Freakshow vs Winner announced for K1ngs of Glory

Andre Winner meets Colin Fletcher at K1ngs of Glory

by Chris Houten @mrhouts

A battle of UFC veterans has been confirmed for K1ngs of Glory's debut show in July.

Top UK MMA lightweights Colin 'Freakshow' Fletcher and Andre Winner will square off in a K1 bout at K1ngs of Glory, on July 27 at the Rainton Medow Arena, Houghton le Spring. K1ngs of Glory and Made 4 the Cage official Dale Percival confirmed the fight via his Facebook page earlier today:

"Wow just confirmed a awesome fight for K1ngs Of Glory on July 27th that will see 2 ex-UFC fighters square off in a K1 style bout when Andre Winner will take on Colin Freakshow Fletcher what a exciting fight with 2 top MMA fighters who like to stand and bang this should be a great fight to add to first KOG Show!!!!"

Fresh off his AON 6 tournament win where he defeated Jordan Miller, Stephen Martin, and Artem Lobov in one night to bag £15,000 prize money. A former TUF runner up, and 6 fight UFC veteran, Andre Winner fights for the 10th time since his release from the promotion having gone 7-2 since then. Widely considered amongst the best technical boxers in MMA, The Team Rough House product is on a 4 fight win streak, and Currently sits 6th in the UK lightweight rankings, 1 place above Fletcher.

One of the stars of 2012's TUF Smashes and also eventual runner up, Colin 'Freakshow' Fletcher, made two appearances before returning to Bamma where he had previously made his name. Since returning to the UK, Fletcher has extended his record to 10-4, with wins over Tim Newman and Tony Hervey and a sole loss coming to Bamma champion Mansour Barnaoui. 

A well rounded fighter, Fletcher employees a Muy Thai style and often uses his striking ability to set up submissions. He has never finished an opponent to KO or TKO in his MMA career. 

Stay tuned to Kingdom MMA for all the latest on K1ngs of Glory. 

Ryan Scope "I dont want to take easy fights, thats why I am fighting Arish"

Ryan Scope talks to Kingdom MMA ahead of BAMMA 15 fight against Ali Arish

by Ben Heather @benheather

Ben: How has your camp gone for this fight and who have you been working with?
Scope: Yeah its gone really well, obviously I fought not so long ago (Feb 22nd) so I only had one week off training before I got back in to it. For this fight I've been sparring with all the guys at the gym like Ross Pearson, Colin Fletcher and Phil De Fries.

Ben: You're fighting Ali Arish on Saturday, would you say he is the best/ toughest fighter you have faced in your career?
Scope: Yeah definitely 100%. I mean hes 20-2 for a reason but I want to fight the best as I want to make a point. I want to get somewhere this year.

Ben: Have you spent much time studying Arish?
Scope: I have only watched a couple of his fights, to be honest everyone knows what he is going to do and he's very good at it but I think I've got the right game plan to stop what he does.

Ben: Do you think you have figured out where 20 of his opponents have gone wrong?
Scope: Yes regarding the defensive wrestling I know what they have all done wrong. None of them have got very much movement, everyone tries to walk forward but then get taken down so its all about the movement.

Ben: Hows the weight looking and whats left for the camp?
Scope: Well I'm a small welterweight so I won't have to cut much and I'm probably going to go to lightweight at some point. For this last week, all the hard work is done I will have my last hard session on Monday and I'll be doing some sprints then I will have a light sparring session Tuesday and then its about getting the weight down.

Ben: When you made your BAMMA debut at BAMMA 12 you were a big underdog and you are again this weekend? Does this spur you on to succeed?
Scope: Yeah definitely I've always been the underdog. I think after this fight when I win I wont be the underdog anymore but I like being the underdog though, there is no pressure and you prove everyone wrong when you win. You would think for an 8-0 pro that people would take notice but they haven't.

