Knight at UFC 253. Stipe Miocic kept calling Dana White while watching Camur on the Dana White Contender Series. Knocking out his opponent with a flying knee.
Camur 1-1 with the UFC but looking to a hot start to 2021 with a win against Nick Negumereanu.
“Obviously, I love a quick finish. A quick finish is awesome. A decision, you know, it is what it is. But, a three-round war or a five-round war, whether it’s like the main event or an undercard fight, I’d love that. I’d have fun doing that.”
I train with Stipe as much as I can. He’s a huge help for my career. He hits hard, so I know going into fights that these guys aren’t going to hit as hard as he does. He guides me inside and outside of the octagon – not only Stipe, but the whole team at Strong Style.”
Quick finish can lead to better fights for the prospect out of Strong Style Fight Team. Becoming one of the rising prospects for the UFC Light Heavyweight Division.
Casey O’Neill
Gradually becoming one of my favorite prospects to watch. Before signing with UFC was one of the best Women’s Flyweight prospects in the world. Training at Xtreme Couture with Dan Ige, Coached by one of the best MMA coaches Eddie Barraco.
“I feel like the community of people at Xtreme Couture and 10th Planet is small, but they’re super close to each other,” O’Neill said. “Everybody is willing to help you out and give you time and give you their body to be a partner. Eddie (Barraco) has all the time in the world for me to hold pads and everything, so it’s a very friendly environment, and they make you feel at home straight away. Being an outsider, you don’t always get that, but I felt it straight away here.”
Casey O’Neil can really make a mark in the Flyweight Division as she carves her opponents with technical Muay Thai. Right now one of the most talented flyweights.
“I look at my division and I see myself as one of the top five in the division, and with experience and time I’m going to prove that to everybody else. Obviously I’m super young and I have a lot of time to grow, but I’m definitely one of the most talented people in the flyweight division, in my opinion.
Only 23 years old, Casey O’Neill can have a long promising UFC Women’s flyweight career, Challenging for the title. Really looking forward to this fight for Casey O’Neill and her 2021 UFC campaign.
It’s official Pico becoming a future Bellator Featherweight Champion, Aaron Pico looks like a world beater ever since switching camps to JacksonWink. Pico on a four fight winning streak DOMINATING his opponents with finishes.
Pico defeating tough fighters like Daniel Carey, Solo Hatley, Aiden Lee but now it’s time to defeat top ten opponents.
Begin his rise to the Bellator Featherweight Title in 2021.
” I feel like I’m one of the best fighters in Bellator it sounds so cliche but everybody wants to call people out but the fact of the matter is that you never know what goes behind closed doors, I don’t know what goes that’s why I have a manager.” Aaron Pico
“These guys, Henry Corrales, Zack Freeman, Adam Borics, they fought me when I knew nothing about the game,” Pico told reporters at the Bellator 260 post-fight news conference. “I mean, I laugh at the stuff I used to think about before a fight.
Aaron Pico vs Adam Borics 2 two of the best and brightest Bellator featherweights. Aaron Pico lost to Adam Borics back at Bellator 222. Getting cracked with a jumping knee knockout but ANYONE will get knocked out after that shot.
” I wanna start making my revenge tour for sure, I’m not a good loser, I don’t like losing. I grabbed my nuts and fought those guys when I knew nothing I fought Henry Corrales when I only had what six fights I fought Adam Borics only had like seven fights these guys had way more experience.”
Fighting Adam Borics might expect a different result. Aaron Pico is a different person mentally and physically.
Mads Burnell
Mads Burnell former UFC fighter 2-0 with Bellator after defeating Saul Rogers. Mads Burnell is a pretty good fighter, Talented grappler. Top ten Bellator Featherweight.
Defeating a former UFC fighter, Former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion would be a feather in it’s cap. Showing how much Aaron Pico improved in two years defeating Mads Burnell.
Aaron Pico vs Mads Burnell would be a fun fight to watch.
Emmanuel Sanchez
Former Bellator Featherweight Title Challenger. One of the best Featherweights in the world. Had the best fight against Patricio Pitbull at Bellator 209. #2 ranked Bellator Featherweight.
20-5 record is training partners with Anthony Pettis, Tyron Woodley, Sergio Pettis, Paul Felder.
Passing down the torch moment as the rising Bellator superstar faces the Bellator veteran. Former Bellator Featherweight Title Challenger. Defeating a guy like Emmanuel Sanchez EASILY lead to a title shot next.
Rizin Fighting Federation returning June 13th with some of there biggest superstars from Tenshin Nasukawa, Kai Asakura to there rising stars from Tofiq Musaev, Naoki Inoue and lastly prospects like Vugar Karamov.
Entertaining MMA card to watch, Any fighter out there who wants to build there name in a whole other country Rizin is perfect for you.
Rizin becoming a feeder league for UFC with Jiri Prochazaka and Manel Kape signing with UFC. Plenty more where that came from to sign with UFC or Bellator.
What are the fighters to watch?
Tofiq Musayev
Tofiq Musayev won the Rizin Lightweight Grand Prix by displaying a impressive performance in the Rizin Lightweight Grand Prix final against Patricky Friere. Brother of Patricio Pitbull. Win over Patricky showed Musayev is one of the best Lightweights in the world doesn’t matter he fights for Rizin.
Musayev 18-3 record at 31 years old, Riding high on a 14 fight winning streak. Defeating talented fighters in his Rizin career from Johnny Case, Daron Cruickshank and Damien Brown.
Huge fan of Musayev he’s a world class, Top Lightweight and now fighting for the first ever Rizin Lightweight title against Roberto De Souza 11-1 Brazilian Lightweight BJJ Black Belt competing in the biggest tournaments all over the world.
Naoki Inoue Rizin Rising Star
Ranked #1 Bantamweight on tapology.com out of Japan. Inoue 15-1 record only 23 years old. Formerly fought for UFC but maybe a bit too early as not every fighter at a young age can handle fighting for the biggest MMA promotion in the world. Dealing with the mental pressure fighting for the UFC.
Currently training at Longo & Weidman MMA with Ulka Sasaki & Dennis Buzukja.
Seeing success right now, Three fight winning streak with Rizin. Competing in the 2021 Rizin Bantamweight Grand Prix Tournament. Looking to build his name in winning the Grand Prix which is a huge deal to hardcore fans going through a 16 man tournament and being the last man standing.
Everyone loved the Pride tournaments in the 2000’s and glad to see Rizin continue that tradition.
Naoki Inoue first round opponent is Shinataro Ishiwatari 26-8-4 record. Looking forward to Inoue fight as Rizin continues to build Inoue as a rising RIZIN star.
“The motivation is totally different, how I approach this fight mentally is totally different. I want tough competition and if that gets people excited then it kills two birds with one stone.”
Vugar Karamov jumped on my radar while watching Rizin fights on YouTube. Watched Vugar dominate Kyle Aguon in every aspect of the fight. Beautiful sambo fighting style. Hear the pop in his hands. The technical powerful takedowns.
Currently top ten Eastern Europe Featherweight at 29 years old is challenging Yutaka Saito for the Rizin Featherweight Title.
Vugar winning the Rizin Featherweight Title against a Rizin Champion, Former Shooto Lightweight Champion WILL BE A BIG DEAL for Vugar to build his name.
Sign with a Major Promotion from UFC, Bellator or One Championship.
UFC 263 Headliner is Israel Adesanya vs Marvin Vettori for the UFC Middleweight Title. Co-Main Event is Deiveson Figueiredo vs Brandon Moreno UFC Flyweight Title.
UFC 263 Sleeper fight is Hakeem Dawodu vs Mosvar Evolev two Featherweights looking to pursue the UFC Featherweight top ten in 2021. Future Featherweight title contenders.
Hakeem Dawodu
Hakeem Dawodu before signing with UFC fought for World Series of Fighting, Successful UFC signing as Hakeem is now 5-1. Entering this UFC 263 fight on a five fight winning streak. One of the most underrated UFC winning streaks right now.
Dawodu from underrated to rising star in 2021 with a significant standout win against the tough talented Mosvar Evolev the former M1-Bantamweight Champion.
“I think he’s gonna come and try and strike for a little bit until he feels uncomfortable, and then he’s gonna start shooting for the stars,” Dawodu said. “And then I see myself stuffing his takedown or him falling into a submission and then me doing what I usually do, just making it a ‘Mean Hakeem’ fight and laying a beating on him and making him quit.”
Hakeem has the advantage in the athletic department leading to a win, Knocking out Evolev with a quick combination because of his speed.
“No doubt, once I win this fight, it’s top-10 status,” Dawodu said. “You can’t deny me. I think you’ve gotta put me in the contender (category). You’ve gotta put me in the video game. That’s how I see this playing out.”
Mosvar Evloev former M1-Bantamweight Champion remains undefeated in the UFC with a record of 14-0. One of the hottest UFC prospects to date at 27 years old. Wins over Nik Lentz, Mike Grundy, Enrique Barzola. Now looking for his biggest win against Hakeem Dawodu.
High level wrestler and techincal boxer. Born and raised in Russia. Trains at Tiger Muay Thai with the killers from Valentina Shevchenko, Petr Yan to name a few.
” I think I can fight someone top five top ten it’s good step for me and I will take this chance
“I’m ready to defeat everyone in my division I will be champion.”
Believes Dawodu isn’t ready for his wrestling skills, Having the advantage in the wrestling department. Ready to show the world he’s a future Featherweight Champion with a dominant performance against the talented Hakeem Dawodu.
Bellator 260 headliner is Lima vs Amosov, Welterweight showdown but Bellator 260 FULL CARD is a entertaining card to watch from Main card to the beginning prelims. Excited for today’s Bellator fights.
Ty-wan Claxton vs Justin Gonzales
Ty-Wan Claxton vs Justin Gonzales is my sleeper fight for Bellator 260. Two high level Featherweights fighting on the prelims!!
Claxton 6-2 record all fights under the Bellator promotion, Claxton trains at the Colorado Gym powerhouse Elevation Fight Team with Kamaru Usman, Justin Gaethje, Cory Sandhagen to name a few killers.
Last loss was against Jay-Jay Wilson losing by split decision. Claxton a tough fighter 9th ranked Bellator Featherweight.
“There’s also a difference in the competition. Training with hard people is one thing, and then being across the cage from another guy like [Emmanuel Sanchez, or [Jay Jay] Wilson is a different animal. Being across the cage from a guy that’s like me or one of those guys will let you know real fast that you always have room to grow. So I’m looking forward to welcoming the best 145-pounder in the world come Friday night.”
“I’m going out there looking to be the best version of myself looking to add another one to my highlight reel.”
Claxton since the Emmanuel Sanchez loss struggling mentally and every fighter needs that mental strength to win. Claxton found himself, Changing his coaches but staying with Elevation Fight Team.
“I’m the best I feel, I feel like I’m the best version of myself you know I feel like I’m the best I’ve ever been.”
Claxton training with killers, “Iron sharpens Iron.” Making Claxton even better fighter. Mixing up the old with the new skills he learned since July 2020.
Justin Gonzales fought on the Dana White Contender Series, Obviously didn’t get the UFC contract. Gonzales to every hardcore fan is one of the best Featherweight prospects in the United States.
Justin Gonzales won the vacant LFA Featherweight Title against Jake Childers. Former Sparta Combat League Featherweight Champion. Bellator signed a big time MMA prospects.
