Before the tournament to crown the first ever Cali King begins, some of the most promising MMA fighters in California will be on display in the CXF cage.
Here is a preview of the prelims set to take place at CXF 8: Cali Kings this Saturday, June 17, 2017 at the Burbank Marriott Convention and Events Center.
Gabriel Green (4-2 MMA)
vs.
Leon Shahbazian (4-0 MMA)
Catchweight – 165 lbs.
A fight that could very well end up being the most entertaining bout of the evening. Green made a rousing CXF debut with 1st round submission choke victory against Matt Hagge (7-5). Shahbazian and his size have been rolling in CXF with an unblemished record and tough to counter style. Although both fighters look quite different, they actually have very similar styles. Both like to work behind the jab and both have a history of drowning their prey in deep water. Gabriel Green represents a huge step up in competition for the upstart Shahbazian. And Green is out to prove he is no man’s stepping stone. This is going to be a hell of a scrap.
Kyle Estrada (4-3 MMA)
vs.
Benji Gomez (6-7 MMA)
Flyweight Division – 125 lbs.
The flyweight division continues to deepen in CXF as local circuit veteran Benji“The Brawler” Gomez is welcomed to the fray by CXF returnee Kyle “The Hoosier” Estrada. Both fighters are battle-tested warriors from other local circuits. Estrada followed up a cameo in Bellator with a successful CXF debut by beating Michael Reyes (3-3) in February. Gomez will return to Burbank where he lost a close split decision last year to Albert Tapia (6-5). This is a very evenly matched bout and the hard to predict winner will certainly take a step closer to becoming a contender in the flyweight division.
Milton Arguello (0-1 MMA)
vs.
Chris Mendoza (Debut)
Bantamweight Division – 135 lbs
After amassing a strong pedigree as amateurs, it was only a matter of time before Milton Arguello and Chris Mendoza found each other locked inside of a cage together. Thankfully, CXF has once again made destiny a palpable reality. Arguello is a scrapper who prefers to stand and bang, while Mendoza is quite comfortable on the mat. That stylistic difference usually produces quite an entertaining chess match. Our advice would be to grab your popcorn and get to your seat early for these are two young prospects you do not want to miss.
Sergio Perez (1-0 MMA)
vs.
Isaac Velasco (1-3 MMA)
Featherweight Division – 145 lbs
Sergio Perez returns to the CXF cage on the heels of his pro debut win. But that victory is in the rear viewmirror and standing before him now is a very tough Isaac Velasco. Velasco makes his way back to the cage for the first time in nearly two years, the result of nagging injuries and unreliable opponents. Although he stayed quite active in that time, there may be some rust on the edges. If so, the first few moments of the fight will be crucial. Both of these featherweights have explosive power and either one is capable of turning the lights out with one shot, so don’t blink!
Edmen Shahbazian (2-0 MMA)
vs.
Dejon Daniels (0-1 MMA)
Middleweight Division – 185 lbs
Dejon Daniels makes his CXF promotional debut and looks to make an immediate impact in the middleweight division at the expense of burgeoning middleweight contender Edmen Shahbazian. Shahbazian is looking to extend his unbeaten streak, hoping to solidify his name along the way on a very short list of contenders in the CXF 185 lbs division. Expect the heavy artillery early and often in this middleweight slugfest.
AJ Bryant (4-2 MMA)
vs.
Pious Enilolobo Jr (Pro Debut)
Featherweight Division – 145 lbs
Rounding out the undercard is a featherweight showcase between two-time CXF veteran AJ Bryant and local fan favorite Pious Enilolobo Jr,. After a stellar amateur career, Enilolobo will not be wasting any time dipping his toes into the professional ranks as he dives in head first with a very dangerous opponent. The always improving Bryant has proven he can finish a fight anywhere it goes and in any fashion he chooses. Will the debutante Enilolobo bite off more than he can chew or will a maiden win against the tough Bryant.
Tickets for CXF 8: CALI KINGS presented by LIGHTS OUT PROMOTIONS and BASH ENTERTAINMENT can be purchased online www.MMATIXX.com or by calling
1-844-MMA-TIXX (662-8499).
