With the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Bellator both on hiatus this weekend, mixed martial arts (MMA) fans will be in desperate need of fights to fill their insatiable cravings.
Thankfully, our friends at GoFightLive.tv are set to stream several combat sports events from the regional scene all across the world over the next two days, featuring some very intriguing prospects in a multitude of divisions.
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 several title fights, a United Kingdom showdown, and arguably the two best prospects on the regional scene today. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top five fights to watch on GFL this weekend.
5. Lionel Alexis vs. Ranjeet Baria – Battle Arena 38
With the United Kingdom becoming an ever-growing hotbed for MMA, you have to believe UFC brass are keeping a keen eye on local talent.
Battle Arena often features the best talent the UK has to offer, and this weekend is no different. With over 20 fights on the card, it isn’t easy to pick out the cream of the crop, but in my estimation, Lionel Alexis vs. Ranjeet Baria deserves your attention.
Both men are undefeated as Welterweight amateurs, with Baria doubling Alexis’ experience with four victories.
Baria will be the hometown favorite in Leicester tomorrow, making his return from a four-year layoff to prove he still has what it takes to compete. Prior to his hiatus, Baria had finished three of his four opponents via submission.
Alexis is a Battle Arena veteran, having won both of his fights in 2015. While Alexis is still very green, his decision victory in his last bout really exemplified his full skill-set in MMA.
Both of these men are coming to make a statement tomorrow, so expect a finish in what should be a wild and exciting fight.
4. Aurelia Cisneros vs. Melinda Oberlin – KOP 48
Knockout Promotions will feature an amateur Women’s Lightweight title fight this weekend, and both Aurelia Cisneros and Melinda Oberlin have a massive opportunity to kickstart their respective careers with a victory on Saturday.
Neither of these women consistently fight at 155-pounds, as Cisneros generally competes in the Flyweight division, while Oberlin has fought at Bantamweight and Featherweight.
Weight difference aside, it is likely these women won’t have to cut any weight beforehand, hopefully resulting in an exceptional fight without any cardio concerns.
Oberlin is 3-0 as an amateur, finishing all three of her fights in spectacular fashion. In her last two bouts, “Merciless” earned 145 and 135-pound amateur titles.
As for Cisneros, “The Beast” has finished three of her first four opponents via submission, but proved her tenacity and will to win in a tough decision victory over Katie Kailing her last time out.
Both fighters are under 25-years old, and have a lot of room to grow, but this fight is as important as they come this earlier in their respective careers.
3. Brandon Dolan vs. Jake Kozorosky – PA Cage Fight 23
The Lightweight division is among the most stacked categories in the entire sport of MMA. From the veterans, to the prospects, all the way down to the amateurs, 155 pounds is littered with talent.
PA Cage Fight features two of the best amateur Lightweights in the country this weekend, as undefeated prospects Brandon Dolan and Jake Kozorosky battle for the title.
Dolan has competed solely under the PA Cage Fight banner, earning four victories with two submissions. Kozorosky, on the other hand, will be making his debut for PA Cage Fight, boasting a 5-0 record with one submission.
Both men are still very young in the game, but have shown legitimate skills inside the cage. As they both continue to grow and learn with experience, it is feasible that both men make it to the big show in the coming years.
If you want a glimpse into the future, don’t miss this fight on Saturday evening.
Stamann will return to his hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, putting his 8-1 professional record on the line.
One of the top Bantamweight prospects in the nation, Stamann has finished six of his opponents in violent fashion. “Mr. Wonderful” doesn’t discriminate either, with two submission wins and four knockouts to his credit.
As for Sharipov, the Gracie Barra product has already tasted the limelight in MMA, fighting for Bellator three times, losing twice via decision.
Sharipov is 15-6 in his professional career, but has lost three of his last five bouts. Although his best opportunities in MMA may have already passed him by, the Bantamweight always puts on a show for the fans.
Will the young stud earn the biggest victory of his career, or will the Bellator veteran manage a colossal upset?
1. Dominic Mazzotta vs. Rob Hanna – Pinnacle FC 13
Two legitimate UFC-caliber talents will battle for Pinnacle FC gold this weekend, with the winner likely earning their shot inside the Octagon.
Dominic Mazzotta is undoubtedly the best regional fighter in the Northeast, and could very well be the best regional fighter across the country.
At 9-1, “The Honey Badger” has won six straight since his lone defeat against UFC prospect Cody Garbrandt. In nine victories, Mazzotta has finished eight opponents, often in brutal fashion.
While most of Mazzotta’s victories come via submission, don’t sleep on his ever improving striking arsenal.
One last note on Mazzotta: The 28-year old has competed in both the Bantamweight and Featherweight divisions, as he is the reigning 135-pound champ for Pinnacle FC.
His opponent, Rob Hanna, is an undefeated prospect who fights at 145 and 155 pounds. In fact, the Ohio native holds titles in both divisions in other regional promotions.
Hanna is the elder statesman in this battle, coming in at 31-years old, but don’t let that make you believe he is past his prime.
This is easily one of the best fights on GFL in the entire month of March, and simply can not be missed.
That’s a wrap fight fans! Now go support regional MMA!