Big prospect action with some amazing matchmaking dot the weekend’s event map.
Yes, the UFC heavyweight title is being defended this week and Bellator’s massive return is around the corner. Doesn’t mean there isn’t much more to enjoy out there this weekend.
First up we’ve got ACA, setting up a major, major event with a lot of compelling fights. The featherweight belt is being defended by Nova União’s Felipe Froes (20-4, 1 draw) against former Bellator talent and Russian workhorse Magomedrasul “Frodo“ Khasbulaev (32-8). Khasbulaev racked up four wins a row including this stunner against former LFA and PFL fighter Alexandre Bezerra. Two of the best athletes not fighting in the western hemisphere are to duke it out, with Froes’ slick grappling game and agile striking matched up against Frodo’s power, durability, fight IQ and ability to control on the ground. It’s an excellent fight for supremacy at 145.
Another Brazilian is holding gold at 135, as Daniel Oliveira (28-7, 1 draw) slammed the brakes hard on Abdul-Rakhman Dudaev to extend his win streak to ten and defend his bantamweight belt in his last outing. He’s up against former UFC talent Magomed Bibulatov (17-2), who has grown into an exceptional fighter with three straight wins – all finishes, like this one. With a heavy pressure striking game, Bibulatov may have some success here, but Oliveira is measured, composed and just as creative on the feet.
Former UFC fighter Diego Brandão (25-16) made weight looking like an anime villain, and hopes to tame Salman Zhamaldaev (18-2). Rashid Magomedov (24-5, 1 draw) also returns to the Russian scene against Mukhamed Kokov (16-5). Also, Murat Gugov (7-3) will try to not get his head knocked off by absolute specimen Ivan Shtyrkov (17-2, 1 draw).
ACA 120 starts at noon EST this Friday (hey, that’s today!) here in the U.S., and their fights usually go up shortly after they happen on their YouTube channel.
Czech Republic’s Oktagon has had quite a run in the last year, and now returns with a middleweight title fight in the main event. Former UFC fighter and Czech wrestling champion Karlos Vemola (30-6) is on a 3-fight win streak, which was preceded by a single loss and another 11-fight win streak – all after his UFC departure. He’ll be defending his championship against Slovakian finishing machine Milan Datelinka (8-4).
Former BAMMA, Cage Warriors and Bellator fighter Alex Lohore (19-7) still has those heavy hands even if he’s had some not-so-great luck as of late. but hopes to roar back to get back on track against Spain’s Tato Primera (17-9). Former Strikeforce and Invicta fighter Maiju Suotama (8-5) also hopes to get some work in against Poland’s Marta Waliczek (4-3).
Oktagon 22 starts at 2:00pm EST on Friday afternoon.
Titan FC keeps bringing the heat from South Florida, and this week is no different. Sanford MMA’s Kyle Noblitt was going to take on Shaun Asher (13-3, 1 draw) for the vacant heavyweight belt, but that bout got cancelled.
Instead, the main event will be the Titan flyweight belt between Dominican Wascar Cruz (11-6) and Brazil’s Victor Dias (8-2). Dias is a generalist that toiled around in Jungle Fight and Watch Out Combat Series in his native Brazil, mostly earning decisions. Cruz makes his first cage appearance since last August, where he got a tremendous TKO victory.
Titan FC 68 streams live exclusively on UFC Fight Pass, starting at 7:00pm.
Finally, LFA returns to action with a main event featuring hard-hitting Batsumberel “The Mongolian Falcon“ Dagvadorj (7-1) against the recently released former UFC fighter Spike Carlyle (9-3). Dagvadorj is looking to bounce back from his lone loss (by decision) to Maycon Mendonça, whereas Carlyle is hoping to snap a two-fight losing skid.
Also on the card? Former Contender Series participant Vanessa Demopolous (5-3) meets former King of the Cage and Invicta fighter Cynthia Arceo (5-2, 1 draw) in the co-main spot.
LFA 103: Carlyle vs Dagvadorj will also be streaming live exclusively on Fight Pass, starting at 9:00pm EST.