With no Ultimate Fighting Championship or Bellator events this weekend, mixed martial arts (MMA) fans will need something to watch to satisfy their combat sports cravings.
Thankfully, our friends at GoFightLive.tv are set to stream seven combat sports events from the regional scene all across the U.S. over the next two days, featuring some very intriguing prospects.
As a gift to MMAmania readers, GFL is once again offering 25% off any event, using the exclusive coupon code “ManiaGFL.”
This week’s selections provides a bevy of amateurs looking to make a name for themselves, a couple of intriguing title fights, and nothing but action. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top five fights to watch on GFL this weekend.
5. Damonte Robinson vs. Jacob Miller – IT Fight Series 41
Lightweight sensations will wage war in Akron, Ohio this weekend, with the IT Fight Series 155-pound title on the line in the main event of the evening.
Jacob Miller and Damonte Robinson may only be amateurs, but both have showcased some very impressive skills early on in their respective careers.
Robinson is well rounded, extremely tough, and has shown a lot of heart in earning his undefeated 3-0 record.
As for Miller, the Ohio native kicked off his MMA career with two losses, but has since reeled off four straight finishes.
Expect fireworks in what should be a very exciting contest.
4. Sean Monahan vs. Douglas LoBasso – Dead Serious MMA 19
Two amateur Welterweights will throw down in the main event of Dead Serious 19 this weekend, with the winner walking out of the cage as the new 170-pound champ.
Monahan is a Renzo Gracie product, boasting a 3-1 record, with three finishes, including a 27 second knockout in his MMA debut.
LoBasso is undefeated at 2-0, with his last victory coming via knockout. The New York native has fought only twice since his debut in late 2011, but a title victory in Dead Serious could be the springboard he needs to move into MMA full time.
Both fighters have shown flashes of brilliance inside the cage, and absolutely deserve the main event slot on Saturday.
Who takes the next step in their career?
3. Shannon Goughary vs. Laura Uyeda – V3 Fights
V3 Fights will crown their first ever Women’s Strawweight champ this weekend, when Shannon Goughary battles Laura Uyeda in what should be a thrilling affair.
It’s not very often you see women with several knockouts on their record, but Goughary has put away two of her opponents via TKO, and one via submission.
As for Uyeda, she also boasts three career finishes, with one knockout to her credit.
Both fighters are still very green, but have shown major promise early on in their careers. Obviously, it is too early to say whether or not either will make it to UFC in the coming years, but this weekend’s fight will lend some insight undoubtedly.
With UFC brass always looking for new talent, this fight is critical for both Goughary and Uyeda.
2. Julius Decheenie vs. Jordan Leavitt – Tuff N Uff: Mayhem In Mesquite 8
Tuff N Uff is lauded in the MMA community for spotlighting some of the best prospects in MMA history, including former UFC champ Ronda Rousey.
This weekend, Tuff N Uff will feature two 145-pound prospects, as Julius Decheenie battles Jordan Leavitt for the Featherweight title.
Decheenie is 4-1 in his MMA career, finishing each of his opponents in increasingly devastating fashion. While he hasn’t fought anyone of worth just yet, his skills inside the cage prove he has what it takes to potentially fight in the big show.
As for Leavitt, the 20-year old is undefeated in his career, earning two armbars prior to a recent split decision win. The Syndicate MMA prospect seems a likely choice for a future spot on The Ultimate Fighter, but a win against Decheenie this weekend is paramount.
Both men are still in their early 20’s, so there is a ton of room for growth and experience. In earnest, the sky is the limit for either of these Featherweight prospects.
Earning a Tuff N Uff title would be a massive feather under either’s cap, and could help bring their career to new heights.
1. Trevor McGovern vs. Tyler Bayer – Dead Serious MMA 19
In my estimation, Trevor McGovern is the best fighter competing on GFL this weekend.
Even though McGovern began his MMA career at 29 years old, he has reeled off 10 victories alongside one decision loss in the last three years.
The Renzo Gracie product is a wizard on the mat, having finished nine of his opponents via submission.
McGovern may opt to never turn pro now that he is 32, but with the Light Heavyweight division so thin across MMA, he may reconsider with a win against Tyler Bayer this weekend.
Bayer boasts an impressive 6-1 record, but his most noteworthy characteristic is his legendary nickname “Man Bear Pig.”
Joking aside, Bayer is only 22 years old, and has shown some significant skills in his seven career fights.
With both men’s penchant for finishing their opponents, I wouldn’t blink once these two step into the cage.
That’s a wrap fight fans! Now go and support regional MMA!