A clash of the Titans
Fight fans are in for a treat with the third card in a week coming live from Jacksonville.
The main event sees two accomplished heavyweights go head-to-head as No.8-ranked Alistair Overeem takes on No.9-ranked Walt Harris. Both fighters approach the bout determined to cement their position in the division and seek a place in the elusive top 5. A highly anticipated matchup between two of the finest heavyweight knock out artists.
“THE BIG TICKET” is coming into the fight with two impressive victories versus Sergey Spivak and Aleksei Oleinik,
defeating both opponents in less than a minute. The 36-year old hasn’t fought since last July but boasts impressive performances in his last outings. He will be determined more than ever to make his return to the Octagon the greatest fight in his career to date, regardless of the outcome. Harris will not only be headlining the main event against Overeem, which he sought out for some time but will be fighting for his family, for his daughter Aniah. An emotional performance with great strength to be expected. A veteran of the sport with outstanding athleticism and striking power, there is no doubt he will bring his A game and much more.
Overeem will prove to be a tough opponent for Harris, the experienced dutchman has won eight of his last twelve bouts and will be looking to register an astonishing 46th career win in MMA. Known for his kickboxing style, “the demolition man” has something to prove and will be looking for an early birthday present with a win a day before turning 40. Overeem’s an entertainer inside the Octagon who thrives on putting on a show and it often works in his favour. Having faced the likes of Brock Lesnar, Chuck Liddell, Stipe Miocic, Francis Ngannou to name a few, Overeem has taken on the best and will be looking to use his experience mixed with his leg strength to his advantage.
A true match up of the titans.
Three Times a Charm
In the weekend’s co-main event, Angela Hill returns to the Octagon for the third time this year to take on Claudia Gadelha in the strawweight division. The American known as “Overkill” has a hat-trick of victories under her belt and will be full of confidence as she bids to make her incline in the division. Her versatility and ability to land significant strikes will be key to victory against an opponent who currently sits inside the top ten.
“Claudinha” has struggled for consistency of late, winning two of her last four bouts. The former title contender has an appetite for entertainment, however, winning three performance bonuses during her UFC career and will be looking to be similarly spectacular this weekend. Her Jiu-Jitsu skills have proved decisive in past bouts and may well be the differentiator between loss and victory this time around.
Representing Europe
Poland’s Krzysztof Jotko features on the main card this weekend as he faces America’s Eryk Anders. Jotko is on a two-fight win streak and will be eager to showcase his skills, known for unorthodox striking and dominating ground game. Anders poses a challenge with equally impressive strengths in submissions and knockout capabilities. An intriguing bout between these talented southpaw artists. Who will rise up and achieve victory will be revealed tomorrow night.
Also representing Europe is Italian flyweight Mara Romero Borella who competes against American Cortney Casey. “Maravilha” will be keen to use her grappling strength to her advantage, while “Cast Iron” will be determined there’s no taking her down. Expect a tough flyweight contest.
Main Card
Alistair “The Demolition Man” Overeem vs. Walt“The Big Ticket” Harris
Claudia “Claudinha” Gadelha vs. Angela “Overkill” Hill
Dan “50K” Ige vs. Edson “Junior” Barboza
“Ya Boi” Eryk Anders vs. Krzysztof Jotko
Song Yadong vs. Marlon “Chito” Vera
Prelims
Matt “The Immortal” Brown vs. Miguel “Caramel Thunder” Baeza
Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez vs. Kevin “Trailblazer” Holland
Mike “Beast Boy” Davis vs. Giga Chikadze
Cortney “Cast Iron” Casey vs. Mara “Maravilha” Romero Borella
Darren “The Damage” Elkins vs. Nate “The Train” Landwehr
Rodrigo “Zé Colméia” Nascimento Ferreira vs. Don’tale “Lord Kong” Mayes
