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.jpg) The moment we have all been waiting for will be upon us in just mere weeks as Caged Warriors MMA opens with its first action-packed event, A New Dawn. The event will be held at the Helsinki Micro Arena. With Helsinki Xtreme Fightwear on as Merchandise Partner. Because entering the cage naked is not only frowned upon, it’s also against the rules. Matchmaker John Wayne has ensured we have a spectacular night of fights in store. Let’s take a look.
Al Barru v Sam Salter
This has the potential to be an epic battle! Both Sam Salter and Al Barru have proven themselves ready for a step up in competition, with only two losses in a combined 12 QFC fights. To the naked eye, Barru has the definite advantage if the fight remains vertical. However, out of 12 combined pro wins, a big fat zero have come by way of KO or TKO. Neither has shown the acumen or desire to stand and bang. At the end of the day, this comes down to the age-old question of BJJ vs. wrestling. Salter, a BJJ brown belt, has all 8 of his wins by submission. While Barru, a standout wrestler (and BJJ blue belt) splits his 4 wins, with 2 by submission and 2 by decision. If his two decision wins are an indication, Barru will try to grind this out, but don’t be surprised if he opts to keeps this one standing. Salter will likely employ the strategy that has worked splendidly for him so far, sub attempts from the moment the bell rings. He is going to need to be at the very top of his game as he is giving up 15 cm (5.9 inches) in height and walks around UNDER the 135-pound limit. Barru, the bigger man, will barely be making 135. This one is very exciting and really could go either way.
Prediction: It’s impossible to ignore Sam Salter’s 8 submission wins. We’re going with Salty’s BJJ action by the first-round submission.
Riku Nobunaga v Crazy Legs
True fight fans will really be looking forward to this one as it will be true test of tactical wits. Both Nobunaga and Legs are BJJ Brown Belts. Except this one to go to the ground. What happens at that point is anyone’s guess as the skills these two warriors possess are nearly identical. Nobunaga hold a slight edge in wrestling and Legs stands 16 cm taller, we will see if either of these are a factor. Nobunaga also holds the edge if we look at their records with 3 wins and no losses to Legs’ 2-2. All wins have come by way of submission. Noteworthy, that all of Legs losses have also come by way of submission.
Prediction: Nobunaga, second round submission. Safe choice here. All things equal Nobunaga holds edge were both fighters excel.
Paulo Maldini v Mario Thomas
We have another monumental fight here. Two very respectable fighters looking to stay undefeated. Maldini with 1 KO and 1 Decision. Thomas with an outstanding record of 4 Decision wins. Let’s look deeper into these four wins, shall we. The game plan is similar, an entrée of well-rounded boxing, takedowns, and ground and pound. Normal so far, what makes it impressive and dangerous is the accuracy. Just head punches, out of 115 thrown in four fights, Thomas landed 111. Maldini is no slouch, with respectable boxing and 15-second TKO win in his first fight. Looking at his second win. A supremely dominant unanimous decision. Maldini threw 122 total strikes…and he LANDED 122 total strikes. He made his opponent’s face look like ground beef. He also stuffed a whopping 37/38 takedowns.
Prediction: Really hard to call. Maldini split decision. It’s going to be a damn slug fest. Can’t wait.
Floki Magnusson v Matteo Sanchez
This is one of those fights that could end up anywhere. Magnusson and Sanchez only have one fight between them. If we look at Magnusson’s performance, it is clear he will want to dictate the pace and level of the fight. It is unclear whether he will be able to do so against a game opponent like Cabron. A simple review reveals Boxing and BJJ in Sanchez’s favor, while Floki has the edge in wrestling and MuayThai. All this adds more to our confusion because both could prevail at any level. Magnusson will be the older, slightly more experienced man in the cage. Magnusson wakes around 10 IBS heavier, but gives up a 5 cm height advantage.
Prediction: Iceland by 2nd round TKO
Victor Contreiras v Terrance Gerin
This one is straight out of Thailand. Both men have, in their brief careers, shown a propensity and impeccable accuracy in the clinch. Mad dog obliterating 3 opponents, 2 in the very first round. The Rhyno doing the same in his one and only outing. With the aggressiveness these men have already demonstrated we are going to call this one out for a fight of the night award. This is not the fight to take a bathroom break for. Unless you have a TV in your bathroom, of course. It will be non-stop action. A few further notes here, Mad dog stands at a whopping 199 cm. That’s all arms and legs. He should be called mad giraffe. Gerin, not known to miss a meal when not in training, walks around at 280 Ibs. He will be the wider of the fighters. One thing to watch out for is the Rhyno’s wrestling, if he can use his strength and far superior ability to keep Contreiras on the ground, he may just be able to put down the Mad Dog.
Prediction: Mad dog by decision
Thorvald Nansen v Da Two
If like betting underdogs, look no further than Da Two, in Nansen vs. Two. Casual observation demonstrates a skill advantage for the 19-year-old Nansen in Muay Thai, Wrestling, and BJJ. Da “Goods” Two two chances…his left and his right. He’s got to keep this fight standing and at a distance. The young Viking also has two grappling matches under his belt. Da Two must use his freakishly tall physique and poke holes in Torden with his long, long jab. He simply isn’t good enough to go to the ground with Nansen and isn’t built for it.
Prediction: Torden first round TKO
eL IsoG v Leevi Saros
CWMMA brings you a special match-up here. Two 18-year-olds stepping into the cage as professionals for the very first time. The tattooed, self-styled Cebu City Boss versus the fresh-faced, Finnish philosopher. We know they can throw hands, but what else? Perhaps Ungart will attempt to clinch as a path to victory or maybe Stones will grind, ground and pound his way to a first win. A highlight finish for either could be the start to a very promising career.
Prediction: IsoG by split decision
Saint George v Christopher Nolan
Another set of 18-year-old Warriors making their debuts at A New Dawn. This one appears to be somewhat lopsided. Said George is the bigger and taller man. He also has higher attributes in each martial art, especially boxing. At 18 and with no fights to their credit, there are so many unknowns here. While George may have spent time sparring, it is quite possible Nolan spent time on technique and getting his conditioning up. It’s all good if George is skilled, but if he gasses out, that could mean the end of him.
Prediction: “Sir” Saint George will please his lord with a first round KO
William Gray v Eden Taih
A classic boxer vs. Muay Thai kickboxer match-up. With Gold Fist looking to us his uhh fists while Boozer will likely seek to kick his way into a clinch. Taih is not unstoppable having been unscrupulously dispossessed of his consciousness in his first and only pro fight. Both have skills in wrestling and BJJ so if this affair hits the canvas, fans could be in for a treat.
Prediction: Gold Fist by 2nd round TKO
Dustin Sleeth v Patryk Mikolajczyk
Fight fans will see this match at the outset as relatively even. The key difference is Sleeth leans on wrestling and BJJ, while Mikolajczyk maintains the advantage standing. It will come down to whether Sleeth and take him down and keep him there. If he can keep it on the ground, he’s got a good chance at victory. Miko’s decision loss in his first fight tells us that he can be defeated by a competent boxer. Sleeth is not exactly that but he’s got plenty of tools to finish this one
Prediction: Sleeth gets the Dubbya by first round tapout
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