That being said though I don't want to take any easy fights, that's why I am fighting Arish. I want to fight the best, fighters that will get me noticed and make a name for myself. You don't see many fighters queueing up to fight Arish. I pride myself on the on taking the tough fights, there are too many fighters who take fights just to pad out their record. If you want to get anywhere you have to put the work in and test yourself, Ali is the best wrestler in MMA hands down so I want to test myself and put my record up against his as in the bigger picture I will be coming up against more wrestlers.

Ben: Since going the distance in your debut you have finished your opponent in all the other fights, is this something you pride yourself on and how prepared are you to push yourself for 3 rounds against Arish?
Scope: I am ready to go, obviously I finished those fights but I am always ready to go the distance. I expect the fight to be a grinding, tough fight.

Ben: Everyone knows his game plan, do you think he will stick to that or try and surprise you on Sat?
Scope: Yeah I would think he will stick to his normal game plan, he might try and stand with us at the start but when he realises that I have too much for him on the feet and I am too fast he might go back to the takedown.

Ben: Other than his wrestling what do you think he does well and do you think he has any areas you have the advantage?
Scope: I'd say his Jui Jitsu, I think I'm better technically but he is just strong when he is on top, again movement is the key for this fight. If I stop moving that's how I am going to get taken down.

Ben: Do you think a win over Arish puts you next in line for the winner of Murray vs Edwards?
Scope: Yes BAMMA have said that's the case but it could also be the step to something different, maybe something bigger you know what I mean. Arish holds wins over both the champion and the challenger so as far as rankings go there is only Paul Daley, Cathal Pendred and Jimmy Wallhead who are above so we will see what happens.

Ben: At the weekend both yourself and Colin Freakshow Fletcher are coming to London to fight are we expecting a big travelling support?
Scope: Yeah we always bring a good crowd so there will be a lot of people coming down.

Ben: You have been scheduled to fight Walter Gahadza in the past, is this a fight you are still interested in?
Scope: I know Walters been saying some shit about me pulling out of the fight because I had a broken hand. He bottled it online when called out by Jake Bostwick so he can't say Ive been dodging a fight when he has been publicly humiliated online so he cant say anything to be honest. I will fight Walter but if I beat Ali, whats the point.

Ben: I read in an interview you did last year that you aim to be in the UFC by the end of this year, how many wins do you think you are you from that now?
Scope: I think its only a couple. Again, if you look at the rankings there isn't many above Arish who is fourth so if I beat him I'm right up there. Obviously Paul Daley isn't getting back in the UFC, Wallhead has just signed for Cage Warriors and Pendred is now signed for the UFC so there would only be those above me and I am only 21. So that will look good for the UFC, up and coming fighter just beat number 4 in the country.

Ben: Its recently been announced that your training partner Ross Pearson has been signed up to fight Diego Sanchez, what do you think of that fight?
Scope: Yeah its gonna be a good fight that one. I think Ross will be too clever on the feet for Diego. Diego is game, he is tough you know but Ross is technically better than him. I like watching Diego fight but he fights with too much emotion. You have to go in there and be chilled.

Its a good fight for Ross and will be a statement if he can finish the fight. Its a good first fight back from Ross' injury. Its in Diego's home town so they are probably expecting Ross to get beat but Ross has a great shot.

Ben: Finally one last question, How do you see yourself winning?
Scope: I'm going to say a second or third round stoppage. Its not going to be like my last couple of fights. TKO stoppage in the second or third.

Kingdom MMA would like to thank Ryan for his time and we wish him all the best for his fight at BAMMA 15.

Bamma 14: Daley vs Da Silva Results

Bamma 14: Daley vs Da Silva Results
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Paul Daley Def. Romario Manoel Da Silva – KO (Uppercut) – RD 2 (1:42)  

Paul ‘Semtex’ Daley returned to Bamma with a bang at the LG Arena, knocking out Romario Manoel da Silva in the main at Bamma 14.

Starting off slow, Daley started the first round measuring da Silva with a couple of hard leg kicks which left da Silva’s leg noticeably red, and a sweet jab that was money for most of the round. Da Silva offered little offense in the opening frame baring a pawing overhand right, which Daley could see coming from a mile off.

