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Cage Rage 24: Feel the Pain Preview
Category: Sports
Cage Rage 24: Feel the Pain Preview
Cage Rage return to London's Wembley Arena on Saturday with arguably their strongest line up ever.
At Cage Rage 24: Feel the Pain, former EliteXC middleweight champ Murilo "Ninja" Rua, is looking to return to winning form against the wily Xavier Foupa-Pokam in the main event.
Robbie Olivier steps up a weight class to challenge Abdul Mohamed for the British Lightweight belt. In the Heavyweight division, Neil Grove, who has disposed of his two Cage Rage opponents to date in a combined total of 44 seconds, will face the heavy handed Robert "Buzz" Berry in a match which is unlikely to need the judges.
The rest of the card looks tasty, featuring experienced imports Drew Fickett and Elvis Sinosic as well as high profile Brits Mark Weir, Lee Hasdell, and Ross Pointon. All that, plus the answer to the question absolutely nobody is asking: Who would win in a fight between a Sumo wrestler and a kickboxer?
Murillo Rua v Xavier Foupa Pokam
After a run of main events worthy of "freakshow" status; Cage Rage have delivered the goods this time out. Pride star "Ninja" Rua will hope to get his career back on track, but he faces a tough opponent in the shape of Cage Rage regular Xavier Foupa Pokam.
In his last fight, Ninja was handed a serious beating by Robbie Lawler. Lawler coped with the Brazilian's stand up and takedown attempts for the first two rounds. By the third, Ninja had run out of ideas (and gas) and was stopped in brutal fashion courtesy of some heavy punches.
Ninja is a class act, but coming off defeat as devastating as the one he suffered in Hawaii would be a test for anyone. You'd think that the last thing he would want would be a match against a ruthless southpaw KO artist; but that's what he's up against in the shape of Xavier Foupa Pokam.
"Professor X" has won four straight fights at Cage Rage since being disqualified for delivering a kick to the head of the grounded Sol Gilbert two years ago. The Frenchman is well rounded, but is most comfortable on his feet delivering sharp strikes.
Both have fought Alex Reid at recent Cage Rages, but the contests are useless as a form guide. Reid was forced to withdraw from his fight with Ninja thirty seconds in due to a gushing cut to the shin. He lasted just under three minutes against Xavier before an "accidental" thumb to the eye forced the fight to be halted- with the judges voting for Professor X. Like his namesake Malcolm- he is prepared to use any means necessary to achieve victory.
They say class is permanent and Ninja Rua has gone the distance with some of the biggest names in the sport. Rua has also talked up the improvement in his wrestling and preparation since former Cuban Olympian Aleho Morales came into his camp, but this was not evident against Lawler. Ninja was unable to take him down and I can't see why an old fox like Professor X will be any different. On his Cage Rage debut, Rua took a lot of punishment from Mark Weir before he employed his dynamic jiu jitsu game to finish the veteran. If his defence is as slack against Xavier- he won't survive.
Professor X is no Robbie Lawler. Having said that- there are signs that Ninja isn't the old Ninja. Xavier will revel in headliner status and no doubt there will be more flamboyant antics than normal. Professor X loves to perform his trademark arm cross and tell anyone who will listen that it's "punishment time" for his opponent. This time- I think his prediction is spot on.
Abdul Mohamed v Robbie Olivier
Cage Rage British Lightweight Title
Robbie "The Flame" Olivier steps up a division to challenge for the British title.
Abdul is back at Lightweight after scoring two spectacular wins at Welter: a spectacular spinning backfist KO of Ross Pointon and a gruelling points victory over the Doncaster hard man Jason Ball.
It is hard to see how Olivier can win. Over the years, Robbie has built on his judo background and employs his power and skill to control opponents. His grappling ability, slick takedowns and superb conditioning have pushed him to the very top of the domestic Featherweight scene. "The Flame" is stepping up to challenge himself- but it looks a step too far.
Abdul Mohamed is arguably the best wrestler in UK MMA and has phenomenal strength. His rock solid physique resembles a novelty soap carved in the shape of a hard bastard who is going to kill you. Abdul's only known weakness is his scar tissue. Abdul had to pull out of a September date with Greg Loughran due to a cut. When he returned to the cage last month, his fight with David Baron at Ultimate Force 7 was halted when an upkick from the French ace forced a doctor's stoppage due to claret clouding Abdul's vision. An experienced campaigner like Olivier must have factored this into his plans.
Every attribute that makes Robbie such a dominant force at Featherweight is at least matched by Abdul- only in a bigger package. As long as Abdul's forehead stays intact, I see him winning this.
Drew Fickett v Mark Weir
Mark Weir's contest with Paul Daley at the last Cage Rage was seen by many as a changing of the guard in UK MMA. "The Wizard" kept the fight at range and looked impressive before his younger opponent gradually wore him down. This time he faces a submission specialist with wins over names like Kenny Florian and Josh Koscheck on his record. Weir is a legend in the UK and showed in his fight against the highly touted Daley that he can still hang with the best, but the stark truth is the 40 year old has lost five of his last six. Wembley Arena will be hoping that Weir can keep it at range and pick Fickett off. The more likely outcome must be Fickett by sub.
