Lion Fight 15 Results

Lion Fight 15 took place Friday night at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut. The promotions first trip to the east coast featured a main event bout between Cosmo Alexandre and Mark Holst. Alexandre as usual put on a technical performance en route to a unanimous decision victory over Holst. With the win Alexandre has now won back to back Muay Thai Fights and is 3-1 when fighting for Lion Fight.

The co-main event featured Kevin Ross vs. Chris Mauceri and it didn’t take long for these two fighters to get the action going. Ross struck early when he connected with an upward elbow that opened up a nice sized gash on the forehead of Mauceri. The doctor analyzed the cut and allowed the fight to continue. Despite the cut Mauceri kept pressing forward and Ross was more than willing to meet him in the middle and exchange strikes. The fighters were going back and forth in a close fight until it was stopped in the third round by doctors. After a sweep by Ross the referee called for time and when they analyzed Mauceri’s cut the fight was stopped despite Mauceri’s plea to allow it to continue. With the win Ross has now won back to back fights and is set to fight Michael Thompson for the Lion Fight Super Lightweight Title on July 4th. With the loss Mauceri tastes defeat for the first time in his career and now sports a 6-1 record.

Tiffany Van Soest and Lucy Payne met in a re-match from their July bout of 2013 and unlike their first encounter this fight made it past the first round. The pair actually went the distance with Van Soest winning once again. Her movement made her a hard target for Payne and she was able to connect with several chopping leg kicks that seemed to slow Payne down. In the end the decision was originally announced as split, but it was an error and it was actually a unanimous decision wing for Van Soest who rebounds nicely after tasting defeat for the first time in her previous outing against Caley Reece.

Mohammed Lemjerdine was able to avenge his brutal KO loss to Jason Andrada at Lion Fight 15. The Connecticut based fighters knocked Andrada down twice in the first round and connected with the heavier shots throughout the fight. In the end he was awarded a unanimous decision win and likely set up a rubber match down the road for these two fighters.

Nick Chasteen tasted defeat for the first time since turning pro earlier this year. Pedro Gonzalez came into the fight with less than a weeks notice and immediately went after Chasteen as if he had nothing to lose. In the second round a barrage from Gonzalez put Chasteen in a corner and delivered elbows and punches. When they separated the referee stopped the action to check Chasteen’s cut and the bout was stopped. It is a big win for Gonzalez in his pro Muay Thai debut.

Results:
Comso Alexandre def. Mark Holst via Unanimous Decision
Kevin Ross def. Chris Mauceri via (T)KO (Cut) in Rd. 3
Tiffany Van Soest def. Lucy Payne via Unanimous Decision
Mohammed Lemjerdine def. Jason Andrada via Unanimous Decision
Pedro Gonzalez def. Nick Chasteen via (T)KO (Cut) in Rd. 2
Tim Amorim def. Tom Evans via (T)KO (Retirement) at the end of Rd. 2

Full Fight Card for Lion Fight 15 announced

Lion Fight has announced the entire fight card for their May 23rd event in Connecticut. Four bouts had already been confirmed for Lion Fight 15 including the main event bout of Cosmo Alexandre vs. Mark Holst and the co-main event bout of Kevin Ross vs. Chris Mauceri. The two remaining bouts confirmed yesterday were Nick Chasteen vs. Marc Seno and the pro debuts of Tim Amorim vs. Tom Evans. 

Chasteen is currently 2-0 as a pro with victories over Chris Culley and Jonathan Del Rosario, both of his victories coming by decision. Seno will be looking to hand Chasteen the first defeat of his professional career as he tries to rebound from a loss to Nick Vaughn under the Take-On Productions banner.

Fight Card:

Cosmo Alexandre vs. Mark Holst

Kevin Ross vs. Chris Mauceri

Tiffany Van Soest vs. Lucy Payne

Jason Andrada vs. Mohammed Lemjerdine

Nick Chasteen vs. Marc Seno

Tim Amorim vs. Tom Evans

Van Soest vs. Payne and Andrada vs. Lemjerdine set for Lion Fight 15

Lion Fight regulars Tiffany Van Soest and Jason Andrada will be in action at Lion Fight 15 on May 23rd. Van Soest and Andrada will both be involved in re-matches, Van Soest vs. Lucy Payne and Andrada vs. Mohammed Lemjerdine. 

Van Soest and Payne first met at Lion Fight 10 where Van Soest scored a swift first round (T)KO over Payne. The fight will be Van Soest's first since losing her Lion Fight Women's Title to Caley Reece at Lion Fight 13 in what was Van Soest's first career loss.

Andrada and Lemjerdine first fought at Lion Fight 12 in an exciting back and forth fight. In the final round of the bout a perfectly timed counter elbow from Andrada ended the night for Lemjerdine.

Lion Fight 15 will mark the promotions first trip to the east coast and will feature a main event of Cosmo Alexandre vs. Mark Holst and co-main event of Kevin Ross vs. Chris Mauceri. The event will take place at Foxwoods Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut.

Fight Card:

Cosmo Alexandre vs. Mark Holst

Kevin Ross vs. Chris Mauceri

Tiffany Van Soest vs. Lucy Payne

Jason Andrada vs. Mohammed Lemjerdine

Lion Fight 10 Results and Recap

Lion Fight 10 took place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas tonight and it was an action packed night of fights. In the night’s main event Yodsanklai Fairtex out struck Chike Lindsay to capture the Lion Fight Middleweight World Title.

Lindsay looked solid in the first round while working behind his jab. In the second round, however, Yodsanklai turned up the pressure and took over. He beat Lindsay up with a well rounded attack. Heavy kicks to the body and legs combined with solid elbows scored for Yodsanklai. He opened up three cuts on Lindsay, two by his left eye and one on his nose. By the time the final round came around it was clear that Lindsay needed a knockout to win, but despite his efforts he came up short. It was a one sided unanimous decision victory for Yodsanklai.

In the night’s co-main event Canada’s Matt Embree proved he was the best super lightweight in North America with a unanimous decision win over American Kevin Ross. Embree used a pin point counter attack to score points throughout the fight. Embree looked a little more aggressive than usual at times and it paid off. He landed a few clean sweeps on Ross, and connected with several leg kicks. When the fight went to the clinch he immediately began to work knees to the body and legs of Ross. In the final round it seemed Embree slowed down quite a bit due to fatigue and Ross was able to capitalize and take the final round but it was too little too late.