In the second round both men came out noticeably willing to exchange. Semtex continued to land the jab, cracking the much bigger da Silva straight down the middle, which cause the Brazilian to back toward the cage. Daley pressed forward faking an overhand right causing da Silva to raise his guard, leaving the fighter exposed for a vicious left uppercut that took the Brazilian off his feet, instantly knocking out the previously unfinished fighter.

“I heard my corner say to throw the overhand right. One of them caught him, but I could see he was expecting it, so I faked one. He thought I was going to go with the right again, but then I threw the left,” Daley said. “I knew [the fight was over]. You can tell by the way they fall. He wasn’t getting up from that.”

Mansour Barnaoui Def. Colin Fletcher  - Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - RD 1 (4:00) for The Bamma World Lightweight Title

Mansour ‘Tarzan’ Barnaoui successfully defended his Bamma Lightweight Title in the evening co-main event, submitting Colin ‘Freakshow’ Fletcher via Rear Naked Choke in one of the wildest one round fights on the UK MMA scene all year.

From the opening bell Barnaoui burst out the gate like a bull at a rodeo with a barrage of punches, dropping Fletcher with a sharp left hook. Although Fletcher was able to get right back up he was meet with more onslaught for the 21 year Barnaoui who showed off his Muay Thai skills catching Fletcher with a couple of nice knees for the Thai plum.

Its wasn’t all Barnaoui though at Freakshow managed to break away from the clinch and catch Baraoui with a few crisp shots that sent Frenchman to the floor. Sensing a come from behind victory the former Ultimate Fighter contestant locked in a brabo, which looked tight, however Banaoui did well to defend and wiggled himself out.

Escaping the choke, Baranoui was able to take the back of Fletcher where he managed to trap one of Fletchers arms in a body triangle. With only one hand to defend himself and the champion on his back, there was little Fletcher could do to defend against a Baranoui Rear Naked Choke which saw the Englishman tap out with one minute remaining one the clock.

Jimmy Wallhead  Def.  Florent Betorangal – KO (Slam) – RD 3 (3:21)

Jim Wallhead returned to the cage at Bamma 14 to face French fighter Florent Betorangal hoping a win here would be enough to earn a shot at the Welterweight title, which he lost out on when he fought Eddie Ellis Bamma 13 – a fight that most people felt Wallhead won.

In the opening round both men began trading early, with Betorangal slightly edging it. In a difficult round to score, Wallhead may have been able to steal the round near the bell when he was able to get double under hooks, and take Betorangal down in homage to his Judo days using a O Soto Gari (outer leg sweep).

Batorangal came out strong at the start of the second round, catching Wallhead with a couple of good shots against the cage. Seemingly uninterested in trading with the Betorangal at this point Wallhead was able to get a double leg takedown and spend the remainder of the round chipping away at Batorangal in top control.

Probably need a stoppage at this point Batorangal came out strong for the 3rd round. Wallhead was able to back the Frenchman against the cage before getting double under hooks. Hoisting Batorangal in the air, Judo Jim took Batorangal down with a ferocious slam, which replays showed knocked Batorangal out on impact. Upon getting the takedown, Wallhead stepped in with a couple of good elbows for good measure before Marc Godard stepped in to rescue Betorangal.

Max Nunes Def. Ion Pascu – Unanimous Decision (29, 28)

Max Nunes returned to the cage for the first time since his September loss to Jason Jones for the Bamma Light-heavyweight title. Looking to redeem himself at a new weight class, Nunes took on Ion Pascu in a bout that may have middleweight title implications.

Ion was originally scheduled to meet the current Bamma Middleweight Champion Scott Askham for the title at Bamma 14, however Askham had to pull out due to injury, and was replaced by Nunes.

The opening round began slowly with each man attempting to size up each other range. Baring a couple of jabs there was little action from both men for the opening few minutes. The round closed with Nunes controlling the action against cage, which won him the round.

The fight came alive in the second however, with Pascu landing a thunderous kick to the body, which caused Nunes to back up before collapsing like a beaten man. Pascu did he best to finish the fight from there but was unable to. Little doubt though who won that round leaving it dead even going into the Third.

