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Eagle FC 44: 5 fights to look forward to

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Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagle Fight Club are set to make their US debut with Eagle FC 44 on January 28th in Miami, Florida.

For such a big occasion one would expect a card with the stature to match, a matter which Eagle FC have certainly delivered on, following some huge signings since Nurmagomedov aquired the organisation. With that being said, here are 5 fights you won’t want to miss.

Loik Radzhabov vs Zach Zane

Radzhabov (15-4-1) and Zane (15-9) have the honour of opening Eagle FC 44, through strategic placement or not this fight has all the ingredients needed to draw eyes, and blood for that matter.
Radzhabov is coming off two seasons in the PFL, both of which saw him impress with his fan friendly pressure boxing style. Quickly becoming one of the top lightweights the PFL had to offer, Radzhabov made the finals in both seasons, unfortunately falling short on both attempts. Tajikistans own has never been finished as a pro and will look to hone his proven skillset to get back on the board in Miami.
Taking on Radzhabov is Hawaiian finisher Zach Zane. Zane is coming off a career best performance which saw him take out MMA veteran Steven Siler with a vicious left hand just 7 seconds into their contest. His explosivness and killer instinct always makes for captivating viewing, seeing him secure victories in Bellator, Brave and even feature on the Contender Series. With an opponent as durable and dangerous as Radzhabov, this contest has real potential to steal the show.

Ramazan Nurmagomedov vs John Howard

An age old prospect vs veteran match up in this one as the undefeated Ramazan Kuramagomedov (9-0) takes on the battle tested John Howard (29-17-1).
Yet to taste defeat, Kuramagomedov has already amassed a range of impressive finishes in his young career, taking out experienced names such as Matias Juarez and Georgi Valentinov while competing under the likes of UAE warriors, ACB and the PFL. A product of Dagestan, Ramazan has already displayed an imposing ground game with a more than capable striking arsenal to match. This fight is certainly the biggest of his career and one which, with an impressive display, could be a huge breakthrough opportunity for him.

John Howard on the other hand has no shortage of experience. A 14 fight UFC veteran with the type of KO power which ensures he’s always in the fight, “Doomsday” has had his fair share of huge wins, owning victories over the likes of Uriah Hall and Ray Cooper. Although trading wins and losses in his past 9 outings, Howard picked up a huge KO over PFL welterweight King Ray Cooper III in 2019, proving to the MMA masses that he’s not done yet. Hungry to get back in the win column, a win over an undefeated Kuramagomedov will be sure to turn a few heads.

Raimond Magomedaliev vs Anthony Njokuani

Raimond Magomedaliev (8-1) vs Anthony Njokuani (17-12) is set to be the main card opener and honestly, this fight has so much potential. On paper, a strikers delight.

Magomedaliev is a very capable MMA fighter. A combat sambo and wushu world champion, he has a well versed base for MMA competition. Raimond is riding a 4 fight win streak after his stint with ONE Championship where we saw him pick people apart with that patient yet lethal striking game. His intelligent and smart approach paired with serious KO power and a strong grappling pedigree has seen him amass some vicious finish throughout his MMA career, most notably a brutal first round KO over Edson Marques where he decemated the Brazilian with a pinpoint right hand. Another Dagestani machine who looks to secure a victory over a more established name.
Anthony Njokuani, like John Howard is a more established name in the combat sports world. “The Assasin” has had stints with the UFC as well as a series of Muay Thai and kickboxing fights, all showcasing the vicious stand up game he’s come to be known for. Njokuani holds notable wins over UFC veteran John Makdessi and Muay Thai standout Elliot Compton, more recently securing a first round stoppage in Jorge Masvidals bare knuckle MMA league, Gamebred fighting championship. At 41 years of age he’s still putting guys away with that dangerous kickboxing base and I think a fight with a guy like Magomedaliev will only bring out the best in him.

Ray Borg vs Cody Gibson

First of all, Borg (14-5) and Gibson (18-7) are two superb additions to any bantamweight roster, two UFC veterans who are still very much at the peak of their powers. This is excellent matchmaking.