Tiffany Van Soest had no trouble defeating Lucy Payne to capture the Lion Fight Women’s World Featherweight Title. In the first round Van Soest was clearly the more agile fighter as she looked limber on her feet while Payne looked flat footed. Despite giving up a nice height advantage Van Soest got inside and landed a punch that hurt Payne. Van Soest pounced and cornered Payne while Punches and elbows came fast and furiously from Van Soest. Payne curled up and dropped to a knee forcing the referee to step in and halt the bout giving Van Soest the dominant win.

Sean Kearney was looking to avenge his loss to Malaipet Sasiprapa earlier this year, but fell short. Malaipet looked strong in the first round and in the second knocked Kearney down with an elbow from the clinch. Kearney tried to battle back in the final three rounds but came up short on the judges cards. Two judges gave the fight to Malaipet while one scored it a draw giving Malaipet the majority decision.

Ognjen Topic defeated Coke Chunhawat by split decision in a fight that should serve as a perfect example of why fighting the traditional Thai style does not work in the United States. The first three rounds of the fight were close. As expected Coke started slow and in the fourth and fifth rounds picked up the pace and out classed Topic clearly outlanding him with strikes and controlling the ring, but allowing the first three round to be so close cost him. Two judges scored the bout for Topic and one for Coke. If Coke would have fought with the same aggression in the first three rounds that he fought with in the final two rounds the fight would have most likely gone in his favor.

In the night’s opening bout Jason Andrada improved to 3-0 with a solid performance against J.P. Cole. Andrada picked Cole apart throughout the fight constantly moving forward and keeping busy with punches and kicks. He knocked Cole down midway through the bout with a body kick but in the end Andrada had to settle for a unanimous decision victory.

Results:
Yodsanklai Fairtex def. Chike Lindsay via Unanimous Decision
Matt Embree def. Kevin Ross via Unanimous Decision
Tiffany Van Soest def. Lucy Payne via (T)KO at 2:30 of Rd.1
Malaipet Sasiprapa def. Sean Kearney via Majority Decision
Ognjen Topic def. Coke Chunhawat via Split Decision
Jason Andrada def. J. P. Cole via Unanimous Decision

Lion Fight 10 Live Results and Play by Play

Lion Fight 10 goes down tonight in Las Vegas at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino featuring the main event between Yodsanklai Fairtex and Chike Lindsay. The event will air live on AXS TV but if you can't be there live or don't have access TV we have you covered as we will be providing live results and a play by play for Lion Fight 10. 

Also on the card Kevin Ross and Matt Embree will go head to head in a battle to see who the best 140lb fighter in North America is. Tiffany Van Soest and Lucy Payne will also fight for the Lion Fight women's featherweight world title.

J.P. Cole vs. Jason Andrada

Round 1
Body Kick by Cole. Cross by Andrada. Jab by Andrada lands. Both exchanging leg kicks. Head kick by Cole. Jab by COle lands flush. Both guys pressing forward and meeting in the middle. Leg kicks by Andrada. Body kick by Cole. Cole gets a warning for a 12-6 elbow. Jab lands for Andrada followed by a right. Andrada going to the body and then catches a kick from Cole and sweeps him. Muay Thai Authority scores the round 10-9 for Andrada.

Round 2
Leg kick by Andrada to start. Leg kick by Cole. Clinch and Cole goes to work with knees right away. Right hand by Cole lands flush. Andrada staying busy throwing punches and kicks. Body kick by Cole and then Andrada sweeps him. Andrada looks more fluid with his strikes, while Cole is throwing one shot at a time. Andrada going to the body with punches. Another sweep by Andrada after catching a Cole kick. Leg kick by Andrada and then they exchange body kicks. Muay Thai Authority scores the round 10-9 Andrada.

Round 3
Body kick by Cole. Right hand by Andrada lands. Short elbow by Cole. Body shot by Andrada lands and then he catches a Cole kick and sweeps him again. Body kick by Cole. Both fighters exchange elbows. Body Kick by Cole. Cole looks to be slowing down while Andrada looks to have some pep in his step still. Cole unleashes a flurry on Andrada but Andrada absorbs the punishment and goes back to work. Cole might have exhausted his tank in that attack. Body shot by Andrada. Body kick by Andrada forces Cole to take a knee and the round is over. 10-8 round for Andrada.

Round 4
Cole needs to step it up because Andrada is easily up on the judges score cards. Leg kicks by Andrada. Body shot from Cole. Body shot by Andrada. Cole swinging for the fences but doesn't connect. Cole looking up at the clock. Jab by Andrada. Left hand from Cole lands solid. Cole seems tired. Right hand by Andrada lands as Cole is moving in. Head kick from Cole grazes Andrada. They exchanges some strikes as the round ends and it is clear that Andrada is the fresher fighter. Muay Thai Authority scores the round 10-9 Andrada.

Round 5
Right hand by Cole. Both rights land rights. Cole letting his hands go. Jab by Andrada. Cole needs to do something now if he expects to win this fight. He needs a KO. Two punch combo to the body by Cole. Cole with a with two good right hands. Andrada still active though. Elbow from Cole. Cole slowing down. Andrada just picking away at Cole. Left hook from Cole. This fight is over and it should go to Andrada.

Result: Jason Andrada def. J.P. Cole via Unanimous Decision

Ognjen Topic vs. Coke Chunhawat

Round 1 
Push kick by Topic to start. Another push kick from Topic. Sweep by Coke after catching a Topic kick. Right hand by Topic gets in. Teep to the leg by Topic. Body kick by Coke and then they clinch but are broken up. Side kick by Topic. Right hand by Topic. Leg kick by Topic. Very close first round. Muay Thai Authority scores it 10-10.

Round 2
Jab by Topic. Push kick by Topic. Coke moving forward looking to get a little more aggressive. Throw some punches that are blocked and then lands  body kick. Inside leg kick by Coke. Right hand by Topic. Clinch band knees from both before it is broken up. Leg kick by Topic. Body kick by Coke. Clinch and they both exchange knees. Body kick by Coke. Leg kick by Topic. Muay Thai Authority scores the round 10-9 for Coke.

Round 3
Left hand by Topic. Clinch and a knee from Coke. More knees from Coke in the clinch and then Topic lands a knee. They break and left hook from Topic. Leg kick from Topic. Clinch and both fighter jockeying for position. Jab by Topic. Body kick by Topic then a push kick. Clinch and Topic tosses Coke to the mat. They clinch and exchange knees. Jab by Topic. Knee by Coke. Muay Thai Authority scores the round 10-9 Topic.

Round 4
Sweep by Topic off a caught kick. Head kick by Topic lands. Coke with a flurry of punches followed by a kick. Another flurry followed by a kick from Coke. Sweep by Coke and he kicks Topic in the face as he is falling. Elbow by Coke. Coke is getting aggressive now. Body kick by Coke then he catches a kick and pushes Topic down. They clinch and exchange knees. Coke is really taking control of the round. Topic clinches and throws knees. Knees from Coke in the clinch. Teep by Coke they clinch and exchange knees. Muay Thai Authority scores the round 10-9 for Coke.