From the opening bell, it was evident Nunes had no interest in standing with the hard-hitting Pascu, dragging the fight to the ground within the opening minute. Nunes remained in top control for the remainder of the fight to take a judges decision 29-28 on all 3 score cards.

Wayne Murrie Def. Michael Johnson – Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - RD 1 (3:23) for The Bamma Lonsdale British Welterweight Championship

Tom Duquesnoy Def. James Saville - Referee Stoppage – RD 2 (4:04)

Leon Edwards Def. Wendle Lewis – KO (Uppercut) - RD 1 (1:20)

Harry Mcleman Def. Matt Howard - Unanimous Decision (30-27)

Andy Craven Def. Zi Shah – Submission (Heelhook) - RD 1 (0:37)

Tim Wilde Def. Jefferson George – Dr. Stoppage - RD 1 (3:42)

Tim Menzies Def. James Samuda – Referee Stoppage - RD 3 (3:16)

Matt Hallam Def. Curtis Widmer – TKO (Hammerfist) - RD 1 (2:15)

Ed Arthur Def. Ben Rees – Dr. Stoppage – RD 1 – (5:00)

Colin 'Freakshow' Fletcher Signs with Bamma

Colin 'Freakshow' Fletcher Signs with Bamma
by Chris Houten - @kingdomMMAChris

 
Colin 'Freakshow' Fletcher has signed a four fight deal with Bamma, the promotion where he made a name for himself.

A finalist on TUF: Smashes, where he was beaten by fellow Brit Norman Parke, Sunderland born Fletcher fought one further time, where he drop a decision to Mike Ricci, at UFC 158 in Montreal.

Prior to Join the UFC, Freakshow put together an impressive 8-1 record including victories over Jason Ball & Matt Inman. Speaking on the deal, Freakshow said:

"From the darkest recesses of your mind, that place you fear to go, is from where I return to BAMMA. For too long now, the Lightweights have been having too much fun while I've been away. It may be fun for you now, but I will become the stuff of nightmares for any opponent that stands in my way. The BAMMA Lightweight title is my mission & nothing will stop me. I am back to declare an new era of The Freakshow on BAMMA"

Bamma 13 is headlined by 2 title fights where Jason Jones will take on Max Nunes for the Bamma Light-heavyweight Title, with Jim Wallhead taking on Eddy Ellis for the Bamma Welterweight Title. Bamma 13 takes place on the 14th of September at The NIA, Birmingham; no opponent has been confirmed yet for Fletcher's return.

Stay tuned to KingdomMMA.co.uk for all the latest of Bamma 13.

Pro Picks: UK MMA Cream of the Crop Weigh In on Pendred vs Mills

Pro Picks: UK MMA Finest Weigh In on Pendred vs Mills
By Chris Houten - @kingdomMMAChris 

On Saturday night Cathal Pendred will attempt to defend his Welterweight belt against Che Mills at The Helix, Dublin Ireland in possibly the biggest fight on the European MMA scene this year.

For weeks I have been debating who's going to win the fight, when I convince myself the striking of Mills will prevail, I can't help but remind myself of Pendreds wrestling skills. Over and over, I have decided then changed my mind again, to the point where you could confuse me for the summer weather in Britain.

So I decided to catch up with some of finest fighters in Britain, from Bamma Champions, to a Cage Warriors Champion, to a couple guys in the UFC and more, to see who they think will win on Saturday.

We surveyed 18 of the finest UK fighters..... and our surveys said:

Paul 'Semtex' Daley:
"I thinks it's a very interesting fight between to great UK fighters, both very powerful and athletic. In my opinion Pendred will win this fight with takedowns, dominance in the clinch and ground control."

Pick: Cathal Pendred

John Maguire:
"I Think Che Mills by TKO in the later rounds!"

Pick: Che Mills

Bradley Scott

"I don't think Pendred will be able to get Che down, he's a nightmare. Che will stay by the fence on purpose because he's strong defending takedowns. Pendred's no where near as Good a Riddle at wrestling. Che defo gonna win this."

