Lion Fight 16 Results and Recap

Lion Fight 16 took place last night from The Pearl at the Palms in Las Vegas, NV. The night's main event featured a clash between America's Kevin Ross and Australia's Michael "Tomahawk" Thompson for the Lion Fight Super Lightweight World Championship, and as expected the fighters two did not disappoint. 

As always Ross came out looking to meet in the middle and trade and Thompson was more than willing to do the same. Ross was clearly the bigger of the two fighters and for those that say size doesn't matter, it does. Ross was able to bully the gutsy Aussie with his size and constant pressure. Ross seemed to get stronger with each round and in the end it was too much for Thompson to over come and the judges awarded Ross a unanimous decision victory. It was a great performance for Ross who has now won three straight for the first time since 2010. With the win Ross is Lion Fight's inaugural super lightweight champion.

Tiffany Van Soest continued her road back to the title as she took on Sindy Huyer and it was business as usual for "Time Bomb". After a close first round where Van Soest and Huyer were feeling each other out things picked up in favor of Van Soest. In the second round Van Soest landed a beautiful spinning elbow that dropped Huyer. Despite being able to recover and beat the count the remainder of the fight was all Van Soest. In the final round a teep to the face from Van Soest also resulted in a wardrobe malfunction as Van Soest's foot pulled down the top of Huyer. As Huyer turned to pull up her top Van Soest connected with punch and the referee stepped in and stopped the bout. Van Soest was clearly on her way to a victory unless some miraculous comeback occurred, but the referee definitely made a bad call. Huyer fought hard enough that she deserved to continue to fight on. None the less Van Soest put on a great performance and after the victory called out Caley Reece in hopes of getting a chance to avenge her only career loss and winning back her Lion Fight belt.

Rungravee Sasiprapa made his Lion Fight debut against Adrian Morilla. Rungravee started the fight slow compared to how he normally fights, but by the end it was all Rungravee. Much credit has to be given to Morilla for hanging tough and trying to go toe to toe with a seasoned veteran like Rungravee, but in the end the Thai Terminator was just too much and the judges awarded Rungravee a unanimous decision win.

In the night's other two pro fights Gaston Bolanos improved to 2-0 with first round (T)KO over Tyler Toner. Josh Shepard tasted defeat for the first time in his pro career with a split decision loss to Casey Parlett, who was making his pro debut.

Results:

Kevin Ross def. Michael Thompson via Unanimous Decision

Tiffany Van Soest def. Sindy Huyer via (T)KO in Rd. 5

Rungravee Sasiprapa def. Adrian Morilla via Unanimous Decision

Gaston Bolanos def. Tyler Toner via (T)KO in Rd. 1

Casey Parlett def. Josh Shepard via Split Decision

Lion Fight 16 Predictions

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.

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

Michael "Tomahawk" Thompson talks upcoming fight with Kevin Ross

Michael "Tomahawk" Thompson will be fighting Kevin Ross on Friday at Lion Fight 16 for the Lion Fight Super Lightweight Title. Thompson is one of Australia's most gifted fighters and will be looking to make a statement in front of American fans on the 4th of July.
 

With patriotism running high because of Independence Day, Thompson will undoubtedly come into the ring with the American crowd against him. He can easily leave the ring with new fans if he performs how fans that are familiar with him know he can.
 

Thompson was kind enough to answer a few question about the upcoming fight with Ross. Make sure to check out Michael Thompson vs. Kevin Ross this Friday at Lion Fight 16 on AXS TV.

MTA: You have a Lion Fight title fight coming up on the 4th of July against Kevin Ross, how is training for the fight going?

Michael: The training for Kevin Ross is going really well, trying out different things with training for this fight. Lots of strength and agility work.

MTA: How familiar are you with Kevin as a fighter?
 

Michael: I've study a few of his fights as I do with every fighter I'm matched up with.

MTA: What strengths do you think Kevin brings to the fight?
 

Michael: Kevin is a well-rounded fighter to say the least and always walks forward with a lot of pressure.

MTA: What do you think your biggest strengths will be in the fight?
 

Michael: It's hard to say with this fight cause I have been working on different things, but my hands would have to be up there.

MTA: Is jet lag something you are worried about since there is a 17 hour difference from Australia to Las Vegas?
 

Michael: Not at all, I'm there 5 days before the fight and that will be plenty of time to adjust.
 
MTA: You are fighting Kevin on America's Independence Day, so patriotism will definitely be high on fight night. How does the crowd affect you in fights? Does it fuel you more knowing that almost everyone is rooting against when you are fighting in someone's backyard?
 

Michael: Yes I'm expecting to have minimal support from the crowd so that won't effect my confidence or anything. It'll drive me to fight harder to win the crowd over. So win/win.
 
MTA: You are one of Australia's top talents. If you could pick an Australian Muay Thai dream team to take on the world, what four fighters in addition to yourself would you have as part of it?
 

Michael: I would choose Nathan "Carnage" Corbett, Dane Daddykool, Toby Smith, Caley Reece.
 
MTA: Can we get a prediction for your fight with Kevin?
 

Michael: It's hard to say as anything can happen in a fight, but one thing is certain, It'll be an absolute war.
 
MTA: What fight would you consider the biggest in your career thus far?
 

Michael: I think it would have to be the CMT fight against Pornsaneh, but i think this next fight will be up there!
 
MTA: Any words for your supporters?

Michael: I'd like to thank my sponsors Punish fight gear and nutrition, Templars code, Eight ball media, and Eco electrics for their continuing support! Thanks to the awesome people from Ironfist Muay Thai for getting me prepared for this fight.

Lion Fight 16 start time set for 6PM PST

Lion Fight 16 will take place on July 4th from the Pearl at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Lion Fight typically starts at 7pm PST, however, in order to coincide with the fire works display for July 4th the event will being one hour earlier than normal. 

Lion Fight 16 is part of the UFC fight week festivities and will feature a main event between American Kevin Ross and Australian Michael "Tomahawk" Thompson. Fight fans might not need to rush out and try and catch the fire works display for 4th of July because the way Ross and Thompson fight their might be enough fire works in the ring. The winner of the bout will be crowned the Lion Fight super lightweight world champion.

Kevin Ross vs. Michael Thompson set to headline Lion Fight 16 during UFC's International Fight Week

Lion Fight has officially announced their plans for Lion Fight 16. The event will coincide with the UFC's International Fight Week taking place in Las Vegas from July 1 - 6. The official date and venue for Lion Fight 16 will be July 4th at The Pearl inside the Palms Casino Resort. The night's main event will feature a Kevin Ross vs. Michael "Tomahawk" Thompson. Also fighting on the card will be Rungravee Sasiprapa and Tiffany Van Soest, although their opponents have not been named. For fight fans in Las Vegas the event will be the perfect lead in before UFC 175.

Ross and Thompson will fight for the inaugural Lion Fight Super Lightweight Title at Lion Fight 16. Both fighters are known for their exciting styles and it should be an entertaining fight for fans. Before Ross fights Thompson he will be in action at Lion Fight 15 when he takes on Chris Mauceri.

Thompson is one of Australia's most talented rising stars. The biggest win of his career thus far came in 2013 when he defeated Pornsanae Sitmonchai in John Wayne Parr's Caged Muay Thai series.
Keep checking back here at Muay Thai Authority for more information regarding Lion Fight 16.

Fight Card:

Lion Fight Super Lightweight Title Fight
Kevin Ross vs. Michael "Tomahawk" Thompson

Tiffany Van Soest vs. TBA
Rungravee Sasiprapa vs. TBA

Rungravee Sasiprapa and Michael "Tomahawk" Thompson rumored for July 4th Lion Fight event

Lion Fight 16 is expected to take place July 4th in Las Vegas, NV. The promotion will return to Nevada after Lion Fight 15, which will take place May 23rd in Connecticut. Expected to be fighting at the event are Thai fan favorite Rungravee Sasiprapa and Australian Michael "Tomahawk" Thompson. Lion Fight has yet to make an official announcement on their July 4th event, but sources close to the situation informed Muay Thai Authority about Rungravee and Thompson fighting on the card. Opponents for either fighter are currently unknown.

Rungravee is known for his aggressiveness in the ring, and it has made him a fan favorite in America. His move forward style is perfect for what many fight fans want to see. Thompson is a 23 year old Australian who has made a name for himself with his grit and toughness in the ring. Not one to shy away from an opponent the young fighter has already been in the ring with Poland's Tomasz Makowski, Thailand's Pornsanae Sitmonchai, and more.

Keep checking back here as more information becomes available regarding Lion Fight 16.

John Wayne Parr vs. Bruce "Preacher" Macfie set for Sept. 11th at Evolution 21

Before John Wayne Parr meets Yodsanklai in October, he is first going to get back in the ring with Bruce "Preacher" Macfie. The two Australian legends will meet again, and there is going to be works.

The event will take place at The Sleeman Centre, QLD. It will also feature fighters such as Dane "Daddy Cool", Taylor Harvey, Filliponi, Georgie, and Michael "Tomahawk" Thompson.