Defending his MTAA title Shane Oblonsky will look to spoil the return of Bryce Krause. While the other two fights on the card are expected to provide fireworks as Artem Sharoshkin takes on Jose Palacios and Borzoo Honargohar steps into the ring with Sheldon Gaines.
Shane Oblonsky vs. Bryce Krause
Krause will be returning to see his first action since late 2009. Although ring rust is likely expected the x-factor in the fight will be the power that Krause packs in his punches and if he can connect with Oblonsky's chin. Oblonsky has some good boxing and should use it to keep Krause of balance and at bay. To win this fight he needs to use his boxing and movement so that Krause can't connect with one of his power shots. Krause should try to close the distance and try to take advantage of Oblonsky in the clinch but that is easier said than done. This fight is a real toss up and we could just as easily see a close decision or an early finish. Despite it being such a toss up we have to make a pick so at some point in the fight expect Krause to be able to work his way into a clinch situation and connect with some big shots to end the fight.
The Pick:
Bryce Krause by (T)KO in the third round.
Artem Sharoshkin vs. Jose Palacios
This is another hard to pick match-up. Sharoshkin is an active fighter who will be looking to keep working the entire fight. He mixes his attacks well and has a high work rate, but has not shown his KO power since turning pro. Palacios has shown he has power in kicks and punches his last two fights. No one expected a twenty five second finish of Scotty Leffler in his last outing, a fight in which he broke Leffler's jaw. This fight will turn into a battle of attrition as it will go the distance, but don't expect any late heroics by Palacios like the last minute KO he pulled off against Joey Pagliuso in March. This fight will be capable of going either way after five hard fought rounds
The Pick:
Jose Palacios by split decision.
Sheldon Gaines vs. Borzoo Honargohar
Honargohar is dropping down a weight class and it should serve him well. He seemed to have trouble with the larger Artem Sharoshkin his last fight and despite trying to rally late with some flurry's he came up short and lost a unanimous decision. Gaines won't be able to wear him down like Sharoshkin did, but he will definitely have to be ready and keep his guard up as Gaines holds nothing back. Despite an exciting style that Gaines typically uses in his fights it is not always effective. Expect to see Gaines come out aggressive and although Honargohar can likely stand in the pocket and fire back he will be best served to use the ring and counter. Expect to see some great flurry's early on from Gaines, but Honargohar should be able to start connecting and wearing Gaines down around the third round.
The Pick:
Borzoo Honargohar via (T)KO in the fourth round.
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