Neil Grove v Robert Berry
Neil Grove is being touted as a potential champion- based on his 44 second Cage Rage career. He came in to face James Thompson at two day's notice and stopped "The Colossus" with nine seconds of ugly punches . Grove needed 35 seconds to execute his game plan on his second visit to Wembley. Using his head as well as his massive physical presence; he took down and battered kickboxer Domonic Ostich. The 6 ft 8" giant has a background in Goju Ryu Karate.
The judges may as well nip out for a pint when this one's on as Grove's opponent is "Buzz" Berry; back from a short retirement. Buzz can bang. He's one of the few Heavies around with the physical presence to stand up to Grove and he has the power to take anyone out. Buzz tends to leave himself open when he throws his big bombs. The simple fact is, win or lose, Buzz never gets past round one. Berry has got a ground game and may decide to use it. If he does, the fight may actually get into the second minute. If he can get by Grove- his increased exposure and easy to hit style will make him a perfect opponent for Elite XC's Kimbo Slice.
Buzz wins more than he loses and he has some decent names on his record. Neil Grove- ?. If it goes more than a minute- we'll learn more about him. If Buzz uses his head, he should have the experience to deal with Grove.
Tom Watson v Mark Epstein
Another genuinely interesting match up. Tom "Kong" Watson looks like he has everything you need to succeed in MMA. The former boxer will no doubt have built on his impressive striking during his recent spell training alongside Paul Buentello, Rashad Evans and Keith Jardine at Greg Jackson's camp. Add this to good looks and a corny gimmick (entering the cage in a gorilla mask accompanied by another gorilla throwing bananas to the crowd) and you have a potential star.
In the other corner is Cage Rage personified: Mark "The Beast" Epstein. The Beast is a slugger who can take anyone out, but has come up a little short against top class opposition. Assuming he has retained his power at Middleweight, the former Heavy is an obvious threat. If this fight had been made six months ago- you would pick The Beast on the basis of his experience. If it happened six months in the future- you'd go for the improving Kong. Right now- who knows. Good matchmaking. I take Kong to disappoint the Wembley crowd by stopping their hero in an explosive encounter.
Marios Zaromskis v Ross Pointon
Thanks to his TUF appearance, Ross Pointon is Britain's second best known fighter. All up and coming guys want a UFC vet on their record, which makes Ross (5-11) a very attractive fight. The jury is still out on his drop down to welterweight. His army of fans will hope that his submission victory over Dean Bray is the start of a revival.
Marios Zaromskis is a hot property. The kind of one man highlight reel promoters dream of. Beating a guy with public name recognition on live TV will help make that dream a reality. Ross is a better fighter than his record suggests, but I don't think he's supposed to win this one.
Elvis Sinosic v Paul Cahoon
Should be a cracker. On his last visit to these shores, Elvis almost ruined Michael Bisping's UFC debut. The popular Aussie reminded everyone of his all round ability in an exciting fight. Elvis was unable to finish Bisping and paid dearly when his gas tank ran low.
In the UFC, Sinosic plays the role of gatekeeper. At Cage Rage, his experience and class make him a genuine title contender. Paul Cahoon's clean striking and solid take downs were too much for Mark Epstein last time out. The longer the fight goes- the more you will fancy him to get the W.
Dave Legeno v George "XXX " Castro
Cage Rage seem to live out some WWE fantasy with Dave "Deathwish" Legeno. In storylines typified by his calling out of Bob Sapp, Legeno is cast as superhero with a short fuse, constantly involved in grudge matches in the name of respect. The Cage Rage press release informs us:
"George Castro is a 19 stone fighter that likes to bang and this fight we have for you has history. Dave Legeno recently spent some time training with Mixed Martial Arts legend, Don Frye. While in the States, Dave noticed a student with the wrong type of attitude and this was something that Don himself had noticed. "George Castro is a real tough guy that respects nothing and it is time he was taught a little respect" says Legeno. George Castro was subsequently asked to leave the Don Frye academy for having the wrong type of attitude towards the other students and Legeno has made it clear that he has taken Georges disrespect to Don Frye personally. So take your seat and get ready for a grudge match between two very tough fighters."
Blimey! What a liberty. That geezer needs teaching a lesson. Legeno by KO.
Ivan Serati v Lee Hasdell
After a submission loss to Mario Sperry in the "battle of the Godfathers", Lee Hasdell will face Ivan "Il Terribile" Serati. Hasdell is a true pioneer of the sport and will enjoy overwhelming support from the Arena crowd. Serati is also coming off a defeat, but, at Angrrr Management, he gave Marc Goddard plenty of hard digs in the process. Both men pack serious power and the chances are the contest will not go the distance. Unfortunately, I think it may be "Il Terribile" who gets back to winning ways.
Robert Paczkow v James McSweeney
My Googling of Robert Paczkow reveals he is 320 lbs and "one of Poland's most respected Sumo wrestlers".
McSweeney has a very good Muay Thai / Kickboxing pedigree and seems to have all the tools to progress in MMA. A very different opponent to his Cage Rage debut against Mark Buchanan - but surely McSweeney takes this.
Note- Anyone who has an in depth knowledge of the Polish Sumo scene; please share your knowledge. I'm particularly interested in findin gout who you would describe as being: "one of Poland's least respected Sumo wrestlers"
Ronnie Mann v Jordan Miller
Brad "One Punch" Pickett was due to fight Ronnie Mann, but a broken arm has meant the match between two of the most exciting talents on the domestic scene will have to wait. Mann should have too much for replacement Miller.
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8:26 PM
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