“… You know, I’m coming to prove a point. So no disrespect to Tywan. I know he’s very tough. I’ve got much love for the guy. I don’t really know him personally, so I can’t comment on his personal life. But in that cage, man, I know I’m coming to kill, so I plan on getting the stoppage and making a statement, jumping in those rankings, and then run with it. It’s ‘The J-Train Show’ now, baby.”
Not only Gonzales looking to defeat Claxton but looking to pursue the Bellator Featherweight Title right away!! Show the world he’s one of the best Featherweights.
Claxton vs Gonzales will be a THREE ROUND WAR and I’m definitely watching this fight. Constant technical offense!!
Aaron Pico was the hottest MMA prospect, First ever “Blue Chip” prospect. Lebron James of MMA. Started to be considered a bust losing to Corrales & Borics.
Simply put, Aaron has all the makings of MMA’s next great superstar, and to have him here at Bellator MMA is something special. Like many of us in the MMA community, Aaron is someone we’ve been watching closely over the last few years, and after sitting down with Bob Cook and his team, getting a chance to meet Aaron, and hearing his long-term aspirations, the fit became very obvious.”
Pico no longer considered a bust as Bellator has there superstar, Three fight winning streak. Next version of George St Pierre.
Pico next fight is against the tough Aiden Lee 9-4 Former Cage Warriors Tournament Featherweight Champion.
Change to JacksonWink Changed Everything
Aaron Pico formerly trained at Team Bodyshop MMA with AJ McKee & Joey Davis. Needed a change of scenery as he started to lose and get knocked out.
Matchmade in heaven moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico and started to train at JacksonWink. One of the best MMA gyms in the world from Jon Jones, BJ Penn, Holly Holm, Tim Kennedy, Carlos Condit to name a few.
“I feel really good being out in Albuquerque. I really, really enjoy it,” Pico said. “I love Greg Jackson, ‘Six-Gun’, Coach Wink, they’ve done a really good job of breaking things down for me.
Pico started to win by defeating Daniel Carey, Solo Hatley Jr and John De Jesus. Dominant his opponents masterfully defeating John De Jesus showing how talented Aaron Pico. Really looking like George St Pierre with his Shoot Boxing fighting style.
Every great fighter needs a great coach, Goes hand and hand. GSP has Firas Zahabi, Anderson Silva has Rafael Cordeiro and Mighty Mouse has Matt Hume. Now Aaron Pico has Greg Jackson.
“That’s why I have my manager, that’s why I have my coaches,” Pico said. “I really trust my team. I can honestly say Ali is one of the best managers in the world, really cares about his fighters and I have nothing but good things to say about him.”
“With everything that happened the way it did, it led to here and it’s the best thing that could have happened to me,” said Pico, whose struggles led him to moving to Albuquerque and training full-time at Jackson Wink MMA. “I know I always say that, but I like to always remind myself that so many blessings came out of everything that happened and I’m at a good place mentally.”
Aaron Pico first fight of 2021 is against the former Cage Warriors fighter Aiden Lee, Pico definitely the favorite in this fight but Lee is a tough British fighter who fought Saul Rogers, Ludovit Klein, Donovan Desmae.
“I’m a good fighter, I’m a really good fighter and I believe in myself. I believe I can beat anybody in the world. I truly believe that.
“I’m really growing mentally and I’m around the game I’m even doing this, and you know the press and media, It’s all part of the job in the beginning kind of scared a little bit”
Aaron Pico even though he’s a skillful, Athletic MMA prodigy anyone can lose from a lucky knockout, Messing up in the fight. Getting too aggressive but Pico looks to dominate Lee start finish.
“Anywhere this fight goes, I can beat him, whether it be grappling, the ground and pound or on the feet,” Pico said. “I think he’s very susceptible to the overhand right, the hooks to the body. He’s very panicky when his back’s against the fence and when guys are crowding him, he doesn’t know what to do. So I feel like if I take the fight anywhere, it’s gonna be good.”
Get passed Aiden Lee, Title run for Aaron Pico as he can rematch Adam Borics as Pico ranked #6. Borics ranked #3.
Pico vs Borics two of the next future stars, Bellator Featherweight title contenders. Whoever wins can challenge for the Bellator Featherweight title next.
Aaron Pico can have the best year of his life, Challenging for the Bellator Featherweight Title. Becoming the next superstar for Bellator, Showcasing his overall-all around skills in 2021.
Bellator 260 headliner, Douglas Lima and Yaroslav Amosov is a FIGHT I’ve been waiting for since Yaroslav Amosov jumped on the scene when he defeated Ed Ruth, That’s when I started taking notice of him. Douglas Lima since 2015 become one of the best Welterweights in the world.
Douglas Lima Bellator Welterweight Champ
Douglas Lima Bellator Welterweight Champion defeated a long list of Successful fighters from Rory MacDonald, Paul Daley, Lorenz Larkin, Michael Venom Page. Currently in the prime of his career at 33 years old, Win over the 25-0 Amosov will add another win to his legacy.
“He’s definitely got a different style than a bunch of other wrestlers. But, he’s good. It’s just different styles. That’s what I said. But he’s definitely tough. But like I said, I’ve been there with every type of (wrestlers) out there like straight wrestlers, wrestler-strikers.”
“Look at the guy’s record. You can tell you’ve got to take the guy seriously,” observed Lima. “I’m a champion, I’ll fight anybody they give me. I know, he’s fought some dangerous guys. He’s a dangerous opponent, he’s been beating everybody they’ve been giving him. He’s game, he’s ready for this.”
“Even though a lot of people don’t know about him, I do,” Lima continued. “I’ve watched his fights, I’ve watched him come up in Bellator. I know how serious of an opponent he is, coming up in a great camp in American Top Team.” That’s the same team, of course, that Lima himself trains under, albeit at a different location.
Lima definitely fighting one of his toughest fighters to date, Unheard of fighter from Ukraine that only HARCORE MMA fans know.
Yaroslav Amosov
Next version of Khabib, 25-0 Bellator Welterweight. Yaroslav Amosov long awaited title shot after running through the Bellator Welterweight Division. Defeating Gerald Harris, Erick Silva, David Rickels, Ed Ruth, Mark Lemminger and Logan Storley.
Amosov is one of my favorite fighters to watch right now, Appreciate his pressure fighting style. Sambo fighting style that leads to his dominant wins.
I love his grappling and the way he fights like George St Pierre from striking to takedowns. Called Shoot Boxing.
“I feel good because I have a good camp, good training, Big Motivation because it’s a title shot I think it’s a big motivation, My cut very good and I’m ready and I wait this time.”
“Many people believe Douglas Lima is in the conversation as one of the best welterweights in the world, Like top five on the planet, At worst top ten if you’re able to defeat him and become the champion where does that put you on the list. “
Douglas Lima vs Yaroslav Amosov Bellator Welterweight Title Fight is one of the best fights this weekend no matter UFC, Boxing, Professional Fighters League.
I’m so excited for this fight, Amosov finally gets his title shot. Possibly defeating one of the best Welterweights in the world or Douglas Lima ruins the perfect record of 25-0.
Awesome storyline behind this fight, Hope Bellator 260 gets millions of views. Best ratings possible because these two fighters deserve it.
Professional Fighters League coming off to a fun start with Shocking losses from Anthony Pettis getting beat down by Clay Collard, Former Brave Combat Federation Featherweight champion Bubba Jenkins defeating Lance Palmer. Rory MacDonald looking like the old Rory MacDonald from his war with Robbie Lawler.
4th PFL event of 2021 headliner is Claressa Shields best women’s boxer of all time making her debut!! Whole card is fun fights with Bubba Jenkins vs Bobby Moffett, Brendan Loughnane vs Tyler Diamond.
Brendan Loughnane vs Tyler Diamond
Brendan Loughnane easily one of the most underrated Featherweights in the world, Surprised Dana White didn’t sign Brendan back on the Dana White Contender Series now he’s making a career with PFL.
“I’m going to come out exactly how i did against Moraes,,,fast, sharp, accurate, stinging shots and hell get desperate for the takedown and that’ll be all she wrote.” Brendan Loughnane
Expect a bomb knockout from Loughnane, The talented British Lightweight looking to defeat the former Ultimate Fighter contestant. #1 pick for Daniel Cormier back at Ultimate Fighter 27.
Tyler Diamond TEAM ALPHA MALE prospect, 30 years old in the prime of his career. Former college wrestler at North Dakota State University. Translated his college wrestling success into MMA. 12-1 record, Defeated Sung Bin Jo in his PFL debut. Sung Bin Jo coming from a lot of hype from South Korea.
“I’m a very good wrestler, I feel confident in my wrestling, but shoot, I might just go out there and throw bombs the whole time with his guy, I don’t even know. I’m just gonna be free-flowing in there, and I’m just gonna fight my fight intelligently.”
Expect a great fight from Loughnane vs Diamond, Not one sided butt whoooping. Love to see it go three rounds. Not a slugfest but a technical pressure fight.
Both fighters are high level, Doesn’t matter that they don’t fight for UFC . GREAT FIGHTERS ALL OVER THE WORLD.
UFC Main Event is Rozenstruik vs. Sakai but the fighter to pay attention too is Miguel Baeza. Even Dana White is paying attention to him as the UFC believes in Baeza.
MIGUEL BAEZA jumped on the scene when he knocked out Matt Brown back in MAY OF 2020 when UFC returned.
Baeza defeats Ponzinibbio that will make Baeza a rising star and a potential UFC Welterweight Contender. UFC and DANA WHITE seems to love Baeza. FIRST PUERTO RICAN MMA SUPERSTAR.
“The kid’s a stud man. 10-0. Puerto Rican. When New York opens up again, get him fighting in New York. I’ve been talking about Puerto Rico too. We’ve talked about going to Puerto Rico a long time ago. I talked about building a Performance Institute in Puerto Rico. He could be the guy. He could be our Puerto Rican star,” White added.
The stud trains with COLBY COVINGTON at MMA Masters.
“Colby Covington, he’s a good guy,” Baeza said. “I know that everybody’s gonna get on him with all the stuff he’s saying. He’s a different person in the gym. He’s only pushed us to get better.”
Terrance McKinney 9-3 Lightweight prospect, Former contestant on the Dana White Contender Series. Lost his fight on the Dana White Contender Series but a win against the Puerto Rican Lightweight prospect will lead to a second opportunity.
Terrance McKinney was not messing around tonight! #LFA106
Askar Askar one of the best Bantamweight prospects in the United States. Askar 11-1 record at 26 years old, Defeating Kevin Wirth, Alberto Martinez Jr in his MMA career. Signed with UFC but because of medical issues never fought Cody Stamann.
Back to back LFA wins will lead to a UFC oppurtunity or Bellator.
Battlefield Fight League
Caio Machado vs Chris Larsen BFL Heavyweight Title Fight. Caio Machado Brazilian Heavyweight trains in Vancouver. One of the best Heavyweight prospects in Canada. 4-1 record at 26 years old with first round KO wins.
Defending his title against 5-1 Chris Larsen Heavyweight prospect.
Kyran Cameron 5-0 Canada Welterweight prospect, Rising Welterweight Prospect from North America. Challenging the BFL Welterweight Title against Dejan Kajic. Winning the BFL Welterweight title helps with signing on the Dana White Contender Series.
KSW 61
Salahdine Parnasse one of my FAVORITE prospects to watch in the world. Easily one of the best Featherweights in the world, Doesn’t matter to me if he fights for KSW the #1 European MMA promotion.
Parnasse lost to Daniel Torres, Losing the KSW Featherweight title in a lucky knockout. Rematch happens guarantee the fight would be way different.
