Lion Fight 16 takes place tomorrow from The Pearl at the Palms in Las Vegas, NV. The event will feature some exciting fights including the highly anticipated clash between Kevin Ross and Michael "Tomahawk" Thompson.
It's time to break down all the action for the five pro fights on the Lion Fight card. Nathan Aripez breaks down the fights for you and gives you his picks on who he thinks will end up victorious on the night.
Kevin Ross vs. Michael Thompson
Ross will definitely have the crowd on his side on this one. Not only is it the 4th of July so patriotism will be riding high in Las Vegas with American fans, Ross is one of the sports most popular American fighters. Australia's Michael Thompson will definitely have to ignore the crowd because you can be assured that he won't be hearing anything friendly from them.
Ross has looked like a former shell of himself in the last two years but he is entering the fight having won his last two fights. In his last outing Ross cut his opponent, Chris Mauceri early in the fight and you could see that Ross was extremely confident afterwards. If Ross can do some damage early and build that confidence and momentum it could mean trouble for Thompson. The likeliness of that happening doesn't seem high, Thompson is a lot more seasoned than Mauceri and I don't see him allowing Ross to build any type of momentum. Ross is known for his incredible cardio and ability to take damage and keep moving forward, if Thompson fades in the later rounds then Ross will definitely be able to take advantage of the situation, however, don't expect Thompson to fade as the young lad is resilient.
Thompson has all the tools and is one of Australia's youngest and brightest fighters. He mixes up his punches and strikes well, and is as durable as they come. With his willingness to stand and trade he and Ross should be an entertaining match up, but Thompson can't simply stand and trade with Ross or he could pay the price because that is the type of fight Ross likes. Thompson needs to mix in a solid clinch attack as Ross has shown in the past the clinch is not his strongest area. If Thompson can mix his strikes and then move into clinch range and work some solid knees and elbows he should do well.
I don't see either fighter finishing the fight, it will most likely go the distance and these two will beat each other up until the final bell. If anyone were to finish the other off I would have to pick Thompson as the more likely one to earn a stoppage win. With that said I think Thompson just has more tools to win and will take home a decision.
It's time to break down all the action for the five pro fights on the Lion Fight card. Nathan Aripez breaks down the fights for you and gives you his picks on who he thinks will end up victorious on the night.
Kevin Ross vs. Michael Thompson
Ross will definitely have the crowd on his side on this one. Not only is it the 4th of July so patriotism will be riding high in Las Vegas with American fans, Ross is one of the sports most popular American fighters. Australia's Michael Thompson will definitely have to ignore the crowd because you can be assured that he won't be hearing anything friendly from them.
Ross has looked like a former shell of himself in the last two years but he is entering the fight having won his last two fights. In his last outing Ross cut his opponent, Chris Mauceri early in the fight and you could see that Ross was extremely confident afterwards. If Ross can do some damage early and build that confidence and momentum it could mean trouble for Thompson. The likeliness of that happening doesn't seem high, Thompson is a lot more seasoned than Mauceri and I don't see him allowing Ross to build any type of momentum. Ross is known for his incredible cardio and ability to take damage and keep moving forward, if Thompson fades in the later rounds then Ross will definitely be able to take advantage of the situation, however, don't expect Thompson to fade as the young lad is resilient.
Thompson has all the tools and is one of Australia's youngest and brightest fighters. He mixes up his punches and strikes well, and is as durable as they come. With his willingness to stand and trade he and Ross should be an entertaining match up, but Thompson can't simply stand and trade with Ross or he could pay the price because that is the type of fight Ross likes. Thompson needs to mix in a solid clinch attack as Ross has shown in the past the clinch is not his strongest area. If Thompson can mix his strikes and then move into clinch range and work some solid knees and elbows he should do well.
I don't see either fighter finishing the fight, it will most likely go the distance and these two will beat each other up until the final bell. If anyone were to finish the other off I would have to pick Thompson as the more likely one to earn a stoppage win. With that said I think Thompson just has more tools to win and will take home a decision.
Prediction: Michael Thompson def. Kevin Ross by Decision
Tiffany Van Soest vs. Sindy Huyer
This will definitely be a match up of styles. Van Soest is extremely athletic and light on her feet and she uses this to explode with punches and kicks. Huyer is more of a grinder, she likes to clinch and grind her opponents from there, but she isn't afraid to mix things up from a distance either.
Van Soest's only area that needs improvement is her clinch. Caley Reece used a clinch heavy attack to beat her and other opponents have given her trouble in that area as well, but Van Soest has been able to over come it on several occasions. Huyer needs to make this a clinch heavy fight and try to keep Van Soest from creating distance. If Huyer can't keep Van Soest tied up in the clinch then she will be in trouble. Van Soest will pick her apart from a distance with her diverse array of strikes. Huyer might prove to be some trouble early, but Van Soest will rectify any issues Huyer might present with her clinch in the early rounds and score a stoppage in the later rounds and she gets more comfortable in the fight.
Prediction: Tiffany Van Soest def. Sindy Huyer by (T)KO in Rd. 4
Rungravee Sasiprapa vs. Adrian Morilla
A lot of people are wondering why this match up was made. Rungravee is extremely more experienced than Morilla, and Morilla hasn't shown in his young career that he is ready to take on someone like Rungravee. Despite what anyone thinks Morilla is a tough kid, but though in this situation will only mean that Morilla will last a little longer than expected before the inevitable happens, and that is a stoppage by Rungravee. Expect Rungravee to come out looking to end this early, Morilla will probably make it to the second round possibly the third but he will most likely take a beating to make it that far in the fight.
Prediction: Rungravee Sasiprapa def. Adrian Morilla by KO in Rd. 3
Gaston Bolanos vs. Tyler Toner
Bolanos is one of Muay Thais brightest young stars. He is explosive and has a well rounded style, Toner who is mainly an MMA fighter will have his hands full with the "Dream Killer". Bolanos will be looking to finish this fight early and eventually his arsenal will be too much for Toner to handle. Bolanos will score a stoppage in the third round.
Prediction: Gaston Bolanos def. Tyler Toner by (T)KO in Rd. 3
Josh Shepard vs. Casey Parlett
Shepard will be the bigger of the two in the ring and that will prove to be a huge advantage. Shepard will use his size to bully Parlett around the ring and eventually use his hands to score a stoppage victory. Shepard has a well rounded attack and will probably use all his tools to break down Parlett, but with his movement and athleticism expect him to lands some big punches from different angles.
Prediction: Josh Shepard def. Casey Parlett via KO in Rd. 3
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