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 If the first instalment of Underworld is anything to go by, this Saturday May 30 will be a sure fire hit! The Underground hosts the event once more and with this kind of card on offer, any die hard GAMMA or GAMMA Kids fan who misses out on seeing these rookies in action will severely regret it.
The super-heavyweight and light-heavyweight titles will find champions all before the main event which has two of the best 265+ lbs fighters GKNY has to offer close out the night. All main card fighters are ranked in the top 10 in their respected divisions, and any fight could be a main event poster header on any other card.
Underworld events are a monthly GKNY super-card event sponsored by none other than Underworld Clothing, the only place for all your Underworld Clothing needs. The Underworld events allow fighters to win added prizes for their respective managers, by simply wearing, and/or thanking and being sponsored by the top 5 ranked clothing company post fight.
The exact details are:
Winning fighter wearing Underworld clothing - $500 (Per Piece)
Winning fighter wearing GKNY branded Underworld clothing - $1000 (Per Piece)
Winning fighter sponsored by Underworld and thanks them post fight - $2500
All money earned will go directly to the managers of the fighters.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the fights heading into Underworld 2.
[Main Event] (265+ lbs) #8 Ziadouh v #2 Tyson
Ivan Ziadouh is entering into his second fight with GKNY and will be looking to notch up his first win and his fourth overall finish (2 TKO’s, 1 sub). The Russian’s first fight was a third round KO loss to current #3 ranked super-heavyweight Castor Rollins, his first overall, after an efficient run of 3 straight wins with Epicity Productions in Vegas.
“The Bulldog” has already shown himself to be a world class boxer, his last two wins coming by way of referee stoppage due to his accurate striking. The Legion of Doom affiliated fighter also has some grappling skill to add, but his opponent has shown he’s no slouch either with his stand-up and may just have the edge when it comes to wrestling.
Mike Tyson is eyeing back to back wins since his move to GKNY last month, his first fight a KO victory over Dave Gilly at the first Underworld event. It was a solid brawl that ended just after a minute into the first round with an uppercut from hell, and had Gilly out before he hit the canvas.
The Jersey born fighter training with World Combat Sports Academy in New York, will look to add another KO victory to his already stacked record of 8 TKO (3 KO’s) finishes from 8 wins. “Iron” already has 2 KO of the night awards to his name, and another one here could solidify the #2 ranked super-heavyweight as the undisputed #1 contender at 265+ lbs.
Both fighters are primarily stand-up guys so we can probably expect this one to play out on their feet, and both have legitimate knock out power. Overall, Ziadouh is a little more rounded with his skillset and could add some Muay Thai striking and possibly even take the fight to the ground, having a submission victory by armbar to his name in his very first fight.
Tyson is a strong grappler though and his 8 KO victories should be a real concern for Ziadouh. If Tyson wins he sets up a future fight with either Putin or Rollins for the title, and if Ziadouh wins he pounces from #8 up the ladder and makes a strong push toward the gold. A must see headliner between GKNY’s super-heavyweights!
[Co-Main Event] (205 lbs) #6 Hardy v #2 BatzCastelmore – Light-Heavyweight Title Fight
Marcus Hardy is on a 3 fight win streak, impressively finishing all of those fights in the first round, and will be seeking his third straight win since adding his name to the GKNY light-heavyweight division. Both fights ended with Hardy on top laying down some strong ground and pound. “Adonis” has spent a majority of his professional MMA career so far on top in the mount, with his opponent eating punches in bunches.
The Irishman, training with The Factory in New York, has respectable boxing to add to his grappling game, and a submission win in his very first fight. This will be his toughest fight to date though, as he’s going up against another promising undefeated fighter for the title.
Charles BatzCastelmore is also looking for his third straight win inside the GKNY cage, his third overall, both coming by way of TKO strikes. The Frenchman’s last victory came against Mick Dundee at Underworld 1 that had the Aussie tapping out after copping a barrage of BatzCastelmore’s heavy handed punches.
“D’Artagnan” trains with Montreal Elite Gym, his powerful striking and lethal head kicks a real danger to anyone that steps into the cage against him, and adds a grappling game to the mix that’s on par with his opponent in his upcoming title fight.
The Irishman was cut in both his fights with GAMMA Kids, and the Frenchman was also cut once which could play a factor if the fight does actually go a few rounds. Between them though, all 5 of their fights have been finished and I expect this to be no different.
What Hardy lacks in Muay Thai, BatzCastelmore makes up for with deadly kicks, otherwise both opponents match up evenly. This title fight will propel one fighter to the top of the light-heavyweight food chain, and whomever walks away with the 205 lbs belt should do so in spectacular fashion.
(265+ lbs) #1 Putin v #3 Rollins – Super-Heavyweight Title Fight
Beast Putin is aiming for his second straight victory as a GKNY 265+ lbs fighter, and his fifth in a row. His past 4 fights have interestingly been with 3 different organizations, the last two being TKO strike stoppage wins, both under a minute into round 1, one a mere 16 seconds in. He boasts 3 first round finishes to his name out of his 5 wins, and all 5 wins haven’t needed the judges input (4 TKO’s, 1 Sub).
