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There were some doubts about this card in recent days, but a last minute replacement has filled the card and we’re off to the races. Title fights at welterweight and lightweight will headline a main card that features eight undefeated fighters and a very important middleweight matchup.
Ryan “Neto” Gracie (3-0, 2-0) v Bruce “The Dragon” Lee (2-0, 0-0)
Opening the main card will be a middleweight showdown between Rio’s Ryan Gracie and a newcomer out of China, Bruce Lee. Gracie will be looking to keep his legendary namesake proud with his third straight submission in KOTB competition and move into the top 15 of the division. Lee has is own legendary namesake to make proud, but is coming in as a bit of an unknown in his promotional debut. The striker appears to throw wild competitions and uses his grappling to keep the fight standing, but we’ll see if he’s changed his approach against such a prolific grappler.
Roddy Banks (3-0, 0-0) v Juan "Brazilian Bomber" Perez Jr (2-0, 0-0)
A pair of undefeated welterweight grapplers will be making their KOTB debuts next, as Ireland’s Roddy Banks takes on another Rio fighter in Juan Perez Jr. Banks will be making his first fight on Brazilian soil after a three fight stint in Hawaii, two of which were for the now defunct Real Deal Fighting Championship. Perez Jr comes in on the heels of two dominating decision wins in local QFC competition. Banks appears to have the more dangerous pure grappling game, while Perez Jr loves to do a bit of everything. This could be one of those fights where two grapplers stand and trade, but anything could happen.
"The Golden Child " Kyrie Perry (3-0, 3-0) v Starling Silva (2-0, 2-0)
We could possibly see a new middleweight title challenger after Kyrie Perry and Starling Silva collide on Saturday night. Perry, the former USC wrestling standout, currently sits as KOTB’s all-time leader in decision victories, using crisp technical boxing to set up his smothering ground and pound attack. Silva, on the other hand, uses a dangerous and multi-faceted muay thai attack to break his foes down, and possesses some solid grappling defense to stay out of trouble on the ground. I have a feeling this one could be a back and forth affair, with Silva attacking on the feet and in the clinch, while Perry tries to work from top control. The winner will have case for a title shot with an impressive victory.
Sean “Soffman” The Strangler (4-0, 4-0) v Emerson Sheik (3-0, 2-0)
Our co-main event will see lightweight champion Sean Soffman looking to defend his title for the second time against yet another Rio fighter in Emerson Sheik. The Canadian grappler will look to continue his grappling dominance with his fifth straight sub-two-minute performance to start his career. Sheik might bring the best wrestling defense that the champ has seen and should have a decided advantage standing up if things should stay there. This is definitely the champ’s biggest test to date. Can he continue his run?
James "Flames" La Grande (9-1, 1-0) v "Rock Lee" Seok Yi (6-4, 0-0)
Potential welterweight challenger Rick Sharp had to pull out of his deserved title shot late last week and has since been released from the organization. One fighter’s loss is another’s opportunity, however, as South Korea’s Seok Yi has signed on to fight on late notice on the heels of his second round Island tournament loss. The former Republic of Korea marine is a veteran of 10 professional fights and possesses a dominating clinch presence and devastating knees. His requests of a standup fight have been respectfully declined from the champ James La Grande all week, and the Brazilian grappling wizard should be able to wrap things up quickly if this one hits the mat. Despite a little bit of chatter, both fighters seem to respect the other’s skills in this one. As pure of a striker versus grappler matchup as you’ll ever see.
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