Joe Riggs vs. Kazuo Misaki
In what is easily the most competitive fight of the night, former UFC standout Joe “Diesel” Riggs (28-10-1) is going to have his hands full with Japanese star and judo black belt Kazuo Misaki (20-8-2).
Misaki has not always been the most consistent fighter, but he has a number of great wins, including a unanimous decision over Dan Henderson, a guillotine choke over the notoriously hard to finish Akira Shoji, and a dominating performance against Yoshihiro Akiyama, although that one was unfortunately changed to a no contest following an illegal blow.
This matchup promises to be another installment in the eternal series of striker vs. grappler. There can be no denial that Riggs has better standup, both in terms of technique, and punching power. Similarly, there is no debate to be had about who is the better grappler. Riggs, while a decent wrestler, is a fish out of water on the ground, while Misaki is a world class judo player with extremely slick submissions. I see Riggs controlling the fight early, landing some hard shots from a distance, but ultimately Misaki should be able to close the gap to the clinch, trip Riggs up, and secure an arm. Misaki by submission late in round 2.
Josh Thomson vs. Ashe Bowman
A huge mismatch, as the talented and versatile Josh “The Punk” Thomson (15-2) takes on the relatively unknown Ashe “The Machine” Bowman. Thomson, who trains out of AKA, has fairly good standup, great cardio, and a dangerous submission attack. Bowman has a pretty good ground game, decent hands, and likes to look for leg locks/ heel hooks. Look for Thomson to set up a takedown with his punching before quickly wrapping Bowman up for the submission win in round 1.
Terry Martin vs. Cory Devela
UFC veteran Terry Martin (17-6) will square off with Corey “The One” Devela (9-2).
Devela has been hot, going on a seven fight win streak, including a victory over Joe “Diesel” Riggs. His only two losses have been against game opponents, in Ed Herman and Matt Horwich. Corey will come into this fight with a big height and reach advantage over Martin. Corey is a very good wrestler, grappler, with a strong muay thai base.
Martin is always fun to watch, he brings an all or nothing attitude to the fight. He is short and compact, but carries very heavy hands and likes to throw them. Terry has good boxing and wrestling skills. Martin has faced very tough competition over the years and taller opponents such as Devela, so he will know what he needs to bring into the fight. He has lost three out of his last four fights.
Look for Martin to come out and put a stop to Devela’s win streak. I see Martin keeping the fight standing, closing the gap between them, and out striking Devela to a split decision win.
Mitsuhiro Ishida vs. Justin Wilcox
Pride veteran Mitsuhiro “Endless Fighter” Ishida (16-4-1) will fight on U.S. soil for the first time against Justin “The Silverback” Wilcox (5-2).
Wilcox trains with AKA, and brings a strong wrestling game (former NCAA wrestler and body builder) a killer right hand, and like to take the fight to the ground.
Ishida also a very strong wrestler, who likes to score ponits using it and controlling his opponent from the top. Ishida has superb cardio and can keep a high pace through out the entire fight if needed. He has also faced much tougher competition and is best known for being the first fighter to defeat former Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez.
I see Ishida controlling the fight scoring on take-downs and and landing cleaner strikes with a unanimous decision win.
