Not many notable events this weekend, but the ones we have have some guaranteed action.
Slim pickings this weekend, folks. The UFC’s in Russia, Bellator’s laying low until later this month. While there are a bunch of events internationally, this weekend’s got very few that are really of interest here.
Most of these will feature former UFC talent, but a lot of them are either rebuilding or still kicking and putting on some fun performances.
Tuff-N-Uff continues its tradition of putting on some great local cards for the Vegas crowd, and this may be the one with the most recognizable talent in a long time. Welterweights get top billing on this one, with former UFC and Venator fighter (and perhaps the pluckiest underdog in the sport) Cody McKenzie (16-11) brings his janky but clever skillset as he faces Louisiana’s JD Domengeaux (12-4). Domengeaux’s an American Top Team rep, and has only one win by decision.
Former Invicta fighter DeAnna Bennett (9-3, 1 draw) faces OG veteran Kelly Kobold (19-3, 2 draws). Bennett had an ultimately unsuccessful run in her time as a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter and a draw against Melinda Fabian in the finale, but rebounded nicely with a good win against dangerous Mexican striker Karina Rodriguez at Invicta 28 back in March. Kobold started her pro career in 2002, and didn’t have any fights between 2011 and her return bout at LFA 20 against heavy-handed Christine Stanley. That fight ended in a draw, but Kobold followed it up with a win against against Katy Collins in March. During her career, Kobold had some tough fights against Shayna Baszler, Gina Carano, Adrienna Jenkins, Tara LaRosa, and BE darling Julie Kedzie. It’s a great feel-good story to see her back in the game, and against a talented opponent like Bennett.
Xtreme Couture coach and former World Series Of Fighting competitor Gil Guardado (5-2) faces another former WSOF vet in David Jordan (5-4), while Tyler Bialecki (8-8) goes up against Adam Acquaviva (6-3) in another duel between former WSOF fighters.
Tuff-N-Uff Fight Night starts this Friday night at 6:00pm EST. No viewing information is available, but the almighty internet shall provide.
LFA returns to the East Coast by setting up shop at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City.
Main event on this one is ace athlete Gilbert Urbina (5-0) facing one of the most talented welterweights out there in Sean Brady (8-0). Brady’s had some great finishes during his time on the regional scene, especially with CFFC (which is still one of the most underrated orgs in the country). He’s got a great instinct for finishing opponents and ever improving striking, with a win over UFC vet Colton Smith. Urbina’s got great a wrestling pedigree and continues to adapt it for MMA while working his striking as well.
Former Ultimate Fighter contestant and Pancrase fighter Andy Main (11-3, 1 draw) takes on what may be his toughest test yet against Saul Almeida (19-9), while Jonavin Webb (10-2) tries to extend his win streak to 3 as he attempts to fend off rugged fighter Tanner Saraceno (7-2). Will Santiago (9-5) attempts to bounce back from his loss to Kevin Holland on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series as he steps in against the sensational Stephen Regman (8-3). Regman’s got three straight wins, all finishes.
LFA 49 airs on their usual home of AXS TV, stating at 9:00pm EST on Friday night.
Combate Americas returns from their hiatus with Combate 22 this Friday, and the big fight on this one is the inaugural bantamweight title being contested by Jose Alday (11-3) and Gustavo Lopez (8-3). Alday stepped in as a last minute replacement this April against former Contender Series winner John Castaneda, stunning the veteran with an upset win. This time, Lopez steps in as the replacement as he takes the place of last year’s Copa Combate tournament winner Levy Marroquin.
This is an opportunity at redemption for Lopez, who lost a fight against the aforementioned Castaneda for the previous inaugural title bout in 2016. Castaneda won, but had missed weight, making it a non-title affair. The title plans were placed on the backburner after that, but a new champion will be crowned after this one. Lopez is an Xtreme Couture rep witha very well rounded game and great top control, while Alday is a crafty fighter that employes excellent wrestling defense and a sneaky counter game.
Former Invicta fighter Tracy Cortez (3-1 pro, 6-0 amateur) faces Mexico’s Karen Cedillo (1-0). Former Bellator fighter LaRue Burley (7-0) faces “Gifted“ Rafa Garcia (7-0), who has been a consistent action fighter for Combate. Ricard Palencia (7-0) brings his speedy game and well-rounded skillset against hard-hitting Federico Olivera (3-4).
Former UFC fighter, Arizona native and MMA Lab rep Yaotzin Mesa (21-11) will be up against Mexico’s Gilberto Aguilar (17-16, 1 draw). Former UFC fighter Roman Salazar (12-7) fights Mexico’s Eduardo Alvarado (5-4).
Combate Americas will have their prelims on Facebook, with the main card scheduled for 10:00pm EST. English simulcast will be available for the main card via the DAZN app.
Dominate FC is on tap for Saturday night, and you’ll be forgiven for not being familiar with the Pacific Northwest promotion. The main things to look out for are a title fight at women’s strawweight between grappler Amy Montenegro (8-3) and finisher Miranda Granger (3-0 pro, 5-0 amateur).
This should stylistically be a great fight, since they’re both great grapplers that love going for submissions. They both also have a knack for opening up their striking game pretty easily.
Former UFC fighter Anthony Hamilton (16-9) won his first fight since his UFC release and now challenges for the heavyweight title against Dylan ”Big Poppa” Potter (6-3). Hamilton’s style isn’t pretty, but it gets the job done. At age 23 and standing at 6’3, Potter’s best chance to give him some serious trouble is with his athleticism.
Dominate FC goes down at the Tacoma Dome, starting at 6:00pm EST. Once again, the internet is your friend on this one.