Pick: Che Mills

Colin 'Freakshow' Fletcher:
"I'm going with Che! It's hard to adjust to the way the UFC do things I do think we saw the best of him in the UFC."

Pick: Che Mills

Jim Alers:
"I have my money in Pendred. I feel that he has what it take to beat anyone in the 170lbs division and have him grinding out a decision."

Pick: Cathal Pendred

Rob Sinclair:
"I'm going with Che Mills."

Pick Che Mills

James Brum:
"I will definitely be tuning in to watch this fight. Both Pendred and Mills are very talented and dangerous fighters. I'm a big fan of Pendred so my money is on him. I believe he will be victorious and the Champion will retain his title."

Pick: Cathal Pendred

Leeroy Barnes:
"I'm going with Mills."

Pick: Che Mills

Danny Roberts:
"The fight between Mills and Pendred will be a good fight. Mills good stand up and accurate striking where as Pendred  possesses the better grappling, he's more intense and will smother Mills work. Think Mills will start of strong but I can see Pendred capitalising with the pace and grappling taking it to a decision win for Pendred."

Pick: Cathal Pendred

Matt Inman
"Pendred all the way for me."

Pick: Cathal Pendred

Jack Mason:
"I am a big fan of Che Mills but I honestly think Cathal will just use his constant pressure, takedowns and pushing Che up against the cage to get the decision win and retain his belt."

Pick: Cathal Pendred

Martin McDonough:
"My prediction is a decision win for Pendred. Even though I like Mills an he is a good fighter, I have been on the same Card as Pendred twice an he is really good at shutting people's game down and getting the win. I think he is a bit of a cardio machine as well and he is a unit for a welterweight."

Pick: Cathal Pendred 

Jason Cooledge:
"Pendred win decision."

Pick: Cathal Pendred

Matt Ewin:
"I can see Pendred trying to close the distance ASAP and try to bully Che up against the cage and work for the takedown from there, he won't be able to shoot in on Che with Che's reach and great foot work. But saying that Che's far to strong for Pendred and with his excellent striking the only way I can see the fight going is Che stopping Pendred in the first or very early in The second."

Pick: Che Mills

Mike Neun:
"I think Che Mills will win. My gut tells me TKO."

Pick: Che Mills

Jim Wallhead
"I have never watched Pendred fight but I hear good things, but I gotta back Che he is my mate I'm excited to see how it goes."

Pick: Mills

Curt Warburton:
"Pendred on points."

Pick: Pendred

Andrew Punshon:
"Mills to win by decision."

Pick: Che Mills

So there you have you have it 18 asked - 9 picked Pendred, 9 picked Mills... and I'm still none the wiser. All I know is we the fans can expect a hell of a fight on Saturday.
 

Colin "Freakshow" Fletcher cut from the UFC

Freakshow cut from the big show

by Scott Cumming @tummidge

Colin "Freakshow" Fletcher (8-3), one of MMA's most charismatic characters tonight finds himself without a fighting home after revealing via Twitter that he has been cut from the UFC.

"Is it just me or does cut after 1 official UFC fight seam a little harsh I know I didn't perform my best! Neva mind," he wrote.

Under normal circumstances this would seem pretty harsh, but the promotion has made no secret that they need to make mass cuts to their roster and Fletcher happens to be a competitor in the weight division with the deepest talent pool.

Fletcher got his break in the UFC as a member of Team U.K. on "The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes" and made the final after wins against Aussies Ben Wall and Richie Vaculik. He took on fellow Brit "Stormin'" Norman Parke in the final, but came up short losing by unanimous decision. He was given another chance to prove himself in a battle of "TUF" runners-up as he took on Canadian Mike Ricci, but again lost by unanimous decision.

With his profile raised thanks to his time with the UFC, he will not stay a free agent for long. Although not living up to his reputation in the octagon with 7 wins by submission he will be a tough proposition on the regional circuit. He has not announced any plans for the future at this stage.

