Nikita Krylov – Submission Round 3 (It is so difficult to hop on any form of the Spann hype train. The 31-year-old almost had his lights shut out by Sam Alvey in 2020. A year later, Anthony Smith dominated him on the feet and mat. Spann’s shock first-round KO over former title challenger, Dominick Reyes, garnered attention but conveniently overlooked Reyes’ deterioration. Krylov no longer owns the x-factor on the feet, instead trading entertainment for hard-nosed wrestling. Although a shame for fans, Krylov’s pragmatism should offer the path of least resistance. Superman is a technical mess but he is a granite-handed power puncher who is happy to take 50/50 exchanges early doors. Spann hitting the ground early is key for the Ukranian’s success)
Andre Muniz – Submission Round 3 (Gas tank issues and concrete feet represent red flags for Brendan Allen, but most concerning was his inability to stay standing against Jacob Malkoun. Muniz is a more physically imposing wrestler and seems set to punish a flagging Allen down the stretch. Allen’s defensive grappling is of a good standard but the Brazilian’s submission chops appear to be on another level)
Augusto Sakai – Decision (In a toss-up between a mentally, physically shot fighter and a bruiser with more technical holes than Swiss cheese, the best option is to avoid watching the fight entirely. Sakai’s heavy-pressure game has fallen apart since his chin was checked by the bigger boys at Heavyweight. Don’Tale Mayes is a massive 6’6″ physical specimen but is totally unable to keep himself balanced while throwing strikes)
Tatiana Suarez – Decision (It’s anyone’s guess as to how much the time on the sidelines has impacted Suarez. The American was on a crash course to the top of Strawweight in the late 2010s, but a return to Flyweight may pose some size issues. Montana De La Rosa is unlikely to be the fighter that represents such a hurdle. De La Rosa’s best shot will likely be reduced to a speculative submission off her back as Suarez postures to rain down ground and pound)
Yohan Lainesse – TKO Round 1 (An all-Canadian Welterweight affair sees Mike Malott build on his first-round TKO over Mickey Gall against the heavy hands of Yohan Lainesse. Malott’s exceptional finishing ability comes at the cost of a porous defence – a significant area of weakness against a one-shot KO artist in Lainesse. The White Lion is unable to maintain an imposing pace throughout the three rounds, however, often coasting the later rounds to recover)
Trevor Peek – TKO Round 2 (The Ghost Pepper can dig deep down the stretch but has been once again pitted against a fearsome striker. Trevor Peek has collected a perfect KO streak on the regional scene. Gonzalez is a step up in competition but lacks the tools to take the contest away from a battle on the outside)
Gabriella Fernandes – Decision (Jasudavicius shocked the odds on her debut when she comfortably beat Kay Hansen on the feet. Unfortunately for the Canadian, she was then out-struck 3-1 and had her wrestling threat neutralised by newcomer Natalia Silva. Fernandes is a full-blooded striker with an immense athletic ceiling. The Brazilian can be stiff on her feet, however, as there are clear transitionary delays while deciding upon her next move)
Jordan Leavitt – Submission Round 2 (Victor Martinez debuts off the back of a DWCS decision victory which showcased his gritty, imposing striking. Martinez is decently experienced against respectable opposition so there is a strong chance that the Texan can keep this fight standing – but I’m backing The Monkey King’s slick submissions for the memes)
Charles Johnson – Decision (Charles Johnson is a durable, conservative striker who can be blamed for waiting for his ideal opening rather than creating them. Against Osbourne, a fighter who negates his reach advantage in favour of spinning attacks, Johnson will have a delectable selection to feast upon)
Joe Solecki – Decision (Regional scene marauder, Carl Deaton III, has been drafted in as a last-minute replacement following Benoit Saint-Denis’ ankle injury. At 33 years old, there isn’t much time left for Deaton to finally win a step-up, but his risk-averse striking leaves few openings for Solecki to shoot. Solecki is the firm favourite for a reason though and will pin Deaton to the mat if the opportunity emerges)
Rafael Alves – TKO Round 1 (A relentless chain wrestler with a smothering top game, Nurullo Aliev has the tools to neutralise the best weapons of explosive counter-striker, Rafael Alves. Whether he can close the distance safely or takedown the slippery Brazilian is the major talking point. It seems foolish to write off the ferocious power and explosivity of Alves)
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