Salahdine Paransse is a French prodigy at 23 years old, 14-1-1 record defeating the likes of European MMA superstar Ivan Buchinger in a a MASTERCLASS performance.
Looking forward to Paransse returning back to the win column against Filip Pejić the former FFC Featherweight Champion. Now 2-2 with KSW. Win against Pejic leads to a KSW Featherweight Title Shot.
Brave CF 51
Brave Combat Federation 51 event in Belarus, Showcasing the best Belarus prospects!!
Denis Maher Belarus Middleweight prospect at 26 years old, Sweet left hand. Striking focused fighter 7-0 record. Former WMMAA European Champion, Amateur Champion.
Sam Patterson 6-1 Lightweight prospect at 25 years old, Facing toughest test yet against former Brave CF Lightweight champion Ylies Djiroun. Sam Patterson part of the next generation of England MMA.
Yanis Ghemmouri 9-1 record 26 years old, High level All-Around fighter from France. Training at the powerhouse European Gym Bulgarian Top Team training with Amin Ayoub, Morgan Charriere, Benoit Saint Denis. Bunch of killers to train with. Yanis is one of the best European Featherweight prospects, Flying under the radar.
Next Generation of MMA lead by Muhammad Mokaev 4-0 record, Dominated the Amateur ranks before going pro. Combined record of 28-0. Next version of Khabib Nurmagomedov. Ready for this… 20 years old. Looking forward to Mokaev second fight with Brave CF.
Caleb Hall, 24 year old Welterweight prospect part of the next generation of Elevation Fight Team prospects to prosper as he follows the paths of teammates, Cory Sandhagen, Neil Magny, Kamaru Usman.
Iron sharpens Irons and Hall has been sharpening his skills on daily basis with the surplus of training partners he has at his disposable.
“I have really developed my skills training alongside athletes like Justin Gaethje, Cory Sandhagen, Neil Magny, Kamaru Usman and many other fighters that are on the come up. ” Caleb Hall
The 2-0 Elevation Fight Team prospect is making his Legacy Fighting Alliance debut. Legacy Fighting Alliance is the premier feeder league promotion in the United States, Major opportunity for Caleb Hall. Credit to his MMA manager Brian Hamper of Sucker Punch Entertainment to get this opportunity for his client.
“I am extremely grateful for Brian Hamper of Sucker Punch Entertainment for getting me this opportunity and I am going to maximize this platform and show them the best version of me. ” Caleb Hall
Opponent is Jacobi Jones All-American wrestler from Colorado State University Pueblo.
Was named RMAC Freshman of the Year and All-RMAC First Team…He compiled an 18-7 overall record with four falls in his freshman season. He recorded a perfect 5-0 record with one fall in RMAC duals. The Omaha, Nebraska native totaled a team-best 41 takedowns. Jones won his first collegiate event, as he went 4-0 at the DoubleTree Open Nov. 8. He finished second at the University of Nebraska at Kearney Holiday Inn Open Nov. 22..
Caleb Hall despise the wrestling accomplishments isn’t afraid of Jacobi Jones. Confident in his abilities to get the job done at LFA 109.
“I think Jacobi is a good fighter but lacks an overall skill set for MMA. I think he will try to test it on the feet, and once he realizes that is not where he is going to win this fight, He is gong to try to wrestle me right away. I see him over committing, Gassing out and getting finished in the third round. ” Caleb Hall
Win over a former College All-American wrestler, Successful high school wrestler under the LFA stage is the right way to start 2021!! Sky’s the limit for Caleb Hall and 2021 is a year for him to become a rising Welterweight prospect from the United States.
What are your goals for 2021?
I am going to stay undefeated as a professional fighter. I plan on fighting two more times this year and hope to have my name put in the hat for the UFC soon.
Looking forward to the former Army veteran LFA debut, Talented Welterweight fighter. Have a serious obsession and Caleb Hall is a welterweight prospect to keep an eye on for 2021 and the foreseeable future.
Legacy Fighting Alliance 109 starts at 9 pm this Friday PLEASE WATCH
Manny Vazquez before signing with Combate Americas was one of the best Bantamweight prospects in the United States. Last couple years was dealing with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Batting with his life everyday will make the Combate Americas 8 Man Tournament easier.
My favorite to win the Combate Americas Bantamweight Tournament in the one night tournament. Best Jiu-Jitsu practitioner out of all the Bantamweights. Trains under the 10th planet Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
Former Legacy Fighting Championship Bantamweight Champion by defeating Ricardo Ramos for the Legacy Bantamweight Title. Lost his fight on the Dana White Contender Series.
Overall Vazquez fought tough talented fighters on the regional circuit. He deserves a tournament win after everything he been through.
Winning the tournament will lead to signing with Bellator or UFC.
Bellator 259 is a STACKED CARD filled with young fighters. Excited to watch these young hungry fighters looking to build there names on Showtime. Bellator continues to get better.
Fabian Edwards vs Austin Vanderford
Mr. Van Zant… Austin Vanderford is making a name for himself for Bellator. Fought on the Dana White Contender Series but didn’t get signed. However everything happens for a reason. Now Vanderford is few more fights away from fighting for the Bellator Middleweight Title.
4-0 under the Bellator promotion. Defeating Leon Edwards younger brother will be the biggest win of his MMA career.
Vanderford aiming for the best year of his MMA career so far.
“Fabian is a very tough opponent. I think he’s very well skilled. He’s good everywhere. So, it’s going to take me being on my game, but I’m going to go out there make it a gritty fight. I’m going to make it dirty, grimy, and, you know, we will test his will and test his gas tank.
Fabian Edwards last fight was against Costello Van Steenis in a split decision lost back at Bellator Euro Series 8. Looking to jump back in the win column, Close to a title shot as well defeated Vanderford.
“I just feel happy, if I’m being honest. I’m in a good place, my weight is in a good place. It’s the best it’s ever been.
“My opponent is a game opponent and has done everything he’s needed to do to be undefeated at this point, so I’m excited for this upcoming challenge,” Neal said of Fortune. “I know that everything that I’ve done in camp so far is very pointed and centered around getting the job done. It’s really just focusing on getting better.
Tyree Fortune American Top Team product is 5-0 with Bellator at 30 years old.
Fortune was a two-time state wrestling champion in high school, captured a pair of junior college national titles and won an NCAA championship at Grand Canyon University — a Division II school in Phoenix — before attempting to qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Brett Johns vs Danny Sabatello
High level Bantamweight Fight on the prelims of Bellator 259. Can’t believe this fight is on the prelims.
Brett Johns former UFC Bantamweight 5-2 UFC record, Former Titan FC Bantamweight Champion. Looking to become one of the best Bellator Bantamweights.
Danny Sabatello easily one of the best Bantamweight prospects in the world, Titan FC Bantamweight Champion. Fought on the Dana White Contender Series. American Top Team product is making his Bellator debut.
“I’m gonna beat the sh*t out of the guy,” Sabatello said on MMA Fighting’s What the Heck. “I’m very confident that there’s no way that this guy can beat me. The only way he does beat me is if he catches me, I just think my defense is too intact for him to catch me. I don’t see on the feet him posing me any problems and then obviously on the ground I’m a better grappler.
Long awaited Bellator debut, Bellator signed one of the best Russian prospects. Alexander Shabily #1 Russian Lightweight prospect, Fought on the biggest Russian promotions from Fight Nights Global, ACB, PRO FC.
Shabily 19-3 record is a super talented Lightweight grappler, First round knockout power. Sambo style fighting. Man I’m so excited for his debut. He’s a SAVAGE. Future Bellator Lightweight Champion.
Russian version of Dustin Poirier.
Alfie Davis British Lightweight, Four Fight Winning Streak. Talented Standup striker, Leg kick artist with his crazy leg kick knockouts. 14-3 record, Undefeated with Bellator but he’ll have his hands full.
Tucker Lutz, Product out of the Dana White Contender Series is making his awaited debut tonight at UFC 262 against the tough Kevin Aguilar with a 17-4 record.
Coming into this fight with a 11 fight winning streak, Looking to make it 12 fight winning streak as he defeats his toughest opponent to date Kevin Aguilar.
Before signing with UFC and on the Dana White Contender Series, Lutz was one of the best Lightweight Prospects in the United States. Fighting for regional promotion Shogun Fights and winning the Shogun Fights Lightweight Title.
Biggest win before UFC was against Francisco Isata 12-5 record, Regional Fighter.
Opportunity to fight for the #1 MMA organization, Former Shogun Fights Lightweight Champion and now looks to become UFC Featherweight Champion in a few years.
“The pursuit of that world title… that’s always been my goal, to be a UFC world champion and nothing has changed,” Lutz told me in response to what drives him to get up every morning in order to train.
9-4 record at 30 years old, #1 Bantamweight Prospect from California. Affiliated with 10 planet Jiu-Jitsu and trains at Saekson’s Muay Thai.
Former California Xtreme Fighting Championship Bantamweight Champion. Taking advantage of his jiu-jitsu skills from 10th planet by defeating Willie Gates, Chris Beal, Steve Ramirez.
Heading over to Russia, Fighting against Yuri Chobuka(10-1 Ukraine Bantamweight).
Now facing Ricardo Dias, Kings MMA product with a 9-4 record. Winning streak with Legacy Fighting Alliance definitely can lead to a contract signing with Bellator. Age is just a number and he’s in the prime age of 30 years old.
Allan Begosso
5-0 25 year old prospect from Team Alpha Male. Born in Brazil and growing up in Sacramento.
Fighting in front of LFA fans, Hardcore mma fans is the best way to build your name. Huge win with Legacy Fighting Alliance continues to make him a rising Bantamweight prospect.
Scott Coker and his team signing championship level fighters in 2020 and 2021 from Magomed Magomedov, Corey Anderson, Yoel Romero, Alexander Shabily, Usman Nurmagomedov, Sergio Pettis, Mads Burnell, Brett Johns to name a few fighter.
Bellator deepening there roster year after year. Bellator is in a great spot right now since the Showtime network deal but always can get better signing high level fighters that can be potential champions. Stealing them away from UFC!!
Some of the fighters listed definitely know and some others probably no clue about but awesome.
Roberto Soldic
Roberto Soldic #1 European Welterweight prospect, New King of Croatian MMA. KSW Welterweight Champion which is a incredible accomplishment since KSW is the #1 European MMA promotion.
Soldic is only 26 years old, 18-3 record. Defeating Dez Parker former Cage Warriors fighter, Former EFC Middleweight Champion Driscus Du Plessis, Krystian Kaszubowski 7-0 Welterweight, Michał Materla KSW Middleweight Title Challenger.
Soldic is a beast and deserves to fight for a top MMA promotion.
Signing with Bellator would break the MMA internet. Selling out European arenas, Headlining Bellator events because Soldic can be a superstar for Bellator.
Soldic vs Yaroslav Amosov rematch, Clash of the European killers. Soldic split decision loss to Yaroslav back at Tech Prep in 2016.
Rustam Kerimov
I LOVE Rustam Kerimov, One of my favorite MMA fighters right now. One of the best Bantamweights on the planet. Former ACA Bantamweight champion only because he wants to test free agency. Rustam Kerimov is a beast.
Constant pressure start to finish like Petr Yan. Combat Sambo Fighting style.
Wins over Takeya Mizugaki, Russian prospects Oleg Borisov, Andrey Goncharov and a MASTERPIECE win against Abdul-Rakhman Dudaev for the ACA Bantamweight Title. Dominated a Russian killer start to finish.
