SFF 38 Preview

Welterweight title fight – Main event: Tony Grey (6-0, 2-0 SFF) vs. Kalle Kala (7-1, SFF debut)

The reigning champion Tony Grey’s career has been soaring ever since he put on a pair of gloves and stepped into a cage, the knockouts has come flying his way, and he has proven time and time that his brutish strength coupled with scientific technique makes him one of the top strikers in the world, none of his fights has gone into the second round, and none of his fights in the SFF lasted a minute, if you want to take on this guy your gameplan better not be going for a knockout, because chances are, he is way ahead of you. Luckily for Kalle Kala he is not primarily a striker, even though he can hold his own when striking, his strength is the ground game, his vicious ground and pound and gut wrenching submissions makes him a though man to face once he gets on top of you, Kala is also the most well rounded of the two, and if he is allowed to determine where the fight takes place he certainly has the advantage.

Predicted’s prediction: While Kala certainly has a chance, I think that every fight starts out standing, Grey’s epic knockout power will prove to be the most important key to victory tonight, the undefeated champion should be able to reign a bit longer.

Reynolds analysis: This will be Tony Grey's first official title defense and it won't be an easy one. The champ has finished all his fights in the first round with no fight lasting more than 4 minutes. The challenger will be looking to take the fight to the ground where he has a big advantage. Even though Kala is much more experienced and probably more well-rounded. My gut tells me Grey will retain his title although I see his streak of 1st round wins ending. Grey via TKO in the 3rd.

Featherweight – Co main event: Yuoki "Illuminati" Akamara (8-4, 6-4 SFF) vs. Uolevi Gepardi (9-5, 0-1 SFF)

These two fighters has many things in common, they are both BJJ brown belts , and both have recorded a majority of their wins coming via submission, six for Akamara and eight for Gepardi, but the most traumatic similarity is that they have both recently lost to the 145 champion, Tommy McCall, and both having lived through this experience they now look to rebuild their careers back towards a title hunt. It has been a while since Gepardi has fought any accomplished grapplers, as most of his opponents have been strikers, while Akamara has faced and beaten two decent submission fighters in recent SFF history, it is easy to wonder how the experience of fighting similar styles will give Akamara an advantage, nonetheless, neither fighter has ever been submitted, but while Gepardi has never been finished, as all his losses come via decision, Akamara has always gone out in style, and all four of his losses has been Kos or TKOs as a result of his complete disregard for striking.

Predicted’s prediction: Gepardi seems superior in all areas, and his experience from facing top competition sure doesn’t hurt, there is no way around him winning I’m afraid.

Reynolds analysis: SFF veteran Yuoki Akamara has always been a game competitor and is one of the most revered fighters in the SFF, not only by fans but also by management for his never back down approach. The fight will be a technical ground war between two brown belts. I see Gepardi's superior wrestling being the deciding factor in this fight. Gepardi via UD in a though fight.

Featherweight: Matt Kroeker (1-0, 1-0 SFF) vs. Joseph "Silva" Minota (5-2, 0-1 SFF)

One thing can easily be said about Joseph Minota, while he is an outstanding grappler, his nonexistent striking and horrible wrestling leaves gigantic holes in his skills that strikers can take advantage of, but once he gets the takedown he is relentless, and all his five victories has come through violent submissions. Matt Kroeker is a boxer who just recently turned to MMA, he seems to be in the same boat as Minota, in that his boxing skill is his, by far, best asset, and he can only pray that he is able to stuff Minota’s takedowns and get a KO victory. That being said, they are both learning and have the potential to move up the rankings fast once they get more quality training

.Predicted’s prediction: I see Minota taking this one with a first round submission.

Middleweight: Oswaldo "Sonny" Sanchez (5-1, 3-1 SFF) vs. Ian Axsome (3-2, 3-2 SFF)

Two very similar fighters, but where Sanchez uses accurate jabs and stinging hooks to grind out his opponents, Axsome comes swinging for the fences with complete disregard for his own, or his opponents’ safety, this has made him a popular fighter in the local pubs, but has had an impact on his record, he will be aiming to take Sanchez’ head off in this fight, but as they seem very evenly matched whoever can establish their dominance in the first round is my favorite to win the fight.

