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.
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.
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