“Fatherland” is one of the quickest super-heavyweights in the promotion, tie that in with his world class boxing and you have a tough day at the office for anyone who steps into the cage against him. The Legion of Doom allied Russian also has solid wrestling to his name and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Although he currently sits in the #1 spot, his opponent has every reason to fancy his chances.
Castor Rollins may have less fights, and less wins under his name than Putin, but the #3 ranked super-heavyweight is in top form and will look to add another award after coming off a KO of the night victory over event headliner Ivan Ziadouh at GKNY 5 last month. Rollins was knocked down twice and cut open before he let loose a right hook that sent Ziadouh down and out.
“Fearless” has shown he has massive heart on top of his rounded MMA arsenal, which includes exceptional boxing and a good grasp of all other fighting aspects. The Bomb Squad allied, Planet Granite fighter is #3 in his division and #8 on GKNY’s P4P rankings with only 3 fights under his belt.
It’s going to be a tough fight for both the #1 and #3 GKNY super-heavyweights; #4 and #8 GKNY P4P fighters. Both have what it takes to be the first GAMMA Kids NY 265+ lbs champion. The Swede has an edge with his Muay Thai striking, other than that it’s a pick ‘em.
It may just come down to who has more heart, which Rollins has shown plenty of, yet Putin is on a streak of dominance and has good momentum. Make your choice, place a bet and don’t be surprised if the other one takes the win!
Another must see big man fight, on any other card a main event shoe-in, and potential award winner.
(145 lbs) #7 Catalan v #9 Pro
Mark Catalan could have back-to-back wins, and currently stands undefeated within the GKNY cage. The Pilipino born fighter’s first appearance was a Fight of the night unanimous decision win against Matt Pacquiao at Underworld 1.
"Pinoy Raging Bull" has had 6 fights since turning pro and his last 5 ended by judge’s decision, the only one not going the distance was his first since putting on the MMA gloves, a TKO finish whilst working the independent scene. The Factory trained, Las Vegas based fighter comes to the cage with a powerful base, strong boxing and some skill with grappling.
Kyle Pro is a 3 time Fight of the night award recipient, coming off of back-to-back award fights, both going the distance, 1 a win which was also against Matt Pacquiao. The Vanuatu fighter’s last appearance was an award loss to KT fated Clark Still.
“KO” will be looking for his 9th win and his 8th KO when he faces off against Catalan, carries an 8-3 record overall and spent some time in Finland with SPI: Helsinki before making his way to New York and GAMMA Kids. A strong dose of boxing and wrestling is what Pro brings to the cage.
This fight seems destined to go the full distance. All of Catalan’s last 5 fights have gone that way, and 3 out of 5 for Pro. Even though “KO” had a string of early TKO victories to his name, he needs to once again hit that form and show the GAMMA affiliated organization he has the goods his nickname offers.
Catalan has a wider range of strikes to use, whereas Pro is more knowledgeable with his wrestling and likes to use his hands over kicks to get the job done. Both featherweights could do with a strong victory here to really inject themselves into the top of the division.
(170 lbs) #9 Lomholt v #8 Skywalker
Brian Lomholt steps into the GKNY cage for the first time and is aiming to get consecutive wins, his only fight so far a submission finish via RNC on the independent circuit. The Dane has found his training grounds with School of Hard Knocks in New York, and is known mostly for his striking.
“Scarface” will have his work cut out for him if it gets to the ground, even though his only fight so far was a submission victory. His opponent does lack the striking skills as Lomholt, but has a definite advantage with his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Anakin Skywalker has a little more experience in battle, holding a 3-1 record overall, 2 of his last 4 fights with GKNY. All 3 of his wins have ended prematurely and by way of submission, 2 within the first minute of the referee’s go ahead. The very last victim was Nathan Crowley who had to tap from a kneebar just 34 seconds into their bout at Underworld 1, which earned Skywalker the Sub of the night award.
“Vader” trains at the same gym as Lomholt, yet the two obviously focus on different disciplines as Skywalker has a decent understanding of grappling and makes his money with the brown belt he has in BJJ.
If this fight goes to the canvas Skywalker should tap out his 4th victim, and Lomholt has every chance to put his striking on display and finish his gym associate before it goes that far. Either way it does go, one will walk out a victor and I doubt the judges will be needed. I smell a Sub of the night award if Vader gets his hand raised.
Undercard Fights:
(145 lbs) Snuka v Souza
(185 lbs) Romanov v Nero
(170 lbs) Garcia v Parker
(155 lbs) Melet v Strzelba
(265+ lbs) Ramon v Rodriguez
Notable undercard mentions:
#4 Jimmy Snuka takes on debutant Andre Souza.
Miguel Garcia makes his first appearance as a professional MMA fighter.
Damien Parker makes his first appearance as a professional MMA fighter.
Ohm Melet to debut with GKNY. Current fight record is 6-10.
Underworld 2: Ziadouh Vs Tyson brought to you by:
Underworld Clothing. Your only source for all underworld clothing needs.
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