Predicted’s prediction: I think Sanchez will win with a TKO, but take nothing for granted.

Light heavyweight: Timzi "MC" Turpasauna (5-3, 0-1 SFF) vs. Pekka Paristo (2-1, 2-0 SFF)

Timzi Turpasauna is a very well rounded fighter, he can strike, do damage in the clinch and both his finishes has come by submission, his ability to take people out of their element due to his often superior wrestling pedigree makes him a very dangerous opponent. And it is the wrestling he has to sue when he faces the incredibly talented boxer Pekka Paristo who has finished both his opponents in his two SFF bouts in under a minute, the gameplan has to be taking the fight down because there is no way he can stand and trade with a boxer of Paristo’s caliber.

Predicted’s prediction: Turpasauna’s wrestling should be able to hold Paristo off, at least for a while, but I don’t see him getting a finish and eventually Paristo will connect with his massive fists and scores a KO.

SFF 37 preview

Featherweight title fight – Main event: Tommy "Boom" McCall (6-0, 3-0 SFF) vs. "Berserk" Hajime Bucket (5-0, 1-0 SFF)

Looks can be deceiving, and these two warriors embodies this principle, the two are at a world class level in their respective martial arts and share nine knockouts or TKOs between them. The reigning champion McCall is a devastating boxer who has built up a vast arsenal of weapons to chose from, and although you never see him on the ground, he is an experienced grappler who can master all areas of MMA, but what McCall really enjoys is to stand and trade, all of his wins has come from his technical boxing, and while he doesn’t have the one shot knockout power when facing decent strikers, he is still better on the feet than anyone in the 145 division. Hajime Bucket however has shown a different approach to MMA, his destructive ground and pound is already becoming a trademark for him, and he will surely look to put it to use against McCall’s face when they square off.

Predicted’s prediction: Both fighters are excellent in their own area, but are able to hold their own where their opponents, this will lead to an exciting and unpredictable fight, but because of McCall’s excellent grappling I think he might pick the longest straw in this one.

Heavyweight – Co main event: Ilkka Kanerva (3-0, 3-0 SFF) vs. Ivan "Drago" Dragunov (9-4, 1-1 SFF)

When you speak of freaks of nature, Ilkka Kanerva is an excellent example of such, his three professional fights has lasted an average of about thirty-five seconds into the first round, due to his god given knockout power and his background from boxing. Kanerva has trained hard to become well rounded and can now claim a decent wrestling and BJJ pedigree on top of his sledgehammer fists. Ivan Dragunov has been around the MMA game for a while, and is by far the most experienced fighter of the two, he will be putting Kanerva’s knockout power to a test, in his four losses he has never been knocked out, and has received punishment that would suggest that his childhood hobby was running head first into brick walls all day. Dragunov is decent at everything, but not really good at anything, he will look to use this advantage to steer away from Kanerva’s striking and get the fight down to the mat, where he has four submission victories to his credit.

Predicted’s prediction: This looks like it could become Kanerva’s longest fight to date, he should be up for the challenge, even on the ground, and seeing as Dragunov has had problems with sprawl and brawlers in the past, I think Kanerva will get his first decision in this one.

Middleweight: Hostrel Von Straztle(8-3, 7-3 SFF) vs. "The Spineless" Jack Ass (6-1, SFF debut)

After losing his middleweight title Straztle’s career prospects looked grimmer and grimmer, as he went on to back to back losses as his stock took a dive, but the SFF submission king turned his career around in his last fight, when he finally get a W against Ian Axsome with an armbar fifty seconds in the first round. The popular BJJ brown belt is looking to add another win to his record now and he will be looking for his weapon of choice, the armbar. It remains to be seen if Ass wants to get to the ground, he is the superior wrestler and should be able to decide where the fight takes place, but what he does best is get the takedown and lay on top of his opponents and then he grinds out a decision, as evident by his record, all of his seven fights has ended by decision, so the contrast of style between these two ground fighters couldn’t be more obvious.

Predicted’s prediction: I think Jack Ass will win this one by decision, but you never know, if Straztle can get something going from his back he is more than able to pull off the upset.