It’s hard to forget because he’s been at the top for so long but Ray Borg is still only 28 years old. “The Tazmexican devil” possesses a very well rounded skillset which has seen him compete for the UFC flyweight title and pick up some big wins through his MMA journey. His last outing was his first since his departure from the UFC, taking out Jesse Arnett via unanimous decision under the UAE Warriors banner. Make no mistake Borg has looked phenomenal in his recent fights, even in defeat to Ricky Simon, he showed some ridiculously fast hands, a relentless pace with a suffocating wrestling base, he’s still a top MMA bantamweight. A fight with a fellow UFC veteran in Cody Gibson gives him an opportunity to showcase the ability we all know he has against another one of the top bantamweights outside of the UFC.

Cody Gibson is also a guy who has really reminded everyone of his level in recent years since his UFC departure, winning 6 of his last 7 bouts against serious opposition. Most notable of the 6 was a huge win over UFC veteran John Dodson last October, a fight in which he showed his maturity and well rounded skill set against a UFC caliber fighter. Gibson possesses a slick, composed striking game as well as a good utilisation of his larger than average bantamweight frame to impose himself in grappling exchanges. A pro since 2008 he’s got the experience and seemingly a second wind in his MMA career, a big win over a former UFC title challenger would be huge for the continued upward trajectory of his career.

Tyrone Spong vs Sergei Kharitonov

With Eagle FC 44 being the promotions US debut, what a huge main event acquisition this is. Not only is it a captivating clash between two proven knockout artists, but its the return of kickboxing icon Tyrone Spong to the world of mixed martial arts.

Granted, we’ve only seen Spong compete in MMA twice before, but his combat sports credentials speak to what we can expect. The “King of the Ring” is undoubtably one of the most dangerous heavyweights in combat sports history. Boasting a kickboxing record of 107-7 (73KOs) and a boxing record of 14-0 (13KOs), he’s an expert at handing out non negotiable naps. Spong holds victories over the who’s who of kickboxing, scoring finishes over the likes of Remy Bonjasky, Peter Aerts and Zabit Samedov. Not only does he have a vast understanding of the art of striking, he has other worldly KO power, that much is clear. In 4 ounce gloves once again and coming off a very successful stint in boxing, I can’t help but think we’re in for a treat.

Spong opponent is “The Paratrooper” Sergei Kharitanov (31-8). Like Spong, Kharitanov has a reputation for his mastery of the finish. Kharitanov boasts an impressive MMA resume, holding finishes over the likes of Andre Arlovski, Alistair Overeem and even kickboxing great Semmy Schilt. Sergei also has his fair share of submission victories, but its safe to say he favours the hands, an approach would could prove to be dangerous come Friday.

If there ever was a main event which would guarantee a finish, I think we’re looking at it right here. Two big guys who are KO specialists throwing down in 4 ounce gloves. I mean you can never be certain of course, but this isn’t one you want to miss.

Eagle FC 44 goes down on Friday, January 28th and is free to watch on FLX cast.

See the full card for Eagle FC 44 below:

Tyrone Spong vs Sergei Kharitonov

Rashad Evans vs Gabriel Checco

Ray Borg vs Cody Gibson

Ramazan Kuramagomedov vs John Howard

Raimond Magomedaliev vs Anthony Njokuani

Arman Ospanov vs Dylan Salvador

Yorgan De Castro vs Shaun Asher

Miles Hunsinger vs Demarques Jackson

Shawn Bunch vs Adi Alic

Loik Radzhabov vs Zach Zane

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Paul Hughes Gets New Opponent as Oduwole Out

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Cage Warriors – Europe’s Leading MMA Organisation – have today announced a change in the scheduled opponent for Irish superstar Paul Hughes at Cage Warriors 170. 

An injury occurring just days after he signed to fight Hughes has forced Yemi Oduwole out of the contest. 

The promotion wishes him a speedy return to full health. 

CW officials have moved quickly to secure a suitable replacement, today confirming that Hughes will remain on the Saturday, April 6th bill, now facing off with Edgar ‘Smooth’ Escarrega. 

The bout will feature on the main card of CW 170 at Dublin’s iconic RDS, and air live on UFC Fight Pass and international broadcast partners. 

The 29-year-old Escarrega, who hails from the port city of Ensenada in Baja California, Mexico, brings an impressive 12-3-1 record to the contest. 

The Victory Fight Club man – who is a striker by trade – is unbeaten in his last six contests, and from twelve victories has a total of five KOs, two submissions and five points wins to his name. 