Round 5
Body kicks are exchanged. Coke pressing forward. Teep from Coke. Double jab by Coke. Leg kick by Coke. Jab by Coke. Coke looks excellent in these last two rounds. Clinch and short knees from Topic and then knees from Coke. Jab by Coke. Topic with a leg kick. Body kick by Topic as bell rings. Muay Thai Authority scores the round 10-9 Coke. Should be interesting to see how this is scored. Coke clearly won the last two rounds but the first three rounds could go either way.

Result: Ognjen Topic def. Coke Chunhawat via Split Decision

Sean Kearney vs. Malaipet Sasiprapa

Round 1
Jab by Kearney. Body kick by Malaipet. Leg kick by Malaipet. Jab by Kearney. Body Kick by Kearney leg kick by Malaipet. Leg kick by Kearney. Body kick by Malaipet. Left hook from Malaipet. Jab from Kearney. Body kick from Malaipet. Jab by Kearney. Body kick by Malaipet and left by Kearney. Muay Thai Authority scores the round 10-9 Malaipet. 

Round 2
Clinch and an elbow from Malaipet knocks Kearney down. He beats the ten count and they clinch. Leg kick Malaipet. Elbow from Kearney as they clinch. Malaipet is cut and bleeding from his cheek. Left from Kearney and then he misses with an elbow. Clinch and Kearney walls up. Body kick by Malaipet and left cross from Kearney. Clinch and knees from Kearney. Kearney really pressing the action now. Body kick from Malaipet. 10-8 round for Malaipet. If it wasn't for the knockdown that round would have gone to Kearney.

Round 3
Head kick by Kearney grazes Malaipet. Leg kick by Malaipet. Clinch but no action. Jab from Malaipet. Elbow from Kearney. Another elbow from Kearney and a push kick. Push kick by Kearney. Knee to the body by Kearney. Elbow from Kearney. Both fighters land a punch. Body kick by Malaipet and they clinch and knees from Kearney as Malaipet walls up. Sweep from Malaipet after catching a kick. Nice elbow from Kearney. Kearney is really taking control of the ring this round. Body kick by Kearney as Malaipet tries a spinning kick. Muay Thai Authority scores the round 10-9 Kearney.

Round 4
Body kick by Malaipet and then a left cross from Kearney. Body kick by Malaipet. Clinch and knees from Malaipet. Jab  by Malaipet. Elbow from Kearney in the clinch and then knees from him. Push kick by Kearney. Clinch and knees from Kearney. Malaipet seems tired. Jab and Cross from Kearney land. Knees from Kearney. Body punch from malaipet. Knee from Kearney in the clinch. Body kick by Malaipet. Both fighters exchange body kicks. Muay Thai Authority scores the round 10-9 Kearney.

Round 5
Inside leg kick by Kearney. Right hand by Malaipet. Another right hand by Malaipet. Body kick by Malaipet. Elbow from Kearney and they clinch. Left hand from Kearney grazes Malaipet. Kearney catches a kick and misses a spinning elbow. Clinch and knees from Kearney as Malaipet walls up. Left cross from Kearney they clinch and knees from Kearney. Muay Thai Authority scores the round 10-9 Kearney. Round 1,4,5 were close and could go either way.

Result: Malaipet Sasiprapa def. Sean Kearney via Majority Decision

Lucy Payne vs. Tiffany Van Soest

Round 1
Left hook from Van Soest. Body kick from Payne. Push kick by Payne. Push kick by Van Soest. Right hand from Payne. Left hook from Van Soest and then a right hand. Van Soest definitely has the movement and speed edge. Flurry from Van Soest and Payne is hurt and she covers up in the corner as Van Soest unloads and the ref stops the fight. Odd that it wasn't a ten count, but Van Soest wins.

Result: Tiffany Van Soest def. Lucy Payne via (T)KO at 2:30 of Rd. 1

Matt Embree vs. Kevin Ross 

Round 1
Leg kick by Ross to start. Leg kick by Embree. Jab by Ross leg kick by Embree. Another leg kick by Embree. Leg kick by Embree and leg kick by Ross. Push kick by Ross. Left cross by Embree. Leg kick by Embree. Punch by Embree is blocked by Ross. Leg kick by Embree. Right hand by Embree and a leg kick by Embree. Leg kick by Ross. Knee to the body by Embree. Muay Thai Authority scores the round 10-9 Embree.

Round 2
Leg kick by Embree. Body kick by Ross. Leg kick by Ross and Embree answers with punches. Clinch and nothing happens. Jab by Ross. Right hand by Embree and then a sweep by Embree as he catches a kick. Body shot by Ross. Left jab by Embree. Leg kick by Ross. Leg kick by Embree followed by a body kick. Another sweep by Embree off of a caught kick. Leg kick by Embree. Leg kick by Ross. Right hand by Embree and a knee. Body kick by Ross they clinch and some knees from Embree. Knee to the body by Ross. Right and left by Embree land. Muay Thai Authority scores the round 10-9 Embree.

Round 3
Embree starts with punches. Ross getting aggressive to start this round and they clinch and exchange knees then Embree tosses Ross tot he mat. Knee to the body by Ross. Elbow by Embree. Right hand by Embree as Ross throws a leg kick. Jab by Ross. Leg kick from each fighter. Right hand by Ross. Right hand from Embree. Left hand from Embree then a right hand an elbow. Leg kick by Ross. Right hand by Ross and elbow by Embree as they clinch. Embree catches a kick and delivers a short elbow. Ross lands a sweep as the round ends. Close round but Embree seems to be landing the more diverse strikes. 10-9 Embree.

Round 4
Kicks from both fighters to start the round. Leg kick from Embree. Punch by Ross. Leg kick by Embree and leg kick from Ross. Elbow from Embree. Clinch and not much happening. Sweep by Ross off of a caught kick. Knee from Embree and they clinch. Knee from Embree in the clinch. Leg kick from both then a right hand from Ross. Clinch and knees from Embree. Jabs from both fighters. Jab by Embree. Leg kick from each fighter. Clinch and knees from Embree. Both fighters swinging but not much landing and Ross lands a clinch right. Close round but 10-9 Ross.