UFC 158 Main Card Picks

Kingdom MMA main card picks for this Saturdays UFC 158 event

Georges St-Pierre vs Nick Diaz

Chris: Let me just start by saying how insane it would be if Nick Diaz was to become champion, you think it’s hard to get the guy to do press obligations now, imagine if he was ‘the motherfucking’ champion.

Don’t get me wrong I love Nick Diaz. I love how he is genuinely willing to fight anyone, and I share some of his sentiments on boring wrestlers who stall, but I just don’t see him winning this fight. Granted nothing in MMA is guaranteed, and Diaz does have the skill set to stop GSP and has clearly rattled GSP, but I don’t see how Diaz stops the constant take downs of GSP, and the only way he wins is by an unlikely late submission off his back.

St-Pierre to win by a lopsided unanimous decision.

Pick – Georges St-Pierre UD

Tommy: It will be a long tough night for Diaz, GSP will look to take him down, ground & pound him for 5 rounds and enjoy every second of it.

I love Diaz & what he stands for inside the cage, but 13 months out of the ring won't help his cause and I struggling to find a way he can beat GSP…

Pick – Georges St-Pierre TKO4

Ben: I’m going to go straight in and say it. I don’t think Diaz should be fighting for the title and in no ways deserves it. How he can get the shot over Hendricks makes absolutely no sense to me.

Thankfully for me though, I see absolutely no way in which he wins this fight. In fact I see more chance of Diaz not showing up to the fight than I do seeing him winning the fight.

No matter where this fight takes place it will be GSP who controls the fight from start to finish and my only disappointment will be that I don’t think GSP will finish Diaz. However I do think it will be so one sided even a stupid judge won’t be able to score it wrong.

Pick – Georges St-Pierre UD

Carlos Condit vs Johny Hendricks

Chris: You have got to feel sorry for Hendricks – he knocks out Fitch, beats Kos, then knocks out out Kampmann in a number one contender fighter, and still no title shot! The worse bit about it is this fight is probably going to rob him of his well deserved shot at the Welterweight title, in a fight that robs a division of its clear cut contender, something the UFC has been keen on doing in 2013 – see Bisping vs Belfort, Overeem vs Bigfoot, and Dan Henderson vs Lyoto Machida.

Sure Bigg Rigg could land one left and Condits world could come crashing down, and I can appreciate his college wrestling pedigree, but Condit is the complete package – he has excellent sweeps to get back up if he is taken down, a descent ju-jitsu game, KO power, and is a smart fight.

Look for Condit to frustrate Hendricks the same way he did Nick Diaz by popping in an out, and take a heartbreaking unanimous decision.

Pick - Carlos Condit UD

Tommy: Don't get me wrong I love this match up, but it doesn't make much sense to me.

Hendricks gains nothing by winning, he's the no.1 contender and has everything to lose. If Condit wins, he won't be getting a title shot next.

Condit will look to keep the fight at range staying away from Hendricks huge left hand. Using his jabs and movement not allowing Hendricks to get on the inside and land that power bomb.
If Hendricks can force his way inside taking some damage in the process he has a good chance of either landing that left hand or taking Condit down then he has a chance of winning the fight.

Pick – Carlos Condit UD

Ben: I agree with Tommy on this one, I love the match up however I preferred the original fight of Condit vs Rory. I still believe Rory got screwed in the first fight against Condit and would have loved to see the rematch.

That being said I see two outcomes to this fight. The first and the one I am hoping happens for Hendricks as he deserves his shot at the belt is he connects with his hammer of a left hand and knocks out Condit, unfortunately I am not confident this will happen.

I predict this fight will play out much like the Condit vs Diaz fight did… just with less middle fingers being stuck up during the fight. I see Condit getting inside scoring with quick combos and leg kicks before quickly getting back on the outside. Unfortunately this may mean it ends up being a boring fight when it has the potential to be such a great fight. It will also be a sad end to the run at the belt for now.