“From Mexico to the world, here I come!” said Escarrega, when signing on the dotted line for what is undoubtedly the biggest opportunity of his professional career. 

Hughes, from County Derry, is widely considered to be on the cusp of signing with the UFC following a series of impressive performances in the famous yellow gloves of Cage Warriors. 

‘Big News’ recently vacated his featherweight title, moving up to the 155lb division to stop top contender Jan Quaeyhaegens in the first round. 

Also scheduled for the CW 170 card, Dublin’s James ‘Jimbo Slice’ Sheehan contests the vacant welterweight title with Switzerland’s Daniel Konrad, with Ger Harris, Solomon Simon, Decky McAleenan, Taka Mhandu and more set to feature. 

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“I Should Get The Shot” – Jacob Smith Wants World Title Fight If He Bests Denis Puric At ONE Fight Night 21

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Fiery flyweight Muay Thai star Jacob Smith enjoyed a triumphant return to ONE Championship last December at ONE Fight Night 17 after 18 months on the sidelines. 

The Scouse striker knocked out Walter Goncalves to gain momentum in the world’s largest martial arts organization, and he plans to add to it next month.

Smith returns to action against Bosnian-Canadian powerhouse Denis Puric at ONE Fight Night 21: Eersel vs. Nicolas on Saturday, 6th April, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. 

Fans anticipate a thunderous clash, as they are both known to finish fights. Smith feels he knows what to expect from Puric, and he plans to give him an unwelcome gift for his birthday. 

“I’m either going to stop him with the knee or stop him with an elbow. I feel like the first round is going to be quite fiery. But if he decides to rush me too early, he’s going to walk into some big shots, so I could just finish him in round one,” he said. 

“But I’m sure I’m fighting him on his 39th birthday. So, unfortunately, my birthday present is going to be me knocking him out.”

When Jacob Smith debuted in ONE Championship at May 2022’s ONE 157, he battled ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon across three rounds of hard-hitting action. 

He came up short that night via unanimous decision, and a series of injuries forced him to take time away from action afterward. But that gap seemed to have allowed him level up his skill set. 

Smith came back stronger than ever, and his first-round finish of Goncalves last December pegged him as one to watch. The #2-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender is hoping to score back-to-back wins against Puric next month, and he knows exactly what he wants if he’s successful.

“My goal is to be ONE Championship Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion, and fingers crossed by the end of the year that comes through,” Smith said. 

“Rodtang is the champion, and Superlek is number one. After beating Walter, I’m now number two. Rodtang and Superlek are probably going fight each other again soon. Then I should get the shot at the winner after I beat Puric.”

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UFC Vegas 89 – Results | Ribas vs Namajunas

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Live from the Apex, UFC Vegas 89 saw former strawweight Rose Namajunas make her second appearance at flyweight against contender Amanda Ribas.

Note: any point deductions will be denoted by an asterisk and explained at the bottom of the page.

***

Main card (2am GMT – TNT Sports)

Rose Namajunas defeats (#8) Amanda Ribas via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) – flyweight bout

Karl Williams defeats Justin Tafa via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) – heavyweight bout

Edmen Shahbazyan defeats AJ Dobson via knockout (punches – 4:43 – R1) – middleweight bout

Payton Talbott defeats Cameron Saaiman via TKO (punches – 0:21 – R2) – bantamweight bout

Youssef Zalal defeats Billy Quarantillo via submission (rear-naked-choke – 1:50 – R2) – featherweight bout

Fernando Padilla defeats Luis Pajuelo via submission (brabo choke – 2:45 – R1) – featherweight bout

Prelims (11pm GMT – TNT Sports/UFC Fight Pass)

Trey Ogden defeats Kurt Holobaugh via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) – lightweight bout

Julian Erosa defeats Ricardo Ramos via submission (guillotine – 2:15 – R1) – featherweights bout

Miles John defeats Cody Gibson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) – bantamweight bout

Jarno Errens defeats Steve Nguyen via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) – featherweight bout

Darya Zheleznyakova defeats Monsterrat Rendon via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) – bantamweight bout

Andre Lima defeats Igor Severino via disqualification (biting – 2:52 – R2) – flyweight bout

Mick Parkin defeats Mohammed Usman via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) – heavyweight bout

***

For more UFC content, stay tuned to Violent Money TV.

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