Round 5
Leg kicks by both fighters. Knee by Ross and leg kick by Embree. Ross with a body shot. Leg kicks from both. Push kick from Embree. Dump by Embree. Leg kick by Ross leg kick by Embree. Clinch and knee from Embree. Knee from Ross in the clinch. Leg kick from Embree. Body kick by Ross. Knee by Ross. Right hand by Ross and he is picking up the pace. Clinch and knees from both. Jab by Ross. Clinch and knee from Ross and leg kick from Ross. Elbow from Embree. 10-9 Ross. Embree seemed to gas in the last round.

Result: Matt Embree def. Kevin Ross via Unanimous Decision

Chike Lindsay vs. Yodsanklai Fairtex

Round 1
Jab by Lindsay. Leg kick by Yodsanklai. Right hand by Lindsay. Jab by Lindsay. Another strong jab by Lindsay. Jab again by Lindsay. Kick by Yodsanklai blocked. Jab by Lindsay followed by  a right. Strong left by Lindsay. Chike using his jab weel. Lindsay pumps that jab again. Leg kick by Yodsanklai. Right cross by Lindsay barely clips Yodsanklai. Push kick by Yodsanklai. Elbow from Yodsanklai in the clinch. 10-9 round for Lindsay.

Round 2 
Yodsanklai starts with a kick. Jab by Lindsay and body kick by Yodsanklai. Jab and cross by Lindsay. Solid straight from Yodsanklai. Yod getting aggressive now. Jab by Lindsay. Body kick by Yodsanklai. Knee tot he body by Yodsanklai. Right hand by Lindsay. Body kick by Yodsanklai. Small cut over the left eye of Yodsanklai. Yod taking control of the fight now. Knees tot he body from the clinch. Short elbow by Yodsanklai. Jab by Lindsay. Knees exchanged in teh clinch. Knee tot he body up the middle by Yodsanklai. 10-9 round for Yodsanklai.

Round 3
Jab by Lindsay to start round. Jab and elbow from Yodsanklai. Clinch and knees from Yod. Yodsanklai is winning the battle in the clinch with better positioning and attacks. Chike is cut on his left eye. Elbow by Yod. Yodsanklai taking over this fight. Chike is slowing down now. Elbow by Yod. Chike is no longer throwing his jab he seems flustered a bit. Lindsays eye looks bad now. This might be stopped after this round is over. Yodsanklai going to town with punches kicks and elbows. 10-9 Yodsanklai. 

Round 4
Kick by Yodsanklai. Right hand by Chike gets in and then two jabs. Body kick by Yodsanklai. Yod is dominating in the clinch. Jab by Chike. Body kick by LIndsay. Body shot from Yod. Head kick by LIndsay. In the clinch and Yod with some knees. Chike looks tired. Knee tot he body by Lindsay. Lindsay is a bloody mess. Yod pressing forward and landing punches. Big punches from Yod. Uppercut from Lindsay. Right hand and Lindsay is bleeding like crazy now. Chike is showing heart just by continuing to fight. 10-9 round Yodsanklai.

Round 5
Big body kick by Yod. Another one from Yod. Jab by Lindsay and then a right. Big right by Chike lands. Chike with some punches and then a solid right hand lands. Left hook from Chike. Body shot by Yod and right from Chike. Knee to the body by Yod. Chike fighting back with punches now. Leg kick by Chike. Knee to the body by Yod. Body kick by Yod and right hand by Chike. Fight over and 10-9 round for Yodsanklai and the fight should be going his way.

Result: Yodsanklai Fairtex def. Chike Lindsay via Unanimous Decision

Lion Fight 10 Fight Breakdown: Tiffany Van Soest vs. Lucy Payne

Lion Fight 10 ‘s stacked card featuring some of the best North American fighters in action is a little over two weeks away. The event will be headlined by Yodsanklai vs. Chike Lindsay for the Lion Fight world middleweight title. Leading up to the July 26th event we will be breaking down some of the match ups which we are sure will entertain fans.

The second of the match-ups we are going to break down is Tiffany Van Soest vs. Lucy Payne. Be sure to give your feedback on what you think about the fight.

Tiffany Van Soest (6-0-1) vs. Lucy Payne (20-5)
This fight is interesting because in addition to having two top female fighters competing against one another, there has been some trash talk amongst their camps so expect each of these fighters to be looking to prove a point. Van Soest is known for her explosiveness, while Payne is known for her tactical style.

Van Soest is lighting quick with her strikes and if you give her the opening she can make you pay dearly. Despite a few slow starts in her career she tends to get stronger as the fight goes on. Payne seems to fight a consistent pace through out and relies more on volume of strikes.

Van Soest will be the quicker of the two fighters and will likely have better movement through out the ring. Van Soest should use her foot work and speed to get the upper hand in exchanges, but should avoid clinching with Payne. In her fight against Alexis Rufus she seemed to have trouble against Rufus in the clinch until she landed the spectacular head kick that stunned Rufus before ending her night with punches. If they do end up in the clinch Van Soest should either try to dump Payne or try to land a significant strike as she breaks away. The longer she fights in the clinch the more the fight will begin to sway in Payne’s favor.

Payne has a solid jab but needs to make sure she doesn’t get lazy with it. Van Soest can explode on her opponents at any minute and make them pay. Payne is strong in the clinch and should try to close the distance and try to grind Van Soest in the clinch. Her reach should serve her well in trying to back Van Soest up against the ropes before initiating the clinch. Getting Van Soest against the ropes will be important because it minimizes the chances of her creating space and landing something significant. Payne can’t waste anytime trying to feel Van Soest out her best bet will be to immediately turn this into a clinch war and try to take the early rounds as well as try and tire Van Soest down so she can’t turn up the pace in the later rounds as she normally does.  

With that said neither of these women is scared to just let everything and anything fly in their fights, so don’t be surprised if these two ladies simply meet in the middle of the ring and put on one of the best fights in recent memory as they both push forward looking to claim the Lion Fight women’s featherweight world title.

Tiffany Van Soest talks upcoming fight with Lucy Payne at Lion Fight 10

The face of women's Muay Thai in North America, Tiffany Van Soest, will be back in action on July 26th at Lion Fight 10 in Las Vegas. Van Soest will be taking on Lucy Payne for the Lion Fight women’s world featherweight title. There has been some back and forth talk between both fighters’ camps, which has added to this already interesting fight.

Tiffany was kind enough to take some time out of her training to answer questions for Muay Thai Authority about the upcoming bout with Lucy.

MTA: You have a big fight coming up against Lucy Payne at Lion Fight 10. How has training been going?

Tiffany: It has been going very well so far! I have a great team around me and I feel like I will be the best I’ve ever been for this fight.

MTA: There was some back and forth talking between your camp and hers before this fight. What lead to that?