Bellator NEEDS to sign him right now, Send a matchmaker. Russian spy. Do whatever it takes to sign Rustam Kerimov.
Bellator Bantamweight Division is stacked but can always improve. Dream fights against Sergio Pettis, Juan Archuleta, Brett Johns, Magomed Magomedov, Raufeon Stots.
Yusuf Raisov
“Borz” Russian Lightweight Prospect is a future ACA Lightweight Champion, Killing the ACA Lightweight Division since he signed with formely known as ACB back in 2015.
Developing this Russian savage into a future UFC/Bellator Lightweight. Easily one of the best Lightweights in the world with a record of 17-2. He’s an all around powerful talent. Talented grappler, Pin point boxing with heavy hands.
Yusuf Raisov jumped on the scene when he fought MMA veteran Luis Palomino, Defeated Russian prospect Marat Balaev, Brazilian undefeated prospect Carlos Alexandre, Undefeated Lightweight prospect Raimundo Batista.
Defeating talented fighters throughout the world. Now it’s time to defeat Bellator Lightweights. Bellator matches like Goiti Yamaguchi, Myles Jury, Brent Primus. Facing against Top Ten Bellator Lightweights.
Quick run to the Bellator Lightweight Title in 2021.
Salahdine Parnasse
Salahdine Parnasse one of my favorite fighters to watch. French prodigy at 14-1-1 record at 23 years old. Lost to Daniel Torres for the KSW Featherweight Title. 9 out of 10 times Parnasse won, Lucky shot lead to a knockout. Rematch against Daniel Torrres regaining back his KSW Featherweight Title.
Leading back to the interest of Bellator. Signing with Bellator would be a HUGE DEAL.
Parnasse attracting the European Market as KSW IS HUGE in Europe! Becoming a Bellator superstar. French version of AJ McKee.
Felipe Froes
Former ACA Featherweight Champion, Next version of Jose Aldo. Prime of his career at 29 years old. Trains at Nova União with Jose Aldo, Eduardo Dantas, Renan Barao.
20-5 record went on a four fight winning streak before losing to Magomedkrasul Khasabulaev for the ACA Featherweight title.
Salman Zhamaldaev, Marat Balaev, Reginaldo Corvão are some of Felipe Froes wins.
Time for a change and no better than signing with Bellator. Competing in the red hot Featherweight Division.
Nkazimulo Zulu” Zulu Boy” former EFC Flyweight champion is one of the best Flyweights in Africa. Main event attraction because of his athleticism and finishing ability.
Zulu boy is 31 years old, Prime of his career dealt with two losses in a row. Losing the EFC Flyweight Title to current Cage Warriors Flyweight Champion Jake Hadley than moving up to Bantamweight, Challenging Faeez Jacobs for the EFC Bantamweight Title.
Finally in the win column after defeating Fafa Dwama at EFC 85 by triangle choke in the second round. Congratulations to Zulu Boy for the win because he’s a talented flyweight who deserves to fight at a MAJOR PROMOTION.
Fighting for Rizin or One Championship would be PERFECT for him. Rizin fans especially fans in Japan WILL Love his personality, Appreciate his fighting style as Asia loves watching the smaller fighters.
Future Rizin matchups between Tatsuki Saomoto, Tenshin Nasukawa, Makoto Takahashi. Rizin doesn’t have a Flyweight Title but Zulu Boy can be second behind the RIZIN superstar Tenshin Nasukawa. Moving up to Bantamweight for a clash against Kai Asakura, Kyoji Horiguchi, Naoki Inoue
One Championship Flyweight Division is definitely rising with Mighty Mouse coming over, Adriano Moraes One Championship Flyweight Champion defeating Demetrious Johnson. Facing Danny Kingad, Yuya Wakamatsu. Facing an abundance of Flyweight talent to face.
One Championship a new face, Attracting the South Africa and Africa market. One Championship can use Extreme Fighting Championship as a feeder league. Zulu Boy can be the STAR for the African Market for One Championship.
Congratulations to Sergio Pettis for winning the Bellator Bantamweight Title, Boxes his way to a win. Showing how much better Pettis moving up to Bantamweight. Pettis is now one of the best Bantamweights in the world after defeating Juan Archuleta(8-2 Bellator record).
“I just stuck to what I know – the basics,” Pettis said. “I stayed true to myself. I didn’t allow his movements to scare my movements. I was more worried about what I was going to do instead of what he was going to do. I was myself tonight. I was trying to flow like water and I feel like I did.”
Sergio Pettis fighting in the STACKED Bantamweight Division with Juan Archuleta, Raufeon Stots, Patchy Mix, Josh Hill and the best out of all of them is Magomed Magomedov.
Fully aware he called out Rizin Bantamweight Champion Kyoji Horiguchi, One of the best Bantamweights in the world but because of Covid-19 restrictions that fight will be awaited for a later date.
Following his big bro Anthony Pettis to become a two belt champion, Taking advantage of the cross promotion opportunity to build his brand in Japan.
Sergio Pettis vs Kyoji Horiguchi would be a GREAT FIGHT to watch, I wish it happens 2021 or 2022 but for right now I’d love to see Pettis face off against the second best Bantamweight in the world…. Magomed Magomedov.
Magomedov ONLY fighter to defeat Petr Yan back at ACB 32 than fought Yan at ACB 57 which is a GREAT FIGHT!! Highly recommend watching. Magomed Magomedov easily one of the best Bantamweights in the world.
Undefeated with Bellator so far but needs to fight tougher competition. After two fights with Bellator definitely challenge for the Bellator Bantamweight title. Nothing else to prove!!
“Juan Archuleta and [Sergio] Pettis, they’ve got to fight. I would like to fight with the winner of this fight, or with whoever loses that fight.” That pair face off in May, with Archuleta’s 135lb title on the line.
Sergio Pettis vs Magomed Magomedov would be a great fight to watch, One of the best MMA Bantamweight fights of 2021 no matter what organization. MMA fans can see how good Sergio Pettis since the move to Bantamweight. On the other hand the world FINALLY acknowledges Magomedov and that there’s talent all over the world.
Magomedov defeats Pettis that will earn his respect and Pettis wins he’s a top ten Bantamweight no argument about it. Defeating Juan Archuleta and Magomed Magomedov only fighter to defeat Petr Yan.
Sergio Pettis becoming a star and representing the Bellator Bantamweight division.
“Big thank you to Scott Coker and Bellator for giving me this opportunity, I feel like I was on my way to becoming a champion but didn’t have the time or the star power… ” Sergio Pettis
“Bellator allows me to be myself and put no pressure on me, Allows me to put on these performances.” Sergio Pettis
I’m only a MMA journalist but hope Mike Kogan(Bellator Matchmaker) schedules a bout between Sergio Pettis vs Magomed Magomedov Summer of 2021. Clash of two different worlds and fighting styles!!
Giga Chikadze gained my respect after knocking out Cub Swanson, Chikadze is flying under the radar but after front kick knockout to the liver against the MMA veteran Cub Swanson will help Giga become a fan favorite.
Giga Chikadze has one of the most underrated winning streaks in the UFC right now, Leading Chikadze to being the 10th ranked UFC Featherweight. Defeating the likes of Omar Morales, Jamall Emmers and the biggest win of his career Cub Swanson.
Training at Kings MMA, Coached by one of the best MMA head coaches…. Rafael Cordeiro. Coached some of the greatest fighters from Anderson Silva, Wanderlei Silva, Shogun Rua and now coaching Giga Chikadze. Future UFC Featherweight Title Challenger in the insanely stacked Featherweight Division.
Perfect match between fighter and student. Successful Glory Kickboxer now successful UFC Fighter
7 Day Turn Around
Giga Chikadze asked for the former Massachusetts Golden Gloves boxer Calvin Kattar or the man who steps into crazy land Max Holloway in his post fight interview.
“I’m a new guy you got to shoot your shot right, I mean you aim for max you don’t get max maybe you get Calvin Kattar.” Giga Chikadze
However doesn’t mind a quick turn around because of the lack of damage. Interested in fighting Jeremy Stephens May 8th or May 15th according to MMAjunkie journalist John Morgan.
Checked in with @giga_chikadze to see if he’s had success getting a fight yet. Team tells me they’re very interested in fighting Jeremy Stephens (@LiLHeathenMMA) either May 8 or May 15.
Quick turn around the better, Showcasing his skills against a tough as nails Jeremy Stephens. Continuing to build his name with a performance of the night on the UFC Main CHopeard as UFC definitely sees him as a rising star.
” I heard there is no main event next week so it will be pleasure to headline event for me, Next I’m staying in Vegas, I’m not going nowhere. I’m in shape of no injuries. If Dana or Sean Shelby need myself I’m here and I can fight anybody.” Giga Chikadze
Hopefully Giga Chikadze fights soon and takes advantage of the new heat, Spotlight because of the highlight reel knockout. Jeremy Stephens or a top 15 Featherweight will do Giga justice.
Bellator 258 before the fight cancellations was a STACKED CARD with Yoel Romero vs Rumble Johnson, Patchy Mix vs James Gallagher, Lorenz Larkin vs Costello Van Steenis.
Many fight cancellations but Bellator 258 is one of the best Bellator cards in a while. Credit to the Bellator matchmakers for creating this card.
Exciting fights to watch, Future Bellator champions on the prelims. MAN I CAN’T WAIT I’m Genuinely Excited!!
Juan Archuleta vs Sergio Pettis
One of the best Bantamweights of 2021 so far the anticipated bout is happening, Wishing for this fight since Sergio Pettis signed with Bellator.
Juan Archuleta main training partner for TJ Dillshaw, Archuleta respected by TJ Dillashaw. Talks about how much he pushes it in practice, Makes him better. Juan Archuleta current Bellator Bantamweight Champion, Defending his title for the first time against Sergio Pettis.
Archuleta easily one of the best Bantamweights in the world just fights for Bellator so he doesn’t get the respect that he deserves but a win against Sergio Pettis gets the respect.
“He’s a well-rounded, household name that is gonna bring a fight and gonna test me to the limits. I’m excited to go to those limits, push past those limits, and he’s gonna challenge me as a martial artist,” Archuleta said. “He’s a prodigy, he’s been doing it at a young age and now he’s matured and now he’s ready to pick a game plan, stick to it and try to dictate it. And it’s my goal and my game plan to disrupt his rhythm, disrupt his path to a championship and continue on my quest.”
Sergio Pettis defeated Joseph Benavidez, Brandon Moreno, John Moraga in his UFC flyweight career. Signed with Bellator, Moving up to Bantamweight and looking better than ever defeated former CFFC Bantamweight Champion Ricky Bandejas.
“Any time we interact it’s always been love and respect man you know we ain’t got no bad blood towards each other at the end of the day this is business and you know that’s when things get interesting but yeah no bad blood towards each other. At the end of the day this is business and you know that when things get interesting.” Sergio Pettis
Juan Archuleta vs Sergio Pettis is a BANTAMWEIGHT Fight to Watch! Please watch this fight, Watching two talented fighters.
Raufeon Stots vs Josh Jill
Featuring Prelim of Bellator 258, Two Top Ten Bellator Bantamweights facing each other tonight. Both fighters need this fight to get one fight closer to pursuing the Bellator Bantamweight Title.
Raufeon Stots #4th ranked Bellator Bantamweight on a seven fight winning streak, Looking to make it eight fights defeating Josh Hill the former WSOF Bantamweight fighter. Stots a product of Roufusport MMA Academy training with Sergio Pettis, Emmanuel Sanchez on a daily basis.
