HFC Bloodbath 1
Oh my, oh may. Hilo, that's right Hilo,Hawaii we are coming, and quite frankly we are very excited about it. President J. W. Hardman already approved my request for a pool facing balcony room and I heard the resort has bottomless Pina Coladas. While I will be indulging the fighters all have serious tasks on their hands., Hilo will serve as a battle ground once again. HFC matchmaker Igor Peixoto was ecstatic to bring such a stacked card to Hilo. “We love this place, the fans, the energy, the food. Certain fighters seek these types of events out. You can see it on fight night. Conversely, Island haze is real. The long flights, island distractions, if you are not locked in, come fight night it shows. I expect a lot of crazy fights, with unexpected endings”. I agree with Igor, this card has all the makings for unexpected finishes and a wild night. Let's take a look at the line-eup.
185lbChampion Rob Tanner (9-1) vs #1 Contender Hefty "Lumber" Jack (7-1) - 185lb Championship Bout
To be straightforward, Rob Tanner has just been knocking everybody out. He’s riding a brilliant 6 fight win streak, all by KO or TKO. He is a Muay Thai fighter and will look to make it 7 KO’s in a row in this fight. His opponent will be a “Hefty” task. Hefty "Lumber" Jack has only had one loss and could kryptonite for Tanner on the ground. Hefty is a great wrestler and has a solid bjj game. His standup still needs to be developed. Keep in mind Tanner also has some sneaky good bjj that he can utilize. This has the makings of a classic, edge has to go to the champ but the challenger has legit shot here folks.
Prediction: First round is back and forth with the champ landing shots early but conceding a takedown and receiving some gnp for the rest of the round. At the start of the second the champ connects with a brutal combo of punches that ends the fight. Rob Tanner Winner by KO (punches). The champ snatches the mic from Joe Rogan after the fight and makes a beautiful tribute to Hawaii.
#2 Gunner "Gunni" Larsson (11-4) vs #3 Manolito Tai Kung (6-1) - 170lb Bout
What a great fight that really needs to happen. Look both guys lost to current 170lb champ Samuel Rodrigues. That happens you can dwell or move on. Now both guys get a chance at redemption. Whoever wins, could get a title shot, a title eliminator fight, or another top 3 opponent. All really good things. Matchup wise this is very similar to the one above. We have two solid bjj practitioners who each have a specialty elsewhere. Kung is an exceptional Muay Thai practitioner and wants to strike. Larsson will look to wrestle and gnp. Who’s agenda will be adhered too?
Prediction: Kung does damage with his hands, feet and elbows. However, Larsson manges to secure a big takedown in the 2nd round and gnp his way to victory.
#5 Cranky Smith (6-0) vs #7 Rodrigo "The Black Mamba" Lima (7-3) - 145lb Bout
Two top ten featherweights duking it out. The winner takes a nice step forward towards a title run. Two people with the same agenda here. Both want to wrestle and both will look for submissions. Expect high level grappling displayed throughout.
Prediction: Cranky Smith throws a tantrum and chokes out Lima in the second. Post fight, Smith gets emotional on the mic saying he didn't get his traditional pre-fight nap and therefore was feeling a little “cranky” otherwise he would have won in the first round.
RJ Cain (6-2) vs Ivar "Boneless" Lothbrook (4-3) - 170lb Bout
On paper Cain should have no trouble at all with this fight. Cain is an amazing boxer but also has a some really solid ground game. Lothbrook is great at bjj but could have his handsfull in all other aspects of the fight.
Prediction: Cain does what he came here to do. He makes short work of Lothbrook with some nasty punches in the first. Cain the calls for a top ten 170lb fighter claiming he is already better than anyone outside the top 5...
Undercard
Look below, what do you see? A list of killers my friends. We will watch all of these and keep you updated on the results. President Hardman is a generous man. Undercard performers are eligible for KO of the Night, Fight of the Night and Submission of the night.
135 lbs
Ruddo Ryokale v Funky Colemadina
205 lbs
Naizen Kamenashi v Benny Conan
185 lbs
Vince Hollaway v Manu Tau
185 lbs
Camron Jones v Kelly William
185 lbs
Ralo Gracie v Rashid Rubson
145 lbs
Preston Patterson v Red Pablono
Hilo, we are honored to bring you this event. May all the fighters bring with them the spirit of a Champion. From all of us at HFC...Fight On!
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