Tiffany: When it came to sign contracts at the end of last year before the Lion Fight in January, there were a few names that had been mentioned when scheduling my opponent. It just so happened that Alexis Rufus ended up as my opponent for that one. My coach decides who I fight and when. There's a list of potential opponents and I plan to fight everyone on it. I think Lucy's camp was just upset they didn't get the fight when they asked for it. Boo hoo. They have the fight now. Ask and you shall receive. I don't care how tall she is. The majority of my training partners are all taller than me. I'm almost always the shorter fighter in my fights. This is no different.

MTA: After your fight against Alexis Rufus you called Lucy out. Was that a direct response to them saying you were ducking her?

Tiffany: Absolutely. If I really was ducking the fight I sure as hell wouldn't have done that. Especially not live on national television for 40 million people to see.

MTA: What do you think about Lucy as a fighter, any strengths and weaknesses you see?

Tiffany: Lucy is good. There's no doubt about that. She keeps a good pace and wears her opponents down. Every one has weaknesses and I plan on exposing hers.

MTA: Have you been studying tape on Lucy's fights, and how big of a role does that play into your preparation?

Tiffany: I haven't watched too much tape on Lucy. I've seen all that I need to see. My coach does all the studying. My job is to learn the game plan so that I execute it to perfection.

MTA: You will be fighting in Vegas where the crowd always supports you. Does the crowd support have any type of affect come fight night, maybe giving you a little bit of an edge?

Tiffany: It's always nice to have the crowd's support but during the fight I typically don't really hear much other than my corner and the leather landing. Walking out to an electric environment on my way to the ring always pumps me up though!

MTA: You always seem to bring some new and dynamic move to each fight, typically something we have not seen from you before. What do you have in store for use this time or is it top secret?

Tiffany: It's no secret that I like to mix it up. But yeah, you'll all just have to watch and see!

MTA: Can we get a prediction for your fight with Lucy?

Tiffany: My hand raised and the belt around my waist.

MTA: You are the face of North American Womne's Muay Thai, but the fact is that you could probably be a huge star in MMA where there is more exposure. Are we going to see you start making a transition to MMA soon?

Tiffany: I'll let you know after this fight. As far as everything else is concerned right now, nothing exists beyond this bout July 26th.

MTA: Any words for your supporters?

Tiffany: First of off I'd like to say Thank You to Lion Fight Promotions for the opportunity to do what I what I love. Scott and Christine run a great promotion and to be able to fight for the first Women's title is an honor. THANK YOU!!!! From the bottom of my heart. Mom, Dad, Oma, my family, my friends. I love you! Kru Alex, my Black House Team Nogueira family, Black House L.A., Can't Stop Crazy, KSOS systems, FLO, Anderson Silva's Muay Thai College, Trebla Sports, my nutritionist Eric Triliegi, and of course the FANS! I couldn't do this to the best of my ability without any of you. The support means the world to me. I'd also like to dedicate this fight in memory of my teammate Jackie Price Dunn and to anyone who is fighting or has fought a battle with cancer.

Lucy Payne talks upcoming fight with Tiffany Van Soest at Lion Fight 10

21 year old Lucy Payne will be fighting in the biggest fight of her career when she takes on Tiffany Van Soest at Lion Fight 10 on July 26^th in Las Vegas. The fight will be broadcast live on AXS TV and the winner will walk away with the Lion Fight women’s world featherweight title. There has also been a little back and forth talking amongst both camps since January.

Lucy was kind enough to take time from her busy training to talk to Muay Thai Authority about the upcoming fight.

MTA: Lucy you have a big fight coming up against Tiffany Van Soest at Lion Fight 10. How has training been going?

Lucy: Really great, I work lots as a beautician so can’t get into the gym as often as I’d like to but I am very focused for this fight, training very hard and really looking forward to my American debut.

MTA: There was some back and forth talking between your camp and hers before this fight. What lead to that?

Lucy: Its such a shame but it looks like I’m heading for a career where lying and corruption are writhe much like Julie Kitchens. In my opinion, to be beaten in competition isn’t half as distressing as the politics that go on before and after a big fight like this. I have seen and have copies of the emails that lost me the opportunity in January because I was “too tall” and I know for a fact that Nathan sent the emails to tiffany and everyone else who verbally attacked him about it so its obvious that telling the truth isn’t a priority with their camp as it is still being denied fully.

MTA: After her fight against Alexis Rufus Tiffany called you out, what were your thoughts when she did that?

Lucy: I was very pleased and respected her highly for it. Call outs are healthy for the sport and helps negotiate the best fights. Nathan and Julie always talked of America and how great the people were and how accepted they was out there, so I have always wanted this fight.
Nathan rates Tiffany very highly as a strong, skillful fighter and I want to test myself against the best fighters in the world.

MTA: What do you think about Tiffany as a fighter, any strengths and weaknesses you see?

Lucy: To be honest, I don’t do any checks on my opponents; I don’t read their fan pages or Google them or anything like that. Nathan has a game plan and that’s what I’ll go with. I’m a very disciplined fighter, train very hard and I will concentrate on making weight and performing well. Tiffany is an obstacle in my career and I intend to hurdle her to achieve my goals. If I fall flat, then so be it but at least I now have the chance to prove myself.

MTA: You will be fighting in Vegas and the crowd will likely be on her side. Does the crowd support have any type of affect come fight night?

Lucy: Not really, I would like a few cheers of support but it’s not important. My main worry is that I get to fight under the same set of rules as my opponent unlike Julie v Miriam where only Julie was told she couldn’t elbow downward but Miriam clearly wasn’t. This kind of mistake is not at all fair and I just want to win, lose or draw without controversy as I’m sure Tiffany does.

MTA: For fight fans not familiar with you can you let them know a little about yourself and your fighting style, what can they expect?

Lucy: I only train Muay Thai and have done since 14 years old so my style is purist to the sport, I have fought K1 style, but only at a higher weight so I’m not sure what my true strengths are under those rules. The American fight fans can expect a very tough fight with 2 outstanding females at world level under full rules, there will be action and there will be blood spilled.

MTA: You train with Julie Kitchen, how is training with a legend like her?

Lucy: Julie is a fantastic person inside and outside the ring, very professional and a fantastic sparring partner for me alongside being a true friend. She has now separated from Nathan and lives /works in Holland but is still involved heavily in the sport through “Enfusion”.

It’s devastating for any of their close friends to have the knowledge that their split was due to pressure, lies and politics surrounding the sport but it has had no bearing on my training with either of them or Touchgloves gym in general. I can only clarify what anyone who is a realistic Muay Thai fan would say...Julie Kitchen is the true “Queen of Muay Thai”, some hated her for it and built their successes by manufacturing a win either by bending the rules or weigh ins to suit but the fact remains that no-one who beat her would rematch her and yet she offered rematches to everyone she beat. As a world level fighter, this says a lot to me and I am someone who is proud to follow in her footsteps.

