Lots of veterans out there making big things happen, and we’ve got it all laid out right here.
On holiday weekends like this, it’s nice to not any events from the big two promotions. But if you’re willing to make the time, there’s quality out there for you to enjoy. This sport never rests, so you’ll always have something to take in. This weekend proves that in a big way.
Friday night is Canada’s night, as TKO 48 goes live from Quebec headlined by a heavyweight title fight. Roggers Souza (8-1) and Cyril Gan? (2-0) scrap for the strap, while French vet Taylor Lapilus (14-3) and Nathan Maness (10-0) duke it out at bantamweight in the co-main. Striking sensation Jade Masson-Wong (3-0) welcomes Mandy Böhm (5-0) in her first fight outside of her native Germany. Also on the card is a battle between two of Canada’s best fighters alive in Jesse Arnett vs Josh Hill, who’ve had plenty to say regarding this upcoming fight.
The two have fought anywhere they can, collecting a set of respectable highlight reels and earning a ton of respect in the process. But an inevitable collision is set to take place, and they should be able to deliver.
TKO 48 starts at 6:00pm EST, streaming live on UFC Fight Pass.
But that’s not all the violence Canada plans on giving us. Unified MMA 37: Chaos. Heavyweights Jared Kilkenny (13-10) and Tanner Boser are scheduled to fight for the heavyweight belt, and Neil Berry (8-8) faces Teddy Ash (13-4) for the light heavyweight belt.
Submission threat KB Bhullar (6-0) will also be fighting Canadian journeyman Cody Krahn (16-13). WSOF veteran Roger Alves (4-1) takes on Cole Campbell (2-2), and RIZIN, Bellator and CES veteran Tyler King (12-7) will be in another heavyweight tilt against Chris Larsen (3-1).
Unified MMA streams live on FITE.tv, starting at 9:00pm EST. The event costs $19.00.
At the same time, LFA is also back on, with Daniel James (8-3, 1 draw) and Patrick Martin (7-4) also headlining at heavyweight. Lightweight prospects Jaleel Willis (9-2) and Dakota Bush (6-1) will also cross paths.
LFA 67 starts at 9:00pm EST, live on AXS TV.
Shooto Brasil has an action-heavy set of matchups ready for Saturday, as Shooto Brasil 92 goes down live from Rio de Janeiro. Former Bellator, WSOF and PFL fighter Josenaldo Silva makes an appearance, as does former RIZIN striking menace Tom Santos. Both the 119lb and 126lb belts will be on the line in the main and co-main events.
Shooto Brasil 92 starts at 7:00pm EST this Saturday night.
Cage Fury is back, heading to California to work with some of the best prospects in the country. Former UFC fighter Cain Carrizosa (10-3) meets Shohei Yamamoto (7-4) in the main event, and Terrion “Flash“ Ware (17-8) returns after his UFC run against Jordan Winski (10-2).
Women’s strawweight gold is up for contention as former Invicta fighter Miranda Granger (5-0) meets Brazil’s Heloisa Azevedo (4-1).
Cage Fury Fighting Championship 75 starts on Saturday night at 10:00pm, streaming live on UFC Fight Pass.
Finally, Pancrase graces us with a handful of very fun fights involving very fun fighters, and some very tough veterans putting on the 4oz gloves to put on a show. Argentina’s Nazareno Malegarie (33-5, 1 draw) had varied success last year in PFL, but has made a home for himself in Pancrase as he faces Isao Kobayashi in a must-watch featherweight duel for the title.
Toru Ogawa (10-7) is another do-or-die fighter, and he’ll be dealing with afro’d Mamoru Yamaguchi (31-12, 5 draws), who brings his own brand of cool and veteran savvy.
43-year-old Yuki Kondo (59-35, 9 draws!!) has been almost everywhere and seen almost everything. You know who else is in that category? Grizzled veteran Akihiro Gono (36-23, 8 draws). They’ll be facing each other at welterweight in a battle of clever old lions.
Finally, Kazumasa Majima (13-1) takes on former UFC fighter Issei Tamura (12-9).
Pancrase 305 starts at 3:00am EST, and streams live on UFC Fight Pass.