Before MMA was a Division 2 All-American wrestler at Nebraska-Kearney. Mentored by the current UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman.
“I think Josh Hill is a very tough opponent,” Stots said. “I feel like we are both good at the same things, but I feel like I’m better at those things and better at putting them together.
Josh Hill before Bellator was on Ultimate Fighter Season 18, Defeating Paddy Holohan. Went to WSOF after that and had fights against Marlon Moraes twice. In between World Series of Fighting fought in regional promotions.
“I thought we were going to line up eventually, no matter what,” Hill told MMA Junkie on Wednesday. “He was still on my mind, so I was glad we were matched up. He got a replacement fight and he got the win, so I looked at that, too. I got a little bit more tape, but I’m happy.”
Division One All-American wrestler at Minnesota, Runner up for the Big Ten Championships as a freshman behind Ed Ruth. Bronze Medalist at 174 pounds multiple times in the NCAA Championship.
Now Storley is 11-1, Only loss is to Yaroslav Amosov the new version of Khabib Nurmagomedov as Yaroslav Amosov has a record of 25-0. Storley showed much improvement in this fight. Definitely should’ve held his head high. Losses suck but he went toe to toe with one of the best Welterweights in the world.
Training at Sanford MMA with Gilbert Burns, Vicente Luque, Jason Jackson, Aung La Nsang, Derek Brunson on a daily basis for training partners. Only get better training with these killers every week.
Storley first fight back from the Amosov lost, Facing Team Alpha Male product Omar Hussein. 8-2 record fought for Middle East promotion UAE Warriors.
” I always say I’m going to fight like I’m the number one ranked guy in the world.” Logan Storley
Johnny Elben American Top Team product is 7-0 at 29 years old. Rising Bellator Middleweight Prospect.
“I think I’m going to get a finish. I don’t know which round it is. I’ll stick to the game plan and do what I need to do, and if I get the finish, I get the finish, if not I think I’ll get a unanimous decision.”
Facing Daniel Madrid 18-6 Middleweight at 37 years old. Fought everywhere from Legacy Fighting Alliance, King of the Cage, M1-Challenge.
Daniel Madrid coming here to see if Eblen can win and is capable of becoming a Bellator Middleweight Champion one day. Daniel Madrid can ruin the hype and take advantage of the Bellator opportunity.
Rest of Bellator Fights to Watch
Patricky Pitbull, Older brother of Patricio Pitbull returning to the ring after tearing his ACL in his fight with Tofiq Musaev at Rizin 20. Patricky Pitbull facing Peter Queally in a Lightweight Clash. Pitbull Brothers Gym vs SBG Ireland BEEF happening.
.oh!! you’re awake? I thought you’d still be asleep from when Michael Chandler slept you, you fucking bum. I’d butcher you even worse than I would that waste of oxygen you have for a brother
The Lightweight Clash finally happening, Won’t be surprised if there’s pushing and shoving in the aftermath. It’s a good story overall.
Michael “Venom” Page finally facing tough competition in Derek Anderson, #6th Bellator Welterweight. Wins over Patricky Pitbull, Saad Awad and looks to crack Venom Page. Derek Anderson is no slouch as he enters this fight on a three winning streak, 17-3 record.
Lorenz Larkin vs Rafael Carvalho former Bellator Middleweight Champion. Larkin moving down to Welterweight but this will be a fun fight to WATCH. Crazy this fight is on the prelims.
Patchy Mix lost to Juan Archuleta in the Vacant Bellator Bantamweight Title fight but Mix is a grappling wizard. Watching artwork on it’s finest. He’s an all around talent with a 13-1 record. Super excited that Bellator signed him as he was the King of the Cage Bantamweight Champion.
Mix was supposed to fight James Gallagher but replacement fighter is former UFC fighter Albert Morales. Released from UFC than went on to become Lights Out Xtreme Fighting Bantamweight Champion.
Lyoto Machida protégé Weber Almeida is fighting
GREAT Bellator 258 Card
Please watch this CARD from start to finish, Bellator doing a really good job with matches the days of Tito Ortiz, Kimbo Slice, Ken Shamrock is over. Bellator is in a new era under Scott Coker.
Now Bellator can increase there viewership under Showtime.
Dana White Contender Series returning in June, Discovering future stars fighting in front of millions of viewers as they look to sign with UFC.
Sean O’Malley, Geoff Neal, Jim Crute, Edmen Shahbazyan, Brendan Allen all alumni’s of the Dana White Contender Series. Time for the next batch of MMA prospects to sign and fight on the Dana White Contender Series.
Created a Wishlist of MMA fighters UFC should offer an opportunity to fight on the Dana White Contender Series. Impressing Dana White, Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard.
Part 1 of many!!
Andres Quintana
Andres Quintana Combate Americas Featherweight Champion, Winning the Combate Americas Featherweight Tournament with a 100k prize. Quintana one of the best Featherweight prospects in the United States. Skillful talented crafty fighter with submission wins, Underrated striking.
Quintana last fight was a loss against Bruno Cannetti back at Combate 42. August 23rd, 2019. Long wait to return to the fight game and what better way than fight in front of a whole entire new audience!!
29 years old, 18-3 record. Successful Featherweight prospect, Time to fight on the Dana White Contender Series. Defeated former Dana White Contender Series prospect Alejandro Flores.
Khusein Askhabov
Khusein Askhabov INCREDIBLE record of 23-0, WWFC Bantamweight Champion. One of the best Bantamweight prospects in the world. Former Combat Sambo Champion and Karate Champion. Askhabov is a KILLER, Why on earth he isn’t signing with UFC or Bellator is beyond me but hopefully he fights for UFC this year.
First step in fighting for UFC is on the Dana White Contender Series. Facing a high level Bantamweight prospect that can be a FIGHT on the UFC prelims.
Khusein is a high level grappler but can throw the hands when needed. Defeated former Cage Warriors fighter Donovan Desmae.
Oh by the way trains with TWO POWERHOUSE Gyms in American Top Team and Tiger Muay Thai. He’s the next star to come out of both gyms. Learning from current UFC Champions right now as Askhabov on paper is a future UFC champion.
Joanderson Brito
Brazil’s Next Generation of MMA fighters, Leading the charge is Joanderson Brito. Brazil’s #1 Featherweight prospect. 11-2 record at 26 years old. Fusion FC Lightweight Champion defeated a 24-7 Johnny Iwasaki. Later on signing with Legacy Fighting Alliance, Knocking out Jose “Chepe” Mariscal in the first round.
Exciting fighter to watch as Dana White would love his fast pace electric fighting style.
Rustam Kerimov
Rustam Kerimov, EASILY one of my favorite MMA fighters in the world. Former ACA Bantamweight Champion only because he wants to test free agency… Sign with UFC. Rustam Kerimov is a WORLD CLASS Bantamweight fighter, Easily one of the best Bantamweights not with UFC.
All-Around special fighter, Pressure kickboxing and takedowns. Dominating opponents from former UFC veteran Takeya Mizugaki. Defeated Abdul-Rakhman Dudaev for the ACA Bantamweight Title in a masterful performance that I’ve watched multiple times. Defeated Team Nogueira prospect Francisco Maciel, Current Top Ten Russian Featherweight Prospect Andrey Goncharov.
Igeu Kabesa
Africa’s MMA superstar not signed with UFC is Igeu Kabesa. Remember the name Igeu Kabesa, Believe he’ll be a future UFC title contender. Electrifying, World Class Main event attraction as he’s the EFC Featherweight Champion. Reigning over the EFC Featherweight Division. Igeu Kabesa has star written all over him and we can discover him on Season 5 of the Dana White Contender Series.
List of opponents he defeated is current Bellator fighter Peter Queally, Current UFC fighter Danny Henry who defeated Hakeem Dawodu and Daniel Teymur.
Karolina Wójcik
KSW Strawweight Champion with a 8-2 record. One of the best strawweight MMA prospects in Europe. Fought in EFC Worldwide to Venator FC. Split decision loss to Cheyanne Buys at EFC Worldwide 74. Crafty strawweight with balanced all around skills.
Love to see Karolina Wojcik fight on the Dana White Contender Series facing a top Strawweight prospect from the United States.
Jiří Procházka former Rizin Light Heavyweight Champion pursuing the UFC Light Heavyweight Title with a win against former UFC Light Heavyweight Title Challenger Dominick Reyes.
Jiří Procházka vs Dominick Reyes headlining UFC event tonight as UFC looking to make Jiri a star and a defeat against Dominick Reyes can lead to a UFC Light Heavyweight Title Shot.
Exciting fight to watch as Dominick Reyes lost to Jon Jones but honestly Reyes won that fight against Jon Jones. Shows how talented Dominick is but Jiri unorthodox fighting style can lead to a win.
” I have a lot of fights I think twice, More than Dominic yeah so I think I’m ready for that opponent and I will win.”
” I want to show my best I want to be I want to show the beauty of my kind of martial arts.”
Taking advantage of his first opportunity in the UFC Main Event. Knocking out Dominick Reyes that can trend on MMA twitter, Sports twitter. Building his name more and more as the UFC has a Light Heavyweight STAR in the making.
“If the title fight will be after one or two fights doesn’t matter for me it’s the most important the journey the learning of the journey in UFC. “
Jiri wins over Muhammad Lawal, Current Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Vadim Nemkov, Fabio Maldonado in his Rizin career. Win over Volkan Oezdemir in his UFC debut.
Jiří Procházka (24-3-1) is RIZIN's first light heavyweight champ, as he overwhelms a gassed King Mo in round three. "Denisa" avenges his last loss and boosts his win streak to eight. The Czech owns 23 finishes, 21 by knockout. #RIZIN15#RIZINFF#RIZIN2019pic.twitter.com/7xkhZGx2db
Knocking out opponents left and right in the first round. UFC, Dana White and his crew be foaming out the mouth if Jiri can crack Dominick Reyes early.
Facing the winner of Jan Blachowicz vs Glover Teixeira next, No need to wait anymore.
April 30th and May 1st, Friday and Saturday is filled with talented prospects looking to make a impression on UFC matchmakers and Bellator matchmakers. Watching prospects from LFA, CES, Okatagon, Mexico promotions.
LFA 106
Terrance McKinney former contestant of the Dana White Contender Series 8-3 record at 26 years old. McKinney is a Lightweight prospect, Fought for promotions Conquest of the Cage, Front Street Fights and now making his Legacy Fighting Alliance debut.
McKinney former College Wrestler at Chadron State, Fila Junior National All-American. Junior College #1 wrestler with North Idaho College.
One night changed everything as McKinney and his friends experimented with Mushrooms and LSD, Cops caught them in the act and they decided to flee the scene. Leading to madness as McKinney went through a window. Sent to Ambulance as his heart beat stopped.
“My head went through a window,” McKinney said. “I almost cut my neck off, because I pulled my head back through the glass after I fell through it. I was so overwhelmed by the drugs that I fainted.”
“I honestly didn’t know what happened,” McKinney recalled. “I thought I was still sitting on the couch tripping. It felt like I just woke up from a dream. I didn’t even know how I got to the hospital. I was like, ‘What the heck did I do? I’m at the hospital.’ I was freaking out. ‘What happened?’ I didn’t know what was going on. I had random people’s clothes on and a poop stain from being Tased.”
Life changing moment for the better as now Terrance McKinney can fight for UFC, Bellator 2021. Watch out for McKinney in 2021. Breakout year for him.
McKinney is definitely a talented fighter, Super fast compared to his opponents, Fast hands. Reminds me of a lighter version of Randy Brown.
Cheyden Leialoha
Cheyden Leialoha Hawaii’s #1 Bantamweight prospect 7-2 record at 27 years old. Tough losses to Raufeon Stots and John Castaneda but Leialoha is talented Bantamweight, Opportunity to fight for LFA. Moving up to Featherweight facing Edwin Chavez 4-0.
Cheyden is training partners with Max Holloway at Gracie Technics. Former X-1 Bantamweight Champion.
” I’m excited to give this guy his first loss I feel like he hasn’t fought really any tough competition.”
Blasco #2 Latin America Welterweight Prospect, #1 Prospect from Venezuela. 14-3 record at 25 years old. OFC Welterweight Champion, Looking to be UWC WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION. Blasco is a super talented fighter, Smooth all-around skills. Best attribute is his grappling.
Michael Morales
21 year old Ecuador Welterweight, Incredibly raw talent. One of the next big prospects coming out of Latin America. 10-0 record already beating up grown men basically as a teenager. This kid will only get better as time goes on. Fighting on UFC Fight Pass will help build his name. Dana White Contender Series will be a scheduled bout soon.
Oktagon 23
Roman Paulus
Roman Paulus 20 years old 3-0 record has a VERY PROMISING Future with Oktagon, Leading to be a headliner for Oktagon in a few years. Roman is a Lightweight prospect from Slovakia who definitely will rise in 2021. Oktagon promoters, His management team schedule Roman least two more times in 2021 to build his name.
Roman not gonna lie reminds me of Rory MacDonald. Very similar fighting style with technical pin point striking, Picking his shots. Body shape is similar as well but Roman’s body will continue to develop as he’s only 20 years old.
Marthin Hamlet Neilsen former Cage Warriors Light Heavyweight Title Challenger, Losing to Modestas Bukauskas in a fight he was winning with grappling, Pressure against the cage until the fourth round happened with a knockout.
“I believe that we [were] very close, if I got to win the title, I will be competing in Denmark for UFC,” Hamlet explained. “I won the three first rounds [against Bukauskas] and then I ruin it in the round four and I got TKO’ed. But I believe that loss came at the right time and I needed that to see I’m not ready for that big promotion. And as I said before, we’re finally here and I’m ready to go.”
Neilsen 6-1 record at 29 years old, Only a 6-1 record but is a WORLD CLASS WRESTLER from Norway. 7 time NORWAY Wrestling Champion, 15 World Cup Medals and Bronze Medalist in the European Championship.
Talented Norwegian wrestler looking to have a successful PFL career.
Neilsen will show he’s only getting better facing DAN SPOHN, Former Ultimate Fighter Season 19 Contestant, Bellator fighter and current PFL Light Heavyweight. Dan Spohn has a 18-7 record, The Experience may get to Neilsen but definitely training hard in the gym. Body looking FANTASTIC.
Training partners with #7 UFC Middleweight Jack Hermansson at Frontline Academy. Bellator Light Heavyweight Karl ”King” Albrektsson.
It’s very inspiring to train with Jack Hermansson and Emil Meek. They show that it’s possible. I also have other great fighters there, Cage Warriors signed Mohsen Bahari, Kenneth Bergh and Håkon Foss. Kenneth is in my weight class and he is a tough fighter who is really helping me raising the bar at every workout together.
Iron sharpens Iron and will see if Martin Hamlit Neilsen sharpened his tools in his fight against Dan Spohn. Defeats Dan Spohn will gain confidence and can be a DARK HORSE of the PFL Light Heavyweight Division.
“I believe it will be a great fight, but to be honest with you … he’s 37 he’s, he’s on the end of his career,” Hamlet said. “I’m on the rise now, so I feel like I will end him in the first or second round. It will be good to pick up the three points for the victory. And three or two bonus points you know, to secure the quarterfinals.”
Ion Surdu Romanian’s Top Middleweight Prospect, Fights for #1 European MMA promotion KSW.
Surdu record of 11-3 at 26 years old. 1-1 with KSW, Fighting in the middleweight division.
Latest win was at KSW 60 defeating Kacper Koziorzębski in a dominant performance that lead to a first round head kick knockout. Highlight reel knockout that trended on MMA twitter.
Ion Surdu slowly on the rise in 2020 but fighting for KSW can help build his name. Pursuing the KSW Middleweight Title as he keeps getting better.
Training at Ankos MMA Poznań with some killers. Former KSW Lightweight Champion Norman Parke, Makhmud Muradov UFC Middleweight, Dawid Śmiełowski 8-0 record Polish Featherweight Prospect.
Definitely has errors in his game, Clean up his game more in 2021 because Ion Surdu definitely can be a KSW Middleweight Champion in the next few years.
Watching more masterful performances like we saw at KSW 60. Winning streak leading to a KSW title shot, Building his name as one of the best European Middleweight Prospects.
Dana White, Sean Shelby definitely will take a liking to him as he’s a young hungry fighter. Attracting another region in Romania.
One of the upcoming Moldovan MMA prospects to fight for UFC, Bellator or One Championship in the next following years. Looking forward to Surdu 2021 season as he faces KSW middleweights from Patrik Kincl, Tomasz Drwal, Andrzej Grzebyk.
Brendan Allen first round submission win against the respected Karl Roberson on the prelims of UFC 261. One of the best performances of his career so far.
Showcasing his skills. Striking looked really good, Sweet shape. Excited for Brendan Allen next fight…
Rematch against Sean Strickland makes sense. Revenging his loss as Brendan Allen had a bad night at the house getting knocked out by Strickland.
“I knew it was a fluke,” Allen told MMA Junkie on Monday. “He got lucky. He hit me with a lucky shot. I was out of position, I was out of position. I wasn’t in a good spot to take the punch – something that I never do. I never dip that hard, and I don’t know why I did it. I made the wrong read and got caught.”
Change of scenery from Roufusport MMA Academy to Sanford MMA down in Florida. Training with Michael Chandler, Gilbert Burns, Jason Jackson, Aung La Nsang to name a few GREAT fighters. “Iron sharpens Iron” and Brendan Allen will have a REALLY GOOD 2021. He’s a talented fighter.
“Now that I’m here and everything has gone so great and everyone has taken me in, I feel like this is a great fit for me. I think it’s a permanent move for me at this point.”
Suggesting a different outcome against Strickland. No disrespect to Sean Strickland but there’s levels to this game.
“That I should have f*ck Sean Strickland up,” Brendan Allen told James Lynch for MMASucka.com. “There were just things that I didn’t do. I made the wrong read in the second and I got caught. I always say before every fight, every interview, no matter what, I feel like that’s the only way these guys can beat me, is to catch me. So, he caught me. Nine out of 10 times that fight doesn’t go that way, but that’s the one time that it mattered and he caught me.”
According to Brendan Allen… Strickland had a lucky night but Allen truly believes he’ll defeat Strickland if he’s awarded the opportunity.
” I want to beat the brakes off Strickland.”
Defeating Sean Strickland next will continue his rise in the UFC Middleweight Division. Hopefully UFC matchmakers Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard schedule a rematch, July 2021.
Brendan Allen former LFA Middleweight Champion, Contender Series alumni was on a three fight winning streak defeating Kevin Holland, Kyle Daukaus and Tom Breese. Defeating tough Middleweights before losing to Sean Strickland.
“I think emotionally it was really tough to have it taken away from me again and I really didn’t know who Sean Strickland was, to be honest. I thought it was going to be a cakewalk,” Allen told UFC.com. “It was tough for me to wrap my head around missing out on the Top 15 opportunity. That was some immaturity there.”
Brendan Allen flying under the radar right now but looking to rise in 2021, Starts off by facing the very tough Karl Roberson on the prelims of UFC 261.
“With a good win over Karl Roberson, one that I make look good, then I can get a fight in that Top 15. Worst case it takes another fight, but I know it’s coming, and I’ll get it.”
“I expect a hard two rounds, but I don’t know if he can keep up with my pressure, my pace and my tenacity. I don’t think he has felt that. It’s just different.”
Brendan Allen switched gyms from Roufusport MMA Academy to Sanford MMA training with some of the best fighters in the world… Gilbert Burns, Vicente Luque, One Championship Light Heavyweight Champion and Heavyweight Champion Aung La Nsang, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, Jason Jackson and Logan Storley. To name a few killers.
“Now that I’m here and everything has gone so great and everyone has taken me in, I feel like this is a great fit for me. I think it’s a permanent move for me at this point.”
“It’s good. We’ve got a lot of good guys in the room, as always at Sanford, (and) good coaches. It couldn’t be any better, I’m just taking care of my body and trying to be the best ‘me’ come fight night.”
Training with champions, Future champions, UFC & Bellator fighters will make Brendan Allen rise in 2021.
Making the best of UFC 261 facing Andre Roberson, Winning by knockout, Dominant fashion or a DAWG three round war. It doesn’t matter a win is a win.
“I’m just going to let it come. I’m going to win every transition, every scramble, every exchange, and as long as I do that, I’ll be good to go. I’m going to win the fight, as long as I do those things and they add up, I’ll be just fine, and I’ll win the fight. If the finish comes, it’ll come. I got to the point where I was really looking for that in the last few fights and it didn’t happen.”
Watch out for Brendan Allen in 2021, Head in the right place he can be a top 15 UFC Middleweight!!
” I truly believe in my heart that I’m better than a lot of these guys if not all of them in the roster
Fighting consistently in 2021, More than a few times in 2021. Focusing on having the best year of his life so far. Underrated to rising UFC Middleweight in 2021 starts at UFC 261.
Professional Fighters League returns tonight on ESPN 2, Looking forward to the PFL return. Anthony Pettis PFL debut against former UFC fighter and Top Rank boxer Clay Collard. Talented card top to bottom with prospects making there Professional Fighters League.
Mikhail Odintsov
Mikhail Odintsov Belarus Top Prospect, Talented Lightweight prospect at `18-2 record. Winning the PFL Russian International Series to fight in the Professional Fighters League.
Odintsov is a prospect I’ve had my eyes on in 2020, Finally fighting for one of the best MMA promotions. Making his name on ESPN 2.
Sung Bin Jo
Sung Bin Jo South Korea’s next superstar with a 9-1 record, 28 years old. Cut in his first fight with UFC which makes no sense but time for Sung Bin Jo to take advantage of the new opportunity with Professional Fighters League. Definitively a underrated prospect.
Sung Bin Jo Kickboxing background lead to wins in the Professional Fighters League. Facing Tyler Diamond former Ultimate Fighter Season 27 contestant and Team Alpha Male prospect.
“I’m not setting huge goals right now because I’m focusing solely on the steps in front of me at the PFL and my first match against Tyler Diamond, though I’m aware the biggest threat at featherweight is Lance Palmer — the two-time winner of this tournament.
Favorite to win Ultimate Fighter Season 27, Hype behind him since he trained at Team Alpha Male. Prime of his career at 30 years old, Looking to make Professional Fighters League his home.
“I’m expecting to go in there and just be me,” Diamond told Cageside Press ahead of the bout. “Be mean and violent, look for the finish. Find every opportunity to grind this win out, do whatever the hell I gotta do to win,” Diamond continued. “I got to go in there and freaking just be me.”
Alex Martinez Paraguay rising prospect, 7-0 record at 26 years old. Two wins under Brave Combat Federation. Martinez one of the best Lightweight prospects in North America, Wins at Brave CF, Hoosier FC and Ikon Fighting Federation.