MTA: Can we get a prediction for your fight with Tiffany?

Lucy: If it goes 5 rounds then I guess Tiffany will win because she is signed to the promotion etc, etc, but I will be intending on a stoppage win regardless. I will do my best, if that’s not enough then I will congratulate Tiffany fully and get back to training whatever weaknesses I expose to her. I am 21 years old so have a massive future in the sport regardless of what my fight record becomes. Some people in Britain are insecure enough to use my losses as a 16 year old against me to promote themselves but in a way I’m glad I’m not undefeated as I have learned so much from my losses and improve from them. Julie and Miriam are 36 years old and still the worlds best so I have a few years to develop yet.

MTA: Any words for your supporters?

Lucy: Thank you so much for your continued support and thanks to my sponsor “The Allotment”. I am very proud to be in Vegas fighting on such a prestigious show for their version of a world title and I will bring my a-game to give the fans my all in the ring.

Tiffany Van Soest to wear Pra Jiad at Lion Fight 10 to honor cancer victims

Tiffany Van Soest is the face of the female North American Muay Thai scene. Her athleticism and explosiveness make her one of the most entertaining fighters in the the sport today. Van Soest faces Lucy Payne for the Lion Fight women's world featherweight championship at Lion Fight 10 on July 26th and you might notice something different. She will be wearing two pink Pra Jiads. Van Soest normally does not wear the Pra Jiad, a traditional arm band in Muay Thai which is used to bring luck and give confidence. 

Van Soest will be wearing one Pra Jiad to honor people who have battled or are currently battling cancer, and another will be worn to honor her friend Jackie Dunn who was recently taken off life support. 

Van Soest will face one of her toughest opponents to date in the UK's Lucy Payne. There has been some back and forth trash talk amongst both camps adding to what is already set to be an exciting fight. 

Lion Fight 10 will air live on AXS TV.

Malaipet Sasiprapa vs. Hakeem Dawodu added to Lion Fight 10

Lion Fight 10 has already announced a stacked fight card for their July 26th event at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Malaipet Sasiprapa was announced to be on the fight card, but his opponent was unknown until now. Malaipet will take on rising prospect Hakeem Dawodu of Mike Miles Muay Thai in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 

Malaipet was last in action when he defeated Sean Kearney at Push Kick Promotions "World Stand Off", while Dawodu recently defeated Sheldon Gaines at Challenger 7 "Heavy Duty" in Canada. Malaipet will as usual have a pretty large edge in experience. This will be Dawodu's second pro bout, although he has had an extensive and successful resume as an amateur fighter.

Lion Fight 10 will once again air live on AXS TV.

Fight Card:

Yodsanklai Fairtex vs. Chike Lindsay

Kevin Ross vs. Matt Embree

Tiffany Van Soest vs. Lucy Payne

Joe Schilling vs. Charles Byrd

Malaipet Sasiprapa vs. Hakeem Dawodu

Ognjen Topic vs. Coke Chunhawat

Tiffany Van Soest vs. Lucy Payne set for Lion Fight women's world featherweight title at Lion Fight 10

Lion Fight has announced that the bout between Tiffany Van Soest and Lucy Payne will be for the first ever women's Lion Fight championship. Van Soest and Payne will fight for the Lion Fight women's world featherweight title. 

This bout has a bit of controversy surrounding it already, and adding title into the mix should just make it that much more interesting. Before Van Soest fought Alexis Rufus at Lion Fight 8 earlier this year, Payne's coach took to the Internet accusing Van Soest and her camp of ducking Payne and backing out of a fight with them to fight Rufus. Van Soest then called out Payne after her Lion Fight 8 victory over Rufus. Both of these women can fight and it should be a barn burner in the ring as they are both exciting fighters.

This will be the third title Lion Fight is putting up for grabs. The first was the Lion Fight world light heavyweight title, which Simon Marcus won at Lion Fight 8 with his victory over Artem Levin. The other Lion Fight title will be the the Lion Fight world middleweight championship, which will be up for grabs at Lion Fight 10 in the main event between Yodsanklai Fairtex and Chike Lindsay.

Yodsanklai Fairtex vs. Chike Lindsay official for Lion Fight 10 in July

Lion Fight has officially announced today that Yodsanklai Fairtex vs. Chike Lindsay will headline Lion Fight 10 and the Lion Fight middleweight world title will be up for grabs July 26th in Las Vegas, NV. Lion Fight 10 will once again take place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, and in addition to the main event bout between Yodsanklai and Lindsay, Kevin Ross vs. Matt Embree, and Tiffany Van Soest vs. Lucy Payne will also be on the card.

Other confirmed bouts for the event will include Joe Schilling vs. Charles Byrd, and Ognjen Topic vs. Coke Chunhawat. You can read the full press release from Lion Fight below.
 
*Chike Lindsay photo by Eric Langley
 

LION FIGHT ANNOUNCES CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE FIGHT
AS MAIN EVENT OF “LION FIGHT 10”
YODSANKLAI FAIRTEX vs. CHIKE LINDSAY

FOR THE LION FIGHT WORLD MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

LIVE AT THE JOINT IN THE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS

FRIDAY, JULY 26 - 10:00 P.M. ET ON AXS TV

Tickets on Sale Now through Ticketmaster.com

LAS VEGAS – For the second time this year, Lion Fight Promotions has added a new championship division with CEO Scott Kent’s announcement today that Yodsanklai Fairtex will battle Chike Lindsay at Lion Fight 10, and that this main event is now a title fight for the Lion Fight World Middleweight Championship. Taking place live from the Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, AXS TV will present “LION FIGHT 10” starting at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

“I set 2013 as the year for Muay Thai to thrive in America, and the time when Lion Fight would establish itself as the premier organization in the sport,” said Kent. “I think Lion Fight 10’s main event between Yodsanklai Fairtex and Chike Lindsay is not only thrilling for fight fans, it also legitimately establishes another undisputed Muay Thai champion for the Lion Fight organization. I’m excited as everyone else for this card and am looking at adding yet another championship fight. We are also signing more fighters to long-term contracts with Lion Fight and will be making those announcements soon."

Tickets for Lion Fight’s full rules Muay Thai event “LION FIGHT 10” are on sale now and available for purchase through the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino box office, at all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and online at Ticketmaster.com.

