Lights Out Promotions and Bash Entertainment continue to heat the Southern California professional MMA scene to a fever pitch with the announcement of a historic series of bouts in the lightweight (155lb) division.
On June 17th at the Burbank Marriott Convention Center in Burbank, California, CXF 8 will mark the opening salvo in a continuing saga that will determine the first CALI KING. Eight men will enter a round robin tournament with the winner advancing to the next round until ultimately two remain. The final two Lightweights will face off in the CXF cage at a future date with the winner not only cashing a pretty hefty check but also the coronation of the first ever CALI KING.
In addition to a stacked undercard on the June 17th CXF 8: CALI KINGS Pro MMA show at the Burbank Marriott Convention Center, here is a preview of the opening round of the CALI KINGS 8-man Tournament:
Thor Skancke (9-7 MMA)
vs Darren Smith (10-7 MMA)
Before randomly choosing opening round opponents, both Skancke and Smith were hoping to face each other. Familiar opponents, Smith was able to best Skancke in their first engagement via decision, a result that still leaves a nasty taste in the mouth of Skancke. As the opening round matchup was drawn at random, it appears the combat gods wanted this rematch as well. Expect an all out war when these two bitter rivals face off in the first round of the lightweight tournament.
Jalin Turner (4-2 MMA)
vs Richard Leroy (4-0 MMA)
The old axiom about ‘styles making fights’ certainly applies in this case. Turner, a long rangy lightweight possesses a dynamic skill set as a striker. His long jab is quite effective, and his knees from the clinch can end the fight in a heartbeat. What his opponent Richard Leroy lacks in range, he certainly makes up with skill. A vicious striker in his own right, Leroy can change the course of a fight with one punch, as his last two wins have proven. Will the “Tarantula” continue to spin a web of victory, or will “Mr Leroy” once again emerge undefeated? Early candidate for Fight of the Night!
Shohei Yamamoto (4-2 MMA)
vs Joshua Jones (6-0 MMA)
Joshua Jones is undefeated in 6 fights and has quickly become one of the top fighters on the CXF roster. His impressive wake of victories have propelled him not only into this tournament, but into CXF title contention as well. For his opponent this is just another big fight. Yamamoto. a veteran on the Japanese and Indian professional circuits, is a student of UFC grappling wizard Josh Barnett. A pure athlete, Yamamoto is dangerous on his feet and deadly on the mat. The winner of this bout could easily become the favorite to win the whole damn thing!
Roosevelt Roberts (2-0)
vs Dominick Clark (10-6)
Undefeated as an amateur, Roosevelt Roberts has continued his success in the pro ranks by cruising past his first two opponents. His heavy hands and bad intentions will be directed towards former CXF champion Dominick Clark. CXF purists know that Clark is extremely well rounded and will be looking to re-establish himself among the CXF elite in the 155lbs division. On paper, the ultimate mystery of whether the upstart Roberts will be able to overcome the substantial experience advantage of Clark is to be decided in the CXF cage.
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).
