In less than three years, the Amarillo, Texas-based Shark Fights has established itself as a major national draw, and this Friday's event, headlined by UFC-vets Matt Horwich and Danillo