Yodsanklai Fairtex (183-71-4), a fighter with legendary status in the Muay Thai community, made his Lion Fight debut earlier this year at LION FIGHT 8. He fought France’s Gregory Choplin in the main event, winning in the third round by KO. On July 26, he will face Lindsay for the new Lion Fight championship middleweight title.

“When Scott Kent asked me to come back to Las Vegas and fight for the Lion Fight middleweight title, I didn’t hesitate to say yes,” said Fairtex. “I’m excited to fight Chike Lindsay, he’s a champion and I respect him as my opponent and for taking this fight. I hope America welcomes me back this summer, and that everyone watches my fight on July 26 - I can’t wait for Lion Fight 10 and to fight for the belt.”

Lindsay (21-4) started training Muay Thai in 2003 and less than five months later won his first United States Muay Thai Association (USMTA) amateur championship title, which would be the first many titles for the Atlanta-based fighter, including the International Sport Karate Association (ISKA) North American title and the World Kickboxing Association’s (WKA) North American welterweight and Eastern welterweight titles. In 2006, when Lindsay turned professional, he blazed through the ranks of the Muay Thai super welterweight division. In addition to defeating greats Mukai Moromo, Matee “Dragon Leg” Jedeepatik, and Malaipet, he also won the WBC International championship and the International Muay Thai Organization’s (IMTO) championship title in this division.

“I’m honored to headline Lion Fight 10 and to fight Yodsanklai Fairtex,” said Lindsay. “He’s a legend in Muay Thai and everyone knows he’s one of the greatest fighters in our sport, but on July 26th I’m going to be better and I can’t wait to prove it.”

In the LION FIGHT 10 much-anticipated co-main event, Kevin Ross returns to the ring looking for his third consecutive Lion Fight win after back-to-back victories over Bernie Mendieta at LION FIGHT 9 and Chris Kwiatkowski at LION FIGHT 8. Also under a long-term contract with Lion Fight, Ross is a two-time WBC Muay Thai Champion and will be facing Canadian Muay Thai prodigy Matt Embree.

The live card also features the return of 28-year old 6’2” Joe Schilling, the hugely popular fighter based in Southern California against Charles Byrd. Tiffany “Time Bomb” Van Soest, who remains undefeated (5-0) will take on Lucy Payne in a women’s bantamweight bout.

Adding to the fully stacked live card are bouts featuring Malaipet Sasiprapa and Ognjen Topic vs. Coke Chunhawat of Oakland, Calif.

LION FIGHT 10 takes place Friday, July 26 live from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and will air live on AXS TV starting at 10:00pm ET/7:00pm PT. AXS TV can be found on DirecTV channel 340 and Dish Network channel 362.

For additional information on Lion Fight Promotions, please visit LionFight.com and follow on Twitter @LionFight and at Facebook.com/LionFightMuayThai.

Yodsanklai vs. Chike Lindsay, Ognjen Topic vs. Coke Chunhawat, and more expected at Lion Fight 10

When Lion Fight 10 was announced a few weeks back all that was known about the main event was that Yodsanklai would be fighting; now it seems he has an opponent. Although Lion Fight has yet to make any announcement, sources close to the situation informed Muay Thai Authority that Chike Lindsay from Atlanta, GA will be fighting Yodsanklai. Also announced to fight on the card, but their opponents were initially unknown were Ognjen Topic and Joe Schilling. Topic is expected to fight Coke Chunhawat, and Schilling is expected to fight Charles Byrd. Jason Andrada and JP Cole are also expected to fight tat Lion Fight 10 which will take place July 26th at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV and will air live on AXS TV. These fight are expected to join the already announced bouts of Kevin Ross vs. Matt Embree, and Tiffany Van Soest vs. Lucy Payne.

Yodsanklai is in the midst of a career resurgence. He was posted five consecutive wins including victories over Kem Sitsongpeenong, Yohan Lidon, and Gregory Choplin and is currently in what many believe to be the best shape of his life. Lindsay is currently on a five fight win streak of his own including victories over Thai legend Somluck Kamsing, Christophe Pruvost, and Malaipet Sasiprapa. This fight will undoubtedly be the toughest test of Lindsay’s career, but if he can pull out the upset if would be a huge step forward for American Muay Thai.

Topic is coming off an amazing knockout over Paowarit Sasiprapa at Lion Fight 9. The young fighter from New Jersey has already made waves in his young pro career and will look to continue the trend against Chunhawat at Lion Fight 10. Chunhawat has long been considered one of the best active Thai fighters living in North America. His nice blend of technique and speed will undoubtedly present a stern test for Topic, and both have a lot to gain from a victory.

Schilling will look to get back on the winning track as he takes on Charles Byrd of Saekson’s Muay Thai in Texas. Byrd has been active in MMA most recently, while Schilling was last fought in October when he suffered a knockout loss to Eddie Walker at Lion Fight 7.

Jason Andrada will look to move to 3-0 when he takes on JP Cole. Andrada has been impressive in his two pro fights this far winning both by stoppage.

Lion Fight has yet to make an official announcement regarding the bouts, but one is expected within the next week.

Expected Fight Card:
Yodsanklai Fairtex vs. Chike Lindsay
Kevin Ross vs. Matt Embree
Tiffany Van Soest vs. Lucy Payne
Ognjen Topic vs. Coke Chunhawat
Joe Schilling vs. Charles Byrd
Jason Andrada vs. JP Cole
Malaipet Sasiprapa vs. TBA

Yodsanklai set to headline Lion Fight 10, co-main event to feature Matt Embree vs. Kevin Ross

Lion Fight Promotions has announced today that Yodsanklai Fairtex will headline their next event “Lion Fight 10” on July 26th in Las Vegas. The event will take place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and air live on AXS TV. Yodsanklai’s opponent is yet to be named, but he will be looking to continue his career resurgence. At Lion Fight 8 this past January, Yodsanklai scored a knockout victory over Gregory Choplin. Yodsanklai's current four fight win streak also includes (T)KO victories over Vladamir Moravcik, and Kem Sitsongpeenong as well as a decision victory over Yohan Lidon.

In the night’s co-main event fight fans will finally get to see the long awaited and highly anticipated match up between two of North America's top fighters, Matt Embree and Kevin Ross. Tiffany Van Soest will also return to action to take on the UK’s Lucy Payne.

The remained of the card will feature Joe Schilling, Malaipet Sasiprapa, and Ognjen Topic, although their opponents are yet to be named.

You can read the official press release from Lion Fight below.

LION FIGHT BRINGS BACK YODSANKLAI FAIRTEX
 AND KEVIN ROSS vs. MATT EMBREE FOR “LION FIGHT 10”
ALSO: JOE SCHILLING, MALAIPET SASIPRAPA, OGNJEN TOPIC, AND TIFFANY VAN SOEST
 

LAS VEGAS – Scott Kent, the owner of the largest Muay Thai promotion in North America, Lion Fight, today announced his star-studded card for the July 26th event “LION FIGHT 10,” which will take place from the Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and live on AXS TV.

Kent confirmed that Yodsanklai Fairtex has inked a contract to headline LION FIGHT 10, and stated that a long-awaited fight between Kevin Ross vs. Matt Embree will be the co-main event. He also revealed more of the talent-rich card stacked with the best Muay Thai fighters in world including Joe Schilling, Malaipet Sasiprapa, and Ognjen Topic and the rising star of women’s Muay Thai, Tiffany Van Soest, whom Kent signed to a long-term contract, will take on Lucy Payne at LION FIGHT 10.

“Lion Fight continues to prove itself as the premier brand in Muay Thai and the home of the most exciting live fights between the best of the best in our sport,” said Kent. “We were the first Muay Thai organization to bring Yodsanklai Fairtex to America, and the only promotion that could make Artem Levin vs. Simon Marcus happen for Muay Thai fans. With LION FIGHT 10, we are once again delivering a lineup of fights that reads like the who’s who of Muay Thai. Yodsankai Fairtex is back, along with Joe Schilling, Malaipet, Kevin Ross, Ognjen Topic and our female warrior Tiffany Van Soest. I look forward to July 26 and to presenting yet another Lion Fight Muay Thai event live on AXS TV for fight fans across America.”

Tickets for Lion Fight’s full rules Muay Thai event LION FIGHT 10 will go on sale Saturday, April 20 beginning at 12:00 p.m. PT. Tickets will be available for purchase through the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino box office, at all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and online at Ticketmaster.com.

Yodsanklai Fairtex, a fighter with worldwide popularity and legendary status in the Muay Thai community, made his Lion Fight debut earlier this year at LION FIGHT 8. He fought France’s Gregory Choplin in the main event, winning in the third round by KO. Fairtex was thrilled with his experience in America and fighting on live national TV via Lion Fight’s deal with AXS TV. He now returns to Las Vegas ready to take on whomever Lion Fight puts in front of him.

“Through my career, I have fought all over the world, but there is nothing like America and there is nothing else like the professionalism and courtesy I experienced with Scott Kent and Lion Fight Promotions,” said Fairtex. “I can’t wait to come back to Las Vegas and give my fans and all the people watching on AXS TV another knockout.”

In the Lion Fight 10 co-main event, Kevin Ross returns to the ring looking for his third consecutive Lion Fight win after back-to-back victories over Bernie Mendieta at LION FIGHT 9 and Chris Kwiatkowski at LION FIGHT 8. Also under a long-term contract with Lion Fight, Ross is a two-time WBC Muay Thai Champion and will be facing Canadian Muay Thai prodigy Matt Embree.

The live card also features the return of 28-year old 6’2” Joe Schilling, the hugely popular fighter based in Southern California against a yet to be named opponent. Tiffany “Time Bomb” Van Soest, who remains undefeated (5-0) will take on Lucy Payne in a women’s bantamweight bout.

Adding to the fully stacked live card are bouts featuring Malaipet Sasiprapa and Ognjen Topic. Opponents for each will be announced soon.

LION FIGHT 10 takes place July 26 live from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and will air live on AXS TV starting at 10:00pm ET/7:00pm PT. AXS TV can be found on DirecTV channel 340 and Dish Network channel 362.

For Additional information on Lion Fight Promotions, please visit lionfight.com and follow on Twitter @LionFight and Facebook at Facebook.com/LionFightMuayThai.

Matches to make after Lion Fight 9

Lion Fight continues to grow and is heading the North American Muay Thai movement. Billionaire business mogul Mark Cuban recently went on record in a USA Today interview.

"We have always been Muay Thai fans," Cuban said. "We just hadn't had the right partner. Lion Fights put together the best of the best, and we were excited to expose fans to a different side of MMA."

Things are looking good for Lion Fight and this pat Friday at Lion Fight 9 they delivered some great Muay Thai action at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

In the night's main event Canada’s Simon Marcus kept his undefeated record in tact while capturing the Lion Fight Light Heavyweight Title with his win over Artem Levin. Tiffany Van Soest also kept her undefeated record in tact with a win over Natalie Yip, and Kevin Ross won his second consecutive fight since returning from ACL surgery. Ognjen Topic put everyone on notice when he knocked out Thai champion Paowarit Sasiprapa in the third round and Jason Andrada is 2-0 as a pro now with both wins coming by stoppage.

Below are a few match-ups we think would make sense as the next possible fight for the winners at Lion Fight 9, whether it’s on Lion Fight or a different fight card.

Simon Marcus vs. Steve Wakeling

Coming into the bout with Levin, Marcus was considered the number two light heavyweight in the world with Levin being number one. Now that Marcus is the number one line heavyweight Wakeling and Levin are easily considered two and three. Levin and Wakeling fought to a draw last July. Marcus vs. Wakeling would make perfect sense and Wakeling is the next suitor in line. Not to mention that both are known for being assassins in the clinch, and it would be interesting to see who can out maneuver who.

Tiffany Van Soest vs. Lucy Payne

Before Van Soest’s bout at Lion Fight 9 against Alexis Rufus it was rumored that Lion Fight tried to put together the bout between Van Soest and Payne, but for some reason or another it did not happen. That did not sit well with Lucy Payne’s coach Nathan Kitchen and he hit the social media sites claiming Van Soest was ducking Payne. After Van Soest’s knockout of Alexis Rufus, she stated in her post fight interview that she would be more than willing to get in the ring with Payne. For whatever reason we got Van Soest vs. Yip, but there is no reason that Van Soest vs. Payne shouldn’t be next.

Kevin Ross vs. Matt Embree

With Ross now having collected two wins since returning from his ACL surgery, a fight with Embree makes sense. They are considered by many to bet the top two super lightweights in North America. This would definitely answer questions regarding as to who the number one is.

Ognjen Topic vs. Coke Chunhawat

If Topic and Coke could meet in the mid 130’s it would be a great fight. Both have technical styles and if Topic could beat Coke, it would be another great name for him to add to his resume. For Chunhawat it gives him a chance to slow down the Topic train and steal some of this thunder for himself.

Jason Andrada vs. Anthony Castrejon

The pair previously met as amateurs and the bout ended in less than a minute when Castrejon landed a perfectly timed head kick. Now that Andrada has gone pro and has two wins by (T)KO in as many tries it would be nice to see this re-match. Castrejon has put together a 3-1 record as a pro since the bout.