Pick – Carlos Condit SD

Jake Ellenberger vs Nate Marquardt

Chris: For me this is a great match up of two quality welterweights. Marquardt on one hand has pretty solid hands, is big for the division, is always a submission threat, but can be inconsistent. His opponent Ellenberger, has strong offensive wrestling, one punch knockout power, is coming off a full training camp, but has been known to have cardio issues. This fight could go either way, that being said Marquardt has shown in recent fights he can be hit, and Ellenberger has the offense to win this fight either using his wrestling or striking.

Pick - Jake Ellenberger- SD

Tommy: Just even mentioning the cheats name sends shivers down my spine! Though, he's taken the fight at short notice.

Both can be inconsistent inside the cage and never totally sure what fighter will turn up. Nate will be the bigger fighter and is huge at 170, his clinch will be better and his striking. Jake will have the edge wrestling, he's had a full training camp to prepare and as long as he can go the full 3 rounds I expect him to edge out Nate.

Pick - Jake Ellenberger UD

Ben: Again this fight plays out one of two ways for me, the first is that Nate comes out and puts on a performance the likes of his fight against Tyron Woodley in which he comes out as a man possessed and wanting to prove that he deserves to be back in the UFC. Unfortunately for Nate having not had a full training camp this may be a bit too soon for this to happen.

What I think is more likely is for Jake Ellenberger to out wrestle Marquardt and try and keep him on the ground before beating Nate with his ground and pound like we saw in the first round against Martin Kampmann.  I believe if he gets him down and tires Nate out in the first round the fitness levels will start to pull through and Ellenberger having the full camp should then start to dominate.

Pick – Jake Ellenberger UD

Chris Camozzi vs Nick Ring

Chris: For me this fight is a pick 'em fight. I think both fighters bring their own unique skill set - Ring has better kicks, and a better ground game, Camozzi has better boxing. The real question is how fit injury prone Ring is coming into this fight. While I wouldn't at all surprise me if Ring wins, I like Camozzi to use his superior boxing and improving ground game to keep this fight on the fight and to take this one by decision.

Pick - Chris Camozzi UD

Tommy: Camozzi is on a 3 fight win streak looking to make it 4 against Ring. Though Ring has a better all round game . Im picking Ring to take the fight to the ground and submit Camozzi inside the distance.

Pick - Ring Sub 2nd Round

Ben: I believe this fight certainly could go either way and is a very even match up, though both fighters bring completely different skill sets to the table. I also think that Ring will just have the edge thanks to his ground game and will finish the fight in the third with a submission and put an end to Camozzi’s three fight win streak.

Pick – Ring Sub 3rd Round
 

Colin Fletcher vs Mike Ricci

Chris: There is no one I want to win more on this card than Colin Fletcher, in the times I have met him he has been polite, charming and excellent with the fans – I have seen him climb walls and ignore telling offs from stewards to take photos with fans, and give most of his evening to spend time with them when he just trying to have a night out with his wife. That said I’m not sure he has the skill set to win this fight. Ricci is a quality fighter, he simply had a bad day against a great wrestler in Colton Smith. I think Ricci has the better striking and the better ground game, and justifies being the favourite here.

Pick - Mike Ricci UD


Tommy: Ricci is back to his natural weight class, after losing to Colton Smith in the TUF 16 final. This will suit him much better.

Freakshow is a lovely guy , but I think Ricci is more well rounded and will grind out a UD over Colin.
I really hope I’m wrong, as Colin has much more to offer than just a clown.

Pick - Ricci UD

Ben: I agree with Chris, you will struggle to meet a nicer MMA fighter than Colin Fletcher. A fighter who is willing to give up so much of his time to chat to fans and have pictures taken with hundreds of people in a night.

Although, Fletcher loves dressing as the clown in the weigh ins and outside of the cage his skills in the cage are far from being a joke. He has a lot to offer and I feel he will come out and put on a show this weekend after his poor performance last time out (by his own admission). Unfortunately all I think this will lead to is a competitive bout with Ricci but I still believe Ricci will have too much and will take the win.

The fact that Ricci had been competitive and made it to the TUF finale in a weight class that is not his natural proves he can fight. Now back to Lightweight I believe this will be a fight where Ricci can showcase his skills again to a PPV audience.

Pick – Ricci UD