Super heavyweight: Jupit Er (3-0, 2-0 SFF) vs. Wrath Ofthegods (2-1, 1-1 SFF)

Getting hit by Jupit Er in the face is like headbutting a planet, in two of his three fights he scored one shot knockouts in the first round, so if you plan on fighting him, you better be able to take a punch, and it remains to be seen of Ofthegods is able to do just that. There are no reports from his camp about his striking being anything, but OK at most, and if he is to take on Er standing, then he better have a good gameplan.

Predicted’s prediction: Jupit Er by mutilation.

Featherweight: Paul "The Apex" Martin (1-1, SFF debut) vs. Jordan "Lightning" Jones (9-5-1, 2-2 SFF)

Having been a competitor in blitzkrieg’s ultimate manager tournament, you know that Paul Martin is more than just talk, and even though he only has two fights under his belt, he is still an intimidating figure for anyone to face. He is a high level wrestler who uses his pedigree to either keep the fight standing, or unleash some wild ground and pound at his opponent, who is usually underneath him whenever he so wishes. But against Jordan Jones going to the ground is not advisable, the BJJ brown belt has eight submissions in nine victories, and is not to be messed with on the ground. On his feet however he is less technical than a falling lodge, and should not pose a threat to Martin as long as he is able to stay on his feet.

Predicted’s prediction: Martin should get the knockout in this one, I feel it.

Light heavyweight: Geoffrey De St Aldemar (2-0, 2-0 SFF) vs. "Brewzer" Finnegan O McMacElveney (6-3-1, 0-1-0 SFF)

Any the longest name of the event award goes to: "Brewzer" Finnegan O McMacElveney with St Aldemar coming in a close second, what a shocker. Even though there is more to McMacElveney than his extraordinary long name, it is the feature that first stands out to you when you look at his resume, but he is a well rounded competitor who favors the ground game, the Irish submission wrestler has four submission wins and if able to control this fight, he should be able to grind out another win. But St Aldemar is of a different opinion, the excellent striker has shown his well rounded in his short career, and even though he is a great boxer, he finished his debut fight with a kimura, proving he is no joke neither standing not on the ground, Aldemar is definitely a prospect to be watched as he climbs the SFF ladder, but can he overcome his biggest test yet?

Predicted’s prediction: Aldemar should be able to haul this in via TKO, as O McMacElveney’s chin has been proven weak in the past.

Light heavyweight: John "The Beast" Bachelor (2-1, 2-1 SFF) vs. Augusto "Cobra" Vera (3-3, 2-3 SFF)

Bachelor is a true sprawl and brawler, he has a decent wrestling pedigree and uses it to enable himself to throw bombs and look for an early finish, while he has had mixed results in his relatively short MMA career, he should be confident as he takes on the jack of all trades, master of none, Augusto Vera. Vera is a BJJ purple belt, and he uses his experience from this martial art to try and grind out a win. But I don’t think he has the takedowns to get the fight to the ground, and with that out of the window he really has very few options other than taking punishment.

Predicted’s prediction: Bachelor via KO.

Light heavyweight: "Aargh" Osmo Soininvaara (3-1, 2-1 SFF) vs. "The Hellraiser" Braydon Key (2-2, 2-2 SFF)

In this bout, two predictable sprawl and brawlers face off, and I can personally promise you fireworks, both fighters are notorious for their fast finishes and I do not expect this fight to leave the first round. Key has a KO loss on his record, and with Soininvaara’s granite chin most pundits are picking Soininvaara to win, but Key has a nasty right hand and is always game and can knock anyone out if given the chance.

Predicted’s prediction: Soininvaara should win, but you never know.

Lightweight: "Stoolnacke" Per Fekt (5-4, 1-2 SFF) vs. James Hall (1-0, 1-0 SFF)

Both these fighters are submission specialists, while Hall only has one fight on his record, which he ended with an armbar, Fekt has five wins and of those, three has been ended with submissions, this fight is most likely to be happening on the ground, and it is though to call who has the advantage, on paper Hall seems to have the most well rounded skills, while Fekt has the experience advantage, but once on the ground, anything can happen.

Welterweight: "SawZall" Tim Chesser (2-2, 2-1 SFF) vs. Larry "Diesel" Grant (2-2, 1-2 SFF)

Larry Grant is your typical sprawl and brawler, a meathead who can do very little besides throwing his gigantic fists at you and hope something sticks, Chesser on the other hand is a decent striker, but prefers the ground game, and if he is able to get past Grant’s sprawl he should be able to get a submission fairly easily, seeing as Grant has the equivalent experience on the ground as that of statue in a dancing contest.

SFF 35: All on the Line

Light heavyweight title fight – Main Event: Randy Tyler (9-3, 1-0 SFF) vs. Pekka "Teufel" Perkele (11-6, 1-0 SFF)

Randy Tyler is responsible for one of the biggest upset victories to date in the SFF, beating down then undefeated champion Ash Berry and earning a crushing five round decision, in the fight his striking looked sharp against a fighter of Berry’s qualities and yanked Tyler up to be the big dog of the SFF 205 division. But the one now looking to take this away from him is no joke, NFC veteran and title challenger Pekka Perkele is one of the most well rounded fighters in the SFF, and he brings in a ton of experience from the NFC making him a dangerous opponent. Both fighters has six knockouts or TKO’s one their resume, and we are most likely to see an all out war between the two where Tyler will try to use his superior boxing and really test Perkele’s chin, while Perkele who is known for throwing deadly Muay Thai head kicks over and over looking for the knockout.

Predicted’s prediction: While Tyler has the superior striking, Perkele’s kicks will be hard to deal with, and if he mixes things up and goes for the body and legs of Tyler as well as his head then I can see him winning by TKO.

Heavyweight – Co Main Event: Jumi Karka (6-3, 3-1 SFF) vs. John "Big Guns" Corpus (3-0, 3-0 SFF)

John Corpus is one of the best up and coming fighters in the heavyweight division, a big strong wrestler who has the hands to knock down a brick wall, he uses his wrestling background to force his opponents into the clinch or to keep the fight standing where he can throw his wild knockout bombs. Jumi Karka on the other hand is a jack of all trades striker who has ended all six of his victims in the first round with his sledgehammer fists and snapping kicks, and against a boxer/wrestler of Corpus’ caliber Karka’s keys to victory is his steel reinforce chin and knockout power.

Predicted’s prediction: It looks like Corpus will be looking to wear Karka down in the clinch, while Karka will be head hunting for the big knockout, on paper Corpus looks to be the strongest, but when the cage door closes anything can happen, but I will predict Corpus by first or second round TKO.

Heavyweight: Ron "Meatball" Jeremy (7-3, 1-1 SFF) vs. Mike The Judge (12-6, 0-1 SFF)

Both Jeremy and The Judge has a devastating finishing ratio and between them they have 17 Kos or TKOs between them, Jeremy has slicing elbows in the clinch which he can stop most men with, if he can’t cut you with one of his elbows, well then you’re a cyborg. The Judge on the other hand looks to connect with his bomb like fists to get the one shot knockout and when he touches your chin, it usually explodes. Both have impressive resumes from some of the toughest organizations in the world, but as they are both coming off losses, and the judge off a string of losses, they both really need a win in this one.

Predicted’s prediction: I think Jeremy will hand The Judge his fourth loss in a row due to TKO (Cut) in the second round.

Light heavyweight: Andreas "Der Schmied" Meyer (4-0, 1-0 SFF) vs. Emilio Bustamante (8-1, 3-1 SFF)

Andreas Meyer is an interesting Light Heavyweight prospect from Germany, he is a submission wrestler who has finished all, but one of his fights with his trademark kimura, he is now given the biggest test of his life as he steps up to the former title contender Emilio Bustamante, who has gotten the knockout in six of his eight wins. Evidently these two are both finishers. Bustamante enjoys knockout wins, while Meyer likes to put his opponents’ joints into hyperextension, both fighters will try to avoid the other’s domain and since they are both decent wrestlers it is hard to see who can keep it in their world, but whoever can will win decisively.

Lightweight: "Brutal" Romeo Glock (5-1, 1-0 SFF) vs. Jean Sibelius (5-0, 2-0 SFF)

Brutal is a good way to describe Romeo Glock, he is an excellent German kick boxer who packs a punch that can move mountains, but against Sibelius it is unknown if he is able to keep the fight standing where he has the clear advantage, Sibelius has great wrestling credentials and a BJJ brown belt, Glock’s only loss came via submission and he hasn’t fought many submission fighters after that fight. So in a way this is Glock’s test to see if he belongs among the top Lightweights in the world, if he can beat such an excellent submission wrestler, then he has proven himself in the eyes of many. While Glock is an exciting kick boxing knockout machine, Sibelius plans to lay on top of his opponents and throw some ground and pound while waiting for the fight to end, two contrasting styles, but the thing about Sibelius is that he is such a good grappler that he has so far been proven almost impossible to counter.

Predicted’s prediction: While Glock has a bright future, his wrestling and BJJ is not on par to beat Sibelius in this match who I think takes it by decision.

Super heavyweight: Jon "Thunder" Hansen (4-2, 2-1 SFF) vs. josh "The Bang" kong (1-1, 0-1SFF)

Jon Hansen is a small man to be fighting at super heavyweight, this has been a conscious choice for the light heavyweight, as he wants to exploit the bigger guys’ main problem, cardio, he uses his wrestling to take people down and pound on them throughout the fight, and with a wrestling pedigree such as Hansen’s you know he is a hard fighter to deal with if you’re not trained in BJJ. Hansen is also the leading sparring partner in the SFF gym. Josh Kong is an odd fighter, he is a good boxer with a BJJ purple belt, but with no wrestling experience he usually just stands and trades with his opponents looking for the knockout, so far in his career he has gone to decisions twice, lost one and won one and will now be looking to earn his first SFF victory.

Predicted’s prediction: Rumors has it Kong is in terrible shape after a way too though training camp which will make him an easy victim for Jon Hansen, Hansen by TKO.

Light heavyweight: Jake "The Snake" Valhala (3-1, 3-1 SFF) vs. Pancho "DropDead" Villa (2-3, SFF debut)

Jake Valhala is a one dimensional wrestler who can unload a vicious beating on whoever is stuck underneath him, he is not a good striker, or even a decent one and prefers to take the fight down to the ground where he has been able to find some success in his prior fights. Villa will try to sprawl and brawl, but quite frankly, that is hopeless against a wrestler at Valhala’s level, and all Villa can really hope for is that one of his early shots will get him the knockout.

Predicted’s prediction: Valahala by TKO.

Light heavyweight: John Blachovich (5-1, 5-1 SFF) vs. "Hoda" Rohaldo Roguera (4-4, 0-1 SFF)

In this match the BJJ fans are getting a treat as two decent grapplers collide in a fight for survival at the SFF, both fighters lost their last fight and are desperate to get back to their winning ways. Blackovich showed in his fight against Sheldon Cooper that he can grapple, but in his last fight he got submitted by fellow BJJ purple belt Lentti Pindegren.

Predicted’s prediction: I think that the superior striking and close to equal grappling will earn Blachovich another decision victory to his resume.

Middleweight: Roman "Caesar" Empire (9-7, 1-1 SFF) vs. Lauri Lukko (0-1, 0-1 SFF)

Having a BJJ black belt and being able to submit your opponent once the fight hits the ground is all good, but when you have no wrestling to force the fight to the mat you are in trouble, and that was shown in Lukko’s last fight and professional debut where he got crushed by the ground and pound from world class wrestler Jere Ruutikainen. This plays right into Empire’s hands, he is an accomplished boxer and has a good wrestling pedigree to go with it and should have no problem walking through the inexperienced Lukko.

Predicted’s prediction: Roman Empire via knockout.

Welterweight: Brad Bombada (4-1, 1-1 SFF) vs. Timo "Die Kugel" Soini (6-0, 2-0 SFF)

Brad Bombada is the traditional sprawl and brawler with massive knockout power in his hands, although he was given the first loss of his career he has been on a devastating run up until that point, now he looks to redeem himself against undefeated Muay Thai fighter Timo Soini, who has been showing a wide variety of Muay Thai skills that he has at his disposal, and anyone who enters the cage with him has to go to deal with. The difference between the two of them is the finishing ratio, Bombada is never in a boring fight, and when he fights the fans can expect an exciting fight. Soini is always able to grind out a fight, both with his kicks and in the clinch, a dangerous competitor, but yet he has little KO power.

Predicted’s prediction: Soini’s ability to wear down Bombada’s legs and body with kicks and knees outside and inside the clinch earning him the unanimous decision.