Monthly Archives: September 2021

Hughes vs Charriere Cage Warriors 128 Title Fight

Morgan Charriere Cage Warriors superstar and former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion is looking to be current Featherweight Champion when he faces the talented Paul Hughes.

Both fighting for the Vacated Cage Warriors Featherweight Title.

This fight is so good that it can be on the PRELIMS of a UFC card or Bellator card. Both fighters can be signed by the top five MMA promotions.

Morgan Charriere

Coming off a loss in a back and forth fight against Jordan Vucenic. Yes he lost but Morgan looked GREAT as well. Morgan is one talented All-Around fighter born and raised in France. Shows the promising future of France MMA.

Doesn’t have this appealing record of 16-8 but he’s a world beater defeating talented fighters such as Perry Goodwin, Julien Graco. See if Morgan has what it takes to defeat one of Ireland’s best prospects.

“This fight is the road back to my title.” Morgan Charriere

https://cagewarriors.com/morgan-charriere-vs-paul-hughes-to-headline-cw-128/

“I don’t care about the interim title, the opponent or anything. I’m just focusing on winning and putting on a performance.”

https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/09/paul-hughes-vs-morgan-charriere-interim-featherweight-title-fight-cage-warriors-128-main-event

Winning the Featherweight title again will help build his reputation even more as one of the best Featherweights not signed by UFC or Bellator. Attracting the UFC or Bellator to sign him.

Promotions lucky to sign him with his crazy YOUTUBE and social media following. Can only imagine the amount of views his debut would get!!

Paul Hughes

Ireland rising Featherweight prospect with a 7-1 record, One of the most talented Featherweights on the roster.

Nasty leg kicks, Fast sneaky hands. He likes to push the pace, Pretty good footwork. Submission game is one of his attributes that lead to many future submission wins.

“I had to go through hell to get to heaven in three weeks I’m gonna reap the awards I’m gonna be champion of the world at 24 years old and man it’s gonna be sweet.” Paul Hughes

Will see if the training through hell at Fight Academy Ireland with Bellator’s Karl Moore, Current Cage Warriors Lightweight Champion Joe McColgan, Rhys McKee is worth it by getting the upset at Cage Warriors 128.

Big Test for Nathan Fletcher Cage Warriors 127

Nathan Fletcher upcoming England Bantamweight prospect is fighting for the Cage Warriors Bantamweight title. Facing off against former Bellator fighter Dominique Wooding.

Big test for Nathan Fletcher to see what he’s made of, Fighting a former Bellator fighter. In addition to headlining a Cage Warriors event.

Winning a Cage Warriors Bantamweight title is a major accomplishment that can attract buyers UFC and Bellator to sign him, They always want to sign the best and brightest of Britain.

“My career so far with Cage Warriors has been amazing,” Fletcher stated. “I turned pro with the organization just over two years ago, and since then I’ve run through every opponent I’ve taken on. This one is going to be no different. You can expect another dominant performance, and I’ll be leaving the cage with another finish and a shiny new belt.”

https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/09/dominique-wooding-vs-nathan-fletcher-vacant-bantamweight-title-main-event-cage-warriors-127-jack-cartwright

Fletcher is undefeated with a 6-0 record. Finishing opponents with submissions.

Nathan Fletcher is one high level Jiu-Jitsu artist to make that extra cash should compete in No-Gi Competitions.

Fletcher believes he’ll match up well against Wooding but not only Wooding but the best Bantamweights in the world.

Training with Paddy” the Baddy” Pimblett, Chris Fishgold, Matthew Bonner at Next General MMA Liverpool. Looks to be the next Cage Warriors champ from the rising Liverpool gym.

Bellator 267 Fighters to Watch: Kakhorov and Diatta

Khurshed Kakhorov

Bellator debut is at Bellator 267, First fight on the card. Undefeated Tajikistan fighter. High level Bantamweight with POWER in his hands.

Entertainer fighter to watch as he’s a push the pace type of fighter, Looking for the kill every round. Doubt his fights will ever be boring.

Exciting new addition to the stacked red hot Bellator Bantamweight division.

Bellator debut is against Jair Junior 6-2 record, Fought for Kunlun Fight and Glory of Heroes.

Fabacary Diatta

Training partners with Salahdine Parnasse (KSW former Featherweight Champion) at Atch Academy in France. He’s a talented fighter himself as France is becoming a region for UFC, Bellator, One Championship, PFL to sign fighters.

Diatta had a impressive debut against Dominique Wooding. Bellator 267 fight is against a tough Brit… Nathan Rose (7-3 record).

Athleticism, Speed jumps off the screen as this kid could be playing for a professional soccer team but is looking to earn a living in the MMA game.

Watch out for Fabacary Diatta in the following years as he makes an impact in the Bellator Featherweight division.

Week 5 Dana White Contender Series Fighters to Watch

Daniel Zellhuber

Fighter that first caught my eye on this card is the future Mexican Superstar, Daniel Zellhuber. Zellhuber fought on the biggest promotions in Latin America.

Finishing basically 10 out of his 11 fights. Now having the opportunity to fight on the Dana White Contender Series.

  • 22 years old
  • 11-0 record
  • Fought for Combate Americas, Lux Fight League, Ikon Fighting Federation

Zellhuber is one talented Lightweight prospect. Nickname is “Golden Boy” for a reason as he has the look and skills to become a star.

Represented my First Round Management/https://www.firstroundmanagement.com/mma to make help build Daniel Zellhuber’s name.

Raw young talented fighter with potential to becoming a UFC Lightweight contender or UFC Welterweight contender when he moves up to Welterweight as he continues to get older.

Reminds me of Josh Thomson in his Strikeforce days. Looking forward to his Contender Series fight.

Aaron Jeffery

CFFC Middleweight Champion, One of the best Middleweight prospects in the world. King of the Mullets.

Defeating talented Middleweights like Andre Petroski, Collin Huckbody. Aaron Jeffery fought on the Contender Series before losing to Brendan Allen.

Now Aaron Jeffery is on a 4 fight winning streak, Fighting high level fighters. Becoming the CFFC Middleweight Champion is a huge deal, CFFC is one of the best Feeder Leagues in the word.

Facing off against Brazilian prospect Caio Borralho, Future MMA Middleweight Champion. Looking forward to Aaron Jeffery fight has a bright future ahead of him.

Comparison- Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald.

LFA 115 Fighter to Watch is Edwin Cooper Jr

JacksonWink MMA is one of the best MMA Gyms since the Golden Age of MMA from Diego Sanchez, George St Pierre, Carlos Condit, Tim Kennedy, Jones and part of the next generation of JacksonWink MMA fighters is Edwin Cooper Jr.

Wrestling Career

Edwin Cooper Jr before ever stepping foot inside the ring he was a COLLEGE WRESTLER at IOWA. Started out wrestling Iowa Central Community College, Winning the JUCO Championship at 149 pounds.

First Team Northern Sun Conference at 149 pounds when he transferred to Upper Iowa. 35-4 record and a runner up finish at NCAA Division 2 Championships.

“Placed fourth at the Big Ten Championships to earn his first berth at the NCAA Championships… started 16 of 17 duals and was 18-11 overall at 157 pounds, including a 7-2 mark in the Big Ten and an 11-5 record in duals… … letterwinner.” Edwin Cooper Jr IOWA Profile

“The best thing I would say that I achieved at Iowa besides wrestling in the Big Ten, wrestling in Madison Square Garden, qualifying for Nationals, trying to win a team title for my team, wrestling some of the best wrestlers in the world, being in there with [Brent] Metcalf, being able to talk to guys who were mentors and father figures in my life like the Brands and Dan Gable, it was an unbelievable experience,” Cooper listed off. “Here’s the thing, anyone can go there and be there. For me, it’s going there and having a legacy and setting up a legacy for my family in the long run.”

https://www.ufc.com/news/courage-and-belief-are-keys-edwin-cooper-jr-lfa-ufc-fight-pass-read

MMA Career

Training at Jackson Wink MMA currently has a record of 4-1, Fighting for the best Feeder League Promotion in the United States. Continuing to get better as a fighter under the LFA promotion is the best bet for him right now.

Facing a 2-0 Andrew Johnson.

If I was Edwin Cooper Jr manager I’d sign him to Bellator, Building up his name and career there. Be a smart move for him.

ACA 129 Prospects to Watch

Vitaly Slipenko #8th ACA Welterweight

Vitaly Slipenko 13-3 record 26 years old one of the best Welterweights in the ACA PROMOTION. Riding high on a 4 fight winning streak.

Talented Welterweight with accurate volume striking. Solid takedown defense to get against the Russian savage wrestlers.

Five Round cardio that doesn’t gas out, Fought this talented 10-1 Chersi Dudaev. Five round fight, Started to push the pace. Several combinations, Leg kicks. Forcing Dudaev to move backwards against the cage.

Leonardo Limberger

One of the best Brazilian Featherweights in the world. Limberger is a talented tactical featherweight, Impressive fighter to watch. No doubt will sign one of the top three MMA promotions in the following years.

He’s kinda reminds me of Brian Ortega with the way he strikes since his fight against Korean Zombie.

Chess match fight against Alexander Peduson was a impressive win for him at ACA 123.

Before signing with ACA was the SHOOTO BRASIL Featherweight Champion.

  • 15-2
  • 27 years old
  • Former Shooto Brasil featherweight champion

Bekhruz Zukhurov

Watching his ACA Full Fights, Appreciate his push the pace, Move forward fighting style. Combinations of accurate punches and kicks, In addition to his shoot for the takedowns that lead to ground & pound. Nasty disguised leg kicks.

Right now entering the prime of his career, Potential of becoming a lower version of Zabit Magomedsharipov. Recommend training at Kings MMA, Ricardo Almeida

  • 15-4
  • 28 years old
  • Foundation style of kickboxing

Pavel Gordeev

Top Ten Russian Lightweight, Trains with former UFC fighter Alexey Kunchenko at BK Arkhangel Mikhail.

Fought in top Russian Promotions from RCC, ACA, M1-Challenge. Most of his opponents all were winning records. Lately dominating his opponents with striking and grappling.

One Championship Revolution: Lito Adiwang

Lito Adiwang

Rising One Championship Flyweight prospect was discovered on Rich Franklin’s One Championship Warrior Series. Powerful puncher, I call him the Filipino Version of John Lineker.

Knocking out his opponents in the first round as Dan Hardy claims he’s the wildest fighter in One Championship.

Trains at Lakay Central Gym (American Top Team version of the Philippines) with Eduard Folayang, Joshua Pacio, Stephen Loman.

  • 28 years old
  • Two-time Philippine National Wushu Champion
  • 7 first round KO’s

“Coach Mark [Sangiao] has diligently worked with me in preparing me for this, and like in my past wins, I can say that this will be another highlight win for us.”

https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/adiwang-guarantees-highlight-win-on-one-revolution/219432

Expect a rising star year for the 28 year old Filipino Flyweight. Knockout win against Hexigetu Hexi, Future matchups against Top Five flyweights or compete in the One Championship Flyweight Tournament.

“If I win this fight, yes, I want to face someone in the top 5 and if given a chance I want to face the no.1 in the rankings to prove myself,”” https://www.overtimeheroics.net/2021/09/13/lito-adiwang-shares-his-plans-ahead-of-one-revolution-bout/

Lakay Central Gym can add another champion Lito Adawang to becoming a future One Championship Flyweight Champion.

“Fans can expect an exciting show every time I step in the circle by me giving my very best in every fight. I am happy to be labelled as one of Team Lakay’s next big stars and I’m on my way to proving it and to making the ‘future star’ the present and the fantasies a reality.”

https://asianmma.com/lito-adiwang-looking-to-maintain-hot-streak-at-one-inside-the-matrix-part-iii/

Bellator Newest Signing Khasan Askhabov

Bellator continues to develop there roster, Signing World Class fighters from Yoel Romero, Gegard Mousasi, Ryan Bader to prospects Usman Nurmagomedov, Magomed Magomedov, Yaroslav Amosov.

Bellator newest signing flying under the radar is Khasan Askhabov, One of the best Lightweight prospects in the world!! Born in Ukraine with his twin brother Khusein Askhabov, Trains at American Top Team with the best fighters in the world under the tutelage of Mike Brown.

Khasan Askhabov High Level Grappler and Jiu-Jitsu player, Solid striking. Watching his WWFC Full Fights easily recognize he dominates fighters with his wrestling, Shoots for takedowns. Good luck stopping him.

Biggest win for Khasan was defeating Mikhail Odintsov one of the best Belarus prospects. Defending his WWFC Featherweight Title.

  • 23-2 record
  • WWFC Lightweight Champion
  • American Top Team
  • 26 years old
  • Twin Brother of Khusein Askhabov

Khasan Askhabov signed with First Round Management, Managed by Malki Kawa. One of the best managers in the MMA game.

Sweet long term investment by signing Khasan Askhabov to the Bellator Lightweight division. Potential fights against Brent Primus, Sidney Outlaw, Goiti Yamaguchi which would be a fun fight in the future. Both are very good grapplers.

Bellator 266 Prospects

Christian Edwards Jackson Wink

Christian Edwards one of two Jacksonwink Scholarship fighters. Becoming part of the next generation of Jackson Wink MMA Academy fighters. Bellator luck to have signed him.

Undefeated record of 5-0, Coming off a win against EFC Light Heavyweight Champion Simon Biyong. Win in the right direction.

Bellator built up the name of AJ McKee, Aaron Pico, James Gallagher and now time for Christian Edwards to rake up wins. Big time KO’s on the big time Bellator stage.

“As an opponent, I’m not looking past him in any way, shape, or form, but also at the same time, like, as an opponent, like skill-wise is not there with me. Like, not even close if being honest,” Edwards said. “He is very confident, which I like, you know what I mean? Like, he’s confident, and he genuinely thinks it will be a competitive fight. I want him to think that because I want him to bring his best. I want the best Ben Parrish.”

https://cagesidepress.com/2021/09/16/bellator-266-christian-edwards-is-glad-his-ben-parrish-saga-is-almost-over-ive-thought-about-hurting-this-man-for-too-long/

“After this fight I’ll be 6-0 all under Bellator, and the guys I’ve fought aren’t like chumps or anything, they’re not like scrubs, they’re not like the Top 10 guys. I am elite, so I want to fight someone else elite. I’ll just wait until they give me someone who’s elite; in the Top 10.”

https://www.sports-addict.net/en/article/bellator/christian-edwards-heads-into-bellator-266-believing-that-he-s-destined-for-greatness/61401e6816c7050009fdc6cd

Grant Neal

Grant Neal rising Bellator Light Heavyweight prospect, 6-0 record all under Bellator. Built like a BRICK. Former two time Colorado state champion in wrestling, D-2 wrestler. He’s a killer. High level athlete.

“I’m not here just to be here I’m here to make noise, I’m here to go for the title. I believe that beating the guy front of you is the most important and continuing to do that, Winning every fight I think that will be important in projecting myself forward.” Grant Neal Bellator 266 media day

“My official prediction is absolute violence. It is going to be a violent fight. It is going to be vicious, and I’m going to be in pursuit of a finish. I know that Alex is going to be a game dance partner, and I know he’s looking to do the same thing to me. So I’m excited about this fight. I’m excited to have a very tough opponent. And I know that we’re going to put on an absolute show,” Neal said.

cagesidepress.com/2021/09/15/bellator-266-grant-neal-hopes-to-be-on-the-main-card-soon-but-says-you-need-exciting-guys-on-the-prelims-too/

Facing Alex Polizzi former LFA Light Heavyweight Champion at Bellator 266. Toughest fight of his career. Looking forward to this fight. See who moves up the ranks.

Bellator 266 Saul Rogers Moves Up to Lightweight

Former Ultimate Fighter 22 contestant would’ve been under the Ultimate Fighter Winner if he didn’t fake his VISA, Life would’ve changed forever if UFC just allowed it to happen.

Signed with Bellator, 2-2 record right now. Trouble cutting weight, Hard time fighting at Featherweight where you got to cut down to 145 pounds.

“I was killing myself getting down to 145lbs. Now I’m fighting a weight higher and much healthier.” Saul Rogers

https://www.bbc.com/sport/mixed-martial-arts/58573932

” Just focusing on plainly cutting weight when I was fighting at featherweight in the past the whole camp about making weight you know what I’m saying and all the time I’m hungry all time, I’m tired all the time and didn’t want to do anything in between and this fight camp now. “

MMA Junkie interview with Saul Rogers Bellator 266

Moving up to Lightweight definitely will help but see is he has success. First test is facing the MMA veteran with 31-11-1 Georgi Karakhanyan. Fought everyone from the sun including AJ McKee, Lance Palmer, Emmanuel Sanchez, Myles Jury.

Training at Sanford MMA with the killers from Gilbert Burns, Jason Jackson, Aung La Sang, Michael Chandler, Derek Brunson. Iron Sharpens Iron is very true and will see how good Saul Rogers can potentially be, He’s only 31 years old. PRIME years for an athlete.

“I feel like this fight is going to be fight of the night. It’s going to be a good fight. He likes to come forward, I like to come forward.”

https://www.bbc.com/sport/mixed-martial-arts/58573932

Rogers looks shredded, Way more fit cutting to 155 pounds. Curious see how this one goes. Wishing Saul Rogers the best.

Arman Tsarukyan Go for the Kill Tonight

UFC Fight Night Anthony Smith vs Ryan Spann is a fun fight to watch but this card doesn’t blow your head back. These not so popular fighters can build there name and standout from the crowd.

Arman Tsarukyan is one of my favorite fighters on the UFC roster. Most MMA fans beside hardcore fans have no clue who he is but fighting on this Fight Night card tonight can show everyone he’s a future UFC Lightweight Champion.

Toe to Toe with Islam Makhachev in his UFC debut. Ever since than became a fan of Arman.

Riding high on a three fight winning streak facing Christos Giagos 19-8 record. Expect a dominant win, Big time finish to get him more popular. ESPN pushing his KO on social media.

#14th ranked UFC Lightweight continue to rake up wins, Knocking out Giagos definitely needs to call out some top Lightweights. 2021 can be the year of Arman to rise to the top of the division if he fights Gregor Gillespie, Damir Ismagulov, Thiago Moises to name a few.

“I want to fight with [Al] Iaquinta,” was his initial reply. However, before explaining why, he switched up his answer, simply saying he wanted any ranked opponent. “I want to fight with top 15, top 10. I want to let everybody know who I am.”

https://cagesidepress.com/2020/07/20/ufc-fight-island-2-arman-tsarukyan/

Go for the kill, Steal the show. Make an impression on the UFC as they market him as a rising star. Only 24 years old 16-2 record.

Regional Prospects of the Week 9/16 – 9/19

Zulkarnaiyn Kamchybekov CFFC 100

Zulkarnaiyn Kamchybekov defending his CFFC Lightweight Title, Renzo Gracie Philly prospects trains with Pat Sabatini and Sean Brady. Defending his CFFC Lightweight title in tremendous fashion would catch the radar of matchmakers Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard.

  • 5-1
  • 28 years old
  • 3 fight winning streak all finishes under 3 rounds

Victor Dias Titan FC 72

Titan FC Flyweight Champion potential fighter on the Dana White Contender Series facing Ryskulbek Ibraimov 19-8 flyweight.

Dias is a grapple against the cage, Take control of the positioning type of fighter. Doesn’t have the craziest striking game.