“We were going to take a random fight anywhere just to stay active, but at the same time we knew it was time to jump up to a bigger promotion just because we were at a higher level,” Martinez said in an interview with MMA Empire.
“The opponents they were putting in front of us, we weren’t destroying, but we were doing our thing. It’s time to go for the big dogs.”
Professional Fighters League returns April 23rd with a stacked card, Headliner is Anthony Pettis vs Clay Collard.
First fight on Main Card is highly anticipated as Lance Palmer Two Time PFL Featherweight Champion will have his toughest fight on paper facing Bubba Jenkins.
Lance Palmer 4 time Ohio State All-American Wrestler, Dominating his PFL Featherweight opponents with ground & pound wrestling but curious to see if Bubba Jenkins can prevent the takedowns.
“I think I can take anyone down, and that changes the course of the fight,” Palmer explained.
Bubba Jenkins Penn State and Arizona State All-American Wrestler. Gold Medalist wrestler in the 2011 NCAA College Wrestling Championship by defeating Penn State Wrestler David Taylor.
“I wrestled him multiple times in college, but if you know anything about the NCAA, they don’t like to pay their athletes. So all I could afford was a Big Mac and an orange soda, and that’s all I was looking forward to after any match,” said Jenkins. “One time I had Palmer on the menu, and I beat him, ate him up a lot, and I was quickly at the next McDonalds order that Big Mac and an orange soda.”
Jenkins because of his wrestling success lead to him to a successful Bellator career, Signing with Brave Combat Federation and winning the Brave CF Featherweight Title.
Bubba Jenkins looking to give the biggest win of his career by defeating Lance Palmer. Showing the MMA world he’s one of the best Featherweights in the world
“Be massive I’m known as the champ killer, In college I beat nine national champions, Ten national champions, I’ve gone to other organizations and beaten their champions right off the bat this is not something new to me, Would be massive. Palmer is a tough fighter, 11-0 record.” Bubba Jenkins
“I think the athleticism, Speed the power that I bring is going to disrupt a lot of his plans and I don’t think he’ll come forward as much as you know he would like to say that.”
“I’m about to finish Palmer is going to put me in top ten highlights.”
Lance Palmer one of the BEST Featherweights in the world, Looking to reign PFL Featherweight Division and win another million dollar prize.
“I feel like I’m going to finish him. I don’t know what round, I don’t care to care to make a prediction honestly but, um, I agree if he catches me and knocks me out is the only way he can win this fight,” Palmer said.
Lance Palmer training with TJ Dillashaw, Juan Archuleta now training with Frankie Edgar in New Jersey with Striking Coach genius Mark Henry. Nick Catone MMA Gym.
Lance Palmer vs Bubba Jenkins is a FEATHERWEIGHT fight to watch, Two of the BEST FEATHERWEIGHTS facing each other. Highest of levels wrestling wise going at it. Hardcore fans are all waiting for it Friday Night.
Jacob Malkoun UFC Middleweight Prospect 5-1 record fought a very tough Abdul Razak Alhassan in a dominant performance with wrestling, Pressure against the cage, Ground & Pound.
Getting his first win of many UFC fights. Training with the KILLER Australian Assassin Robert Whittaker. Confident he can compete with the best of the best UFC Middleweights.
“There was a never a question about my skill set I’ve always had my coaches believed in me more than I believe in myself really they just put in my brain so I’ve always had a high skill set training with Robert Whittaker all the time so I know where I am but I just got to prove it on the stage it’s easy to train and be good in the gym but to get in the cage and do it is another thing and I just showed that prove to myself that I can do it.” Jacob Malkoun
Hope Malkoun returns this summer of 2021 fighting tough UFC Middleweights, Getting much experience as possible inside the cage. Improving more and more.
“I just want to get better first,” Malkoun said. “I don’t want to keep jumping in. I’ve got a lot of gaps to fill. There’s no easy fight in the UFC. I can’t just keep jumping and say, ‘Oh, I’m the best’ because I won one fight. I’ve got to keep getting better. So whatever the coaches think (I should do next), we’ll go back, regroup, and we’ll see what happens from there.”
Malkoun had a rough UFC loss, Losing to Phil Hawes in 18 seconds. Forgetting the loss and now seeking to go on a UFC winning streak. Becoming a hot UFC Middleweight prospect.
“Losing is part of the sport the only way to get better.”
Hopefully the last loss for a while, Malkoun is a very talented fighter, Definitely his cardio will be a strong skillset that will help him in 2021 and his UFC journey. Developing a strong mindset, Becoming fearless inside the cage will only make him stronger.
However 5-1 record pro record, Winning ADCC Asian Trials in Jiu-Jitsu is crazy. This dude’s a beast just needs to fight more.
“I want to have at least one more fight but I want to go back to the gym when I get home keep grinding and trotting along so I can build that skill set see I’ve got some animals in my division so if I want to get to the next level just want to keep pushing through.”
Steve Mowry rising Bellator Heavyweight prospect, One of Fightingdna Bellator prospects to watch in 2021 because he’s a very talented boxer, Overall fighter. Reminds me of Stipe Miocic.
Mowry continues to win in early finish style in the first round against Shaun Asher on the Bellator 257 Main Card. Getting better with every win as he trains Florida Gym powerhouse Sanford MMA. Training partners are Rumble Johnson, Aung La Nsang, Stefan Struve and coached by genius Henri Hooft.
“You don’t ever really feel more prepared for a fight than you would when you just got done sparing with Anthony Johnson, so that would be my big one. But being in a room with Kamaru [Usman] and Robbie [Lawler], two of the best welterweights to ever do it, it definitely gives you perspective, it gives you kind of like a direction, it kind of sets the standard on what you should be focusing on, what you shouldn’t be focusing on.”
Since no Vasell or Mitrione… Javy Ayala is a fight to schedule this Summer. Ayala Bellator Heavyweight veteran fought everyone from Valentin Moldavsky, Win over Frank Mir, Sergei Kharitonov win. He’s a tough fighter, #10 Bellator Heavyweight.
“I’m having a kid in July so I’d like to you know either get a quick turnaround or I’d like to have you know.”
Either way Javy Ayala or not Steve Mowry deserves a top ten Heavyweight or Bellator signs a Heavyweight prospect to fight him. KEEP an EYE on STEVE MOWRY for 2021!!
Mads Burnell former UFC fighter, Former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion is 2-0 with Bellator after a impressive win against a respected Bellator featherweight Saul Rogers on the Bellator 257 prelims.
Burnell respectfully asked for Daniel Weichel in his post fight interview with John McCarthy. All for a fight between Burnell vs Weichel… European Clash it would be.
Daniel Weichel 40-12 record wins over Emmanuel Sanchez, Saul Rogers which is a great fight to watch, Desmond Green, Former Bellator Champion Pat Curran.
Defeating Weichel replaces his ranking as the #5th Bellator Featherweight, One or two more fights away from a Bellator Featherweight Title shot.
Jay Jay Wilson IMPRESSIVE dominant performance against a respected, SBG Ireland Pedro Carvalho. This kid continues to get better from his striking that definitely hurt Carvalho. Genuinely blown away.
At 23 years old and called out Adam Borics in his post fight interview.
“This win solidified my place in the division, I believe I should be in line for the title.” Jay Jay Wilson
Adam Borics #3rd Featherweight coming off a win against former PFL Featherweight Jeremy Kennedy.
Borics vs Jay Jay Wilson would be one hell of a matchup if Bellator decides to schedule that this summer. Two rising Bellator stars facing each other in a title eliminator.
Bold call out to make for the 23 year old but he’s hungry and confident, Best year so far in 2021. Passes by Adam Borics next up is the winner of Patricio Friere vs AJ McKee.
“I deserve to be in the top three,” Wilson continued. “I deserve to get an opportunity at gold.”
“[Borics] is a very tough fighter. We just got done with Pedro Carvalho, so I’ll be going back to my camp, and we’ll come up with a plan to put on a dominant performance against him — so I can definitely solidify my title position.”
Bellator 257 is a STACKED card on Showtime Network. Headlined with Vadim Nemkov Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion one of the best Light Heavyweights in the world vs former UFC Light Heavyweight Phil Davis. First round of the Bellator Light Heavyweight Grand Prix.
Beginning to end there’s great fights, Highly recommend watching Bellator 257!! Many fights and fighters to watch.
Nemkov vs Davis
Vadim Nemkov since signing with Bellator in 2017 been on a tear defeating current UFC Heavyweight, Former PFL Heavyweight ChampionPhilipe Lins, Former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Liam McGeary, Former UFC Fighter Phil Davis, Former Bellator Middleweight Champion Rafael Carvalho and Ryan Bader.
Nemkov is Fedor Emelianenko protégé, Nemkov is one of the best Light Heavyweights in the world. Nemkov can beat Dominick Reyes, Aleksandr Rakic, Anthony Smith but he’s making a career with Bellator.
All-Around Special Talent at 28 years old, One of the best fighters in the world.
Phil Davis Former Penn State Four Time All-American Wrestler, Former UFC Light Heavyweight defeated Glover Teixeira, Lyoto Machida, Emmanuel Newton and many other talented fighters.
Davis has a loss against Nemkov but ignoring the loss, Time for revenge.
“I don’t care; I don’t care,” Davis told MMA Junkie. “For me to look back and think, ‘Oh, they should’ve gave that to me,’ that’s a waste of my time and my energy. I’ll never get better doing that. I’m all about getting better and winning fights, so why even calculate that into my existence? I’m good. Judges have a tough job. They said I didn’t win; I didn’t win.”
Daivs 36 years old, Making one more run for the Bellator Light Heavyweight title.
Julius Anglickas
Julius Anglickas former LFA Light Heavyweight Champion, 29 years old with a 9-1 record. 2-0 record with Bellator, Defeating Jordan Young and Alex Polizzi. Two high level Bellator Light Heavyweights. Anglickas not competing in the Bellator Light Heavyweight grand prix but is the #5th Bellator Light Heavyweight.
Watch out for Anglickas in 2021.
Steve Mowry
Steve Mowry Bellator Heavyweight Prospect, 8-0 record at 28 years old. Sanford MMA prospect trains with Michael Chandler, Gilbert Burns, Aung La Nsang, Vicente Luque, Jason Jackson, Anthony Johnson, Stefan Struve. Coached by Henri Hooft.
Mowry is one of my favorite Bellator prospects, He’s a very talented fighter. Talented technical boxer for a guy his size at six foot eight. Pieced apart Shawn Teed in his latest Bellator 249 fight.
Watch out for Steve Mowry in 2021.
Nemkov vs Karl Albrektsson
Viktor Nemkov 30-7 record, Older brother of Vadim Nemkov at 34 years old. Former M1 Light Heavyweight Champion, Former PFL fighter finally signs with Bellator in his Bellator debut against Karl Albrektsson.
Karl Albrektsson 27 years old 10-3 record former Rizin Light Heavyweight. Early win over Vadim Nemkov.
Saul Rogers vs Mads Burnell
Saul Rogers vs Mads Burnell is the FIGHT of the NIGHT Bellator 257. TWO of the best Bellator Featherweights facing each other in the second fight of Bellator 257. Which is crazy, Shows how stacked this card is!!
Saul Rogers 2-1 Bellator record 14-3 record at 31 years old. Ultimate Fighter 22 fighter, Defeated Billy Quarantillo, Ryan Hall, Marcin Wrzosek in his Ultimate Fighter exhibitions but because of visa issues wouldn’t fight in the Ultimate Fighter final. Easily would’ve been a Ulimate Fighter final winner and compete in the UFC right now but things in happen. Now fighting for Bellator.
Rogers lost to Daniel Weichel in a decision but was a GREAT fight. Weichel 39-11 record while Rogers had 15 pro fights. Rogers did well with striking that was a back & forth fight. Now Rogers can make a name of himself facing former UFC fighter Mads Burnell.
Mads Burnell 14-3 record 27 years old, 1-2 record with UFC but signed with Cage Warriors. Winning the Cage Warriors Featherweight title than signed with Bellator. Burnell on a five fight winning streak looking to make it six against Saul Rogers.
Mads Burnell taking advantage of the opportunity to fight for the 2nd best MMA promotion in the world. Defeating a VERY talented Saul Rogers helps in 2021, Looking for a Bellator Featherweight title.
🔥 A perfect debut for Mads Burnell who stops Darko Banovic by TKO in the very 1️⃣st round.
A lot of hype around the “Maori Kid” Jay Jay Wilson, Outstanding Jiu-Jitsu player. Black Belt World Champion at Alliance Jiu Jitsu under Johnny Faria at San Diego. 7-0 record at 23 years old defeated Ty-Wan Claxton, Sergio Debari and now facing Pedro Carvalho SBG Ireland prospect.
“[Carvalho] is definitely a big step up for me,” Wilson said. “He’s the biggest name I’ve fought, and I feel like I have more weapons to beat him.”
Toughest for the “Maori Kid”, However Jay Jay Wilson all around talent with developing striking skills. Will only get better from here with training!!
“I’m super excited about this fight,” Wilson told Cageside Press ahead of the fight. “[Carvalho]’s ranked the number four fighter, he’s no slouch. Fight camp has gone amazing, I’m feeling the greatest I’ve ever felt,” Wilson continued. “I’m ready to keep my undefeated streak going.”
Jay Jay gets passed Pedro Carvalho would be a great start to 2021. Gradual hype for the future Bellator star.
Bellator 257
Overall Bellator 257 is a STACKED CARD top to bottom, One of the best Bellator cards in a while. Nemkov vs Davis, Corey Anderson second Bellator fight, Paul Daley vs Sabah Homasi, Steve Mowry, Viktor Nemkov.
Saul Rogers vs Mads Burnell Bellator Fight of the Night written all over it. TWO HIGH LEVEL fighters in a technical Featherweight Clash
PLEASE watch Belltor 257 helping out the fighters and Bellator becoming a close second to UFC.
Bellator continues to add depth to there roster signing world class fighters consistently last few years. Newest signings are two killers from different countries that can become top five fighters in their division in the future. Bellator signed Maycon Mendoca and Islam Mamedov.
Maycon Mendoca
Maycon Mendoca Current LFA Welterweight Champion after defeating Batsumberel Dagvadorj in a Welterweight Clash that earned him the LFA Welterweight Title. He’s a very good all around fighter at 28 years old, 11-4 record. Five fight winning streak after a three fight losing streak.
Wanted Bellator to sign Mendoca because he’d a be a GREAT addition to the Bellator Welterweight Division. Future matchups against Jason Jackson, Jaleel Willis, Logan Storley.
Maycon Mendonca trains at KINGS MMA with Marvin Vettori, Kelvin Gastelum, Rafael Dos Anjos, Neiman Gracie.
Looking forward to Maycon Mendonca Bellator debut and who he matches up against.
“This guy’s a beast, man. I want to see this guy on a bigger show,” Neiman Gracie said.
Islam Mamedov Russian Lightweight savage, Dagestan born and raised fought for Professional Fighters League with Eight PFL/WSOF wins. Defeating current PFL Lightweight Champion Natan Schulte, Former UFC fighter Thiago Tavares, Ylies Djiroun top French MMA prospect.
19-1 record, 31 years old entering Bellator in the prime of his career.
Mamedov is a combat sambo world champion, Ground & pound expert and looking to take his talents to Bellator. Competing with the best Lightweights from Patricky Pitbull, Goiti Yamaguchi. Training with Dagestan friends from Khabib, Islam, Umar, Usman and so many other great fighters.
Khabib replacing his father Abdulmunap as HEAD COACH, Trainer of Eagles MMA. Helping many Dagestan fighters achieve there MMA dreams. Looking to make Islam Mamedov a Bellator Lightweight title challenger.
Genuinely curious to see how Islam Mamedov matches up against Bellator Lightweight competition in July.
“I hope we’ll have fans again in the building in July,” Nurmagomedov stated. “I look forward to meeting the Bellator fans there and supporting Usman and Islam.”
One of the most underrated Lightweight fights of 2021 and best fights of the year is headlining One on TNT 2. Christian Lee current One Championship Lightweight Championship vs Timofey Nastyukhin.
Christian Lee vs Timofey Nastyukhin
Christian Lee, King of One Championship. Superstar of One Championship, Reigning over the Lightweight division defeated Former Deep Featherweight Champion, Kazuki Tokudome former Pancrase Lightweight Champion, Former Dream Lightweight Champion, One Championship Lightweight Champion.
Obviously a successful MMA career, Defeating top notch fighters. Former Champions but guess what he’s a kid 22 years old defeating fighters ten years older than him but Christian Lee part of the next generation of MMA fighters.
WORLD CLASS Lightweight facing Timofey Nastyukhin defeated Eddie Alvarez former UFC/Bellator Lightweight Champion in a unexpected loss but there was a lot of hype and discussion about Timofey being a talented Lightweight who trains at Tiger Muay Thai with Valentina Shevchenko, Petr Yan, Arman Tsarukyan and many other killers.
Timofey is a former FILA Pankration world champion, Defeated Eduard Folayang former URCC Welterweight Champion and Gold Medalist in Wushu.
Yeah so on paper this fight will be bananas!! Probably toughest challenge to date for Christian Lee as he ran through everyone since his four fight winning streak.
“Timofey and I, we are similar in a sense that we both go for the finish,” Lee said. “However, I feel that my skills are much greater in every area, so what I’m going to do is mix it up, play through the full range of mixed martial arts, and I feel that my game will match up with his, and I’ll be able to exploit a weakness.”
“I think the fight is going to start very quickly,” Lee said. “There’s going to be a lot of action early on, and I’m going to end the fight in the first round with a finish.”
Christian Lee sees through Nastyukhin, Early finish. Beating him and continuing his One Championship Lightweight Title reign. Which is so crazy because he’s only 22 years old.
However I don’t think this fight will be a early finish for Christian Lee, Be a five round fight by decision. Worth their time watching a five round fight, TWO of the best Lightweights in the world.
“For me, I feel that I’m the No. 1 lightweight in the world,” Lee said. “I’m confident in my abilities. If all these top fighters weren’t signed to other organizations and we did a grand prix for all the top lightweights in the world, I feel like I would be sitting on top of that. I absolutely believe I would come out on top against any lightweight.”
Feel like if Christian Lee dominates, Masterpiece performance against Timofey Nastyukhin callout Eddie Alvarez. Defeats him he really should consider signing with Bellator or UFC. Proving #1 Lightweight in the world.
Timofey Nastyukhin defeats Christian Lee, Expect an automatic rematch which would be GREAT business for One Championship. Millions of views on TNT, Building the promotion of One Championship in North America.
Adam Borics the rising Bellator Featherweight on a three fight winning streak after defeating former UFC and PFL fighter Jeremy Kennedy at Bellator 256. Fighting in a very tactical three round fight where the trial of error is limited.
Best win of his MMA career so far. Dealing with a tough loss against Darrion Caldwell but continuing to mature and grow as a fighter with Sanford MMA, Down at Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
“I’ve been going to Florida since 2017,” Borics told the media. “Every time I went, I was staying just one month. This time I stayed two and a half months. I want to be the best in the world. I have so much motivation, I dream big. At Sanford MMA we are a family.”
“I have the best coaches in the world at Sanford MMA, so I’m ready for everybody,” he excalimed Friday.
Training at Sanford MMA with Michael Chandler, Gilbert Burns, Formerly Kamaru Usman, Jason Jackson, Vicente Luque, Rumble Johnson, Martin Nguyen, Aung La Nsang and many more killers. Iron sharpens Iron, Makes everyone better including Adam Borics.
Now Borics is ready for a title, Awaiting the winner of Patricio Pitbull vs AJ McKee.
” I feel like I’m ready for a title shot I have eight or night fights with Bellator so yeah I would like to fight for the title next.”
“You know if it takes a while get back in there and Emmanuel Sanchez or someone else, Let’s see when’s the final.” Adam Borics
Hungry to fight three times a year, Looking to stay active instead of fighting once a year.
“I would like to fight one more or two times so I’m gonna fight just maximum three times a year because you know fighting in in 145 four times it’s a not easy cut you know.”
Cut is worth it fighting for the Bellator Featherweight title, Earning little more extra money because of a title fight. More sponsorship money.
Life changing fight if Adam Borics can defeat Patricio Pitbull or AJ McKee. Two of the best Featherweights in the world.
Summer of 2021 is when the Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix should happen then the winner faces Adam Borics during fall.
Makes sense for Borics to get one more fight in before a title shot, Facing Emmanuel Sanchez, Daniel Weichel to name a few fighters.
My ultimate goal is to become a world champion. After that, I’m definitely going to help the next generation.”
Terrance McKinney headlining the LFA 109 event facing Michael Irizarry Ortiz Puerto Rican Lightweight prospect. Michael Irizarry Ortiz is in for a rude awakening as Terrance McKinney is red hot right now with two back to back 1st round knockouts under 30 seconds.
Terrance McKinney was not messing around tonight! #LFA106
Cheering for Terrance McKinney as a young man was hanging out with friends getting into trouble. Drinking and experimenting with drugs, Lead to chased by cops and Terrance going through the cops window. Almost dying inside the ambulance truck but someone from above was looking out for him.
Now Terrance McKinney several years later is fighting for the Legacy Fighting Alliance, VERY close to signing with UFC or Bellator.
“I honestly didn’t know what happened,” McKinney recalled. “I thought I was still sitting on the couch tripping. It felt like I just woke up from a dream. I didn’t even know how I got to the hospital. I was like, ‘What the heck did I do? I’m at the hospital.’ I was freaking out. ‘What happened?’ I didn’t know what was going on. I had random people’s clothes on and a poop stain from being Tased.”
“It would mean the world to me, but this is just another fight for me,” McKinney said. “I’ve got bigger goals than that. My goal is to have the UFC belt. Until then, I’m not satisfied. Until then, I’ll be working three practices a day until I get to where I really want to be.
Highlight reel knockouts definitely lead to UFC matchmakers and Bellator matchmakers giving Terrance a call. Dana White loves entertaining fighters.
Askar Askar one of the best Bantamweight prospects in the world, Especially in the United States. 11-1 record at 26 years old. Signed with UFC but because of medical issues couldn’t fight Cody Stamann in his UFC debut.
Defeating a talented Justin Wetzell 6-1 record, Product out of Elevation Fight Team.
Back to Back LFA wins can lead to Askar signing with UFC or Bellator.
“Now that Ramadan just ended, I knew in my mind that I was going to fight sometime in June,” Askar said. “I was thinking late June, maybe mid-June, but it came early June. So I wasn’t mad at it, you know what I mean? I just had to put myself right in the camp. But, yeah, if I win this, I see, you know, either Contender Series or a late-notice call, you know? In my mind, I’m going to try to stay as ready as possible after, you know?”