  • 9-2
  • Titan FC Flyweight Champion

Muhammadjon Naimov Titan FC 72

Elevation Fight Team prospect, Taekwondo Champion. Fought on the Dana White Contender Series is on a two fight losing steak but looking to bounce back at Titan FC 72 against Andes Ponce.

Time to get a winning streak going, Building that confidence, Showing interest from the top promotions.

  • 5-2 record
  • 27 years old
  • Elevation Fight Team
  • WAKO World Champion

Mohammed Sadok Trabelsi NFC Fight Series

German Featherweight prospect fough for German promotion GMC, fighting right now in the NFC Series Playoffs. Facing against Former Professional Fighter League featherweight Max Coga.

Naoki Inoue Rizin 30

Former UFC Flyweight, Inoue one of the favorites to win the Rizin Bantamweight Grand Prix. Can be one of Rizin’s next stars. Facing off against Yuto Hokamura in the Quaterfinals.

Inoue is on a three fight first round finishing streak, Looks to finish him as he can move on to the semis.

  • 16-2
  • 24 years old
  • Five Fight Winning Streak

Koji Takeda Rizin 30

Next generation of Japan MMA fighters, Lightweight prospect is two fights in with Rizin. Future Rizin Lightweight Title Challenger with more wins lead to a title shot.

  • 12-1 record
  • Deep Lightweight Champion
  • 26 years old
  • #1 Japan Lightweight

UAE WARRIORS 21 & 22 PROSPECTS TO WATCH

Mohammad Yahya UAE Warriors 21

Mohammad Yahya rising Lightweight prospect from the Middle East is fighting for the UAE Warriors vacant Lightweight title.

Two fight winning streak, Fought for Bellator and Desert Force before signing with UAE WARRIORS.

Pressure fighting style, Shoots for the takedowns and gets them successfully but continues to ground & pound his opponent non stop.

Badreddine Diani UAE WARRIORS 21

3-1 MOROCCO WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT is going to become a star prospect from Africa one day as he continues to improve EVERYDAY. Badreddine fought a Glory Kickboxing Middleweight Champion. Kept up with the stand up striking.

Impressive to watch yes he lost but shown his promise. Now Diani is fighting Abdulla Al Bousheiri 8-2 record. Shows how much they believe in Badreddine Diani’s potential.

  • 6 x african sambo champion
  • sambo champion

Rany Saadeh UAE Warriors 22

Toughest fight of his life facing one of the leaders of American Kickboxing Academy in Shawn Bunch.

Rany Saadeh is the former BAMMA Flyweight champion, Formerly fought for ACB and BAMMA before signing with UAE Warriors.

Born and raised in Germany, One of the best German prospects to watch this year.

Jarno Errens UAE WARRIORS 22

Dutch Featherweight prospect making his UAE WARRIORS DEBUT against Ali Kabdulla Kazakhstan Featherweight prospect. 11-2 record former Strength & Honour Featherweight Champion.

Last fight defeated Mert Özyildirim a top German Featherweight prospect BY UNANIMOUS DECISION.

Jarno Errens 11-2 record 26 years old is sorta a underrated prospect but winning fights under the UAE Warriors promotion will definitely help.

Ramazan Kuramagomedov UAE WARRIORS 22

Dagestan savage is only 23 years old with a 8-0 record. Fought on the biggest promotions from ACB, Professional Fighters and the Cage Fury Fighting Championship.

Won his fight on the Dana White Contender Series against Jordan Williams. Didn’t get the finish, Impress Uncle Bobby Dana enough to get signed.

However I was very impressed with his skills, Yes he’s a talented grappler like all Dagestans are but his striking definitely a nice addition to. Combines his striking with unexpected kicks while Zabit Magomedsharipov.

Yes Ramazan trains with Zabit back in Dagestan at Dag fighter but also trains in New Jersey at Ricardo Almeida BJJ with the Head Coach and genius Mark Henry.

Fighting an Argentinian Welterweight prospect Matias Juarez but good luck to him I think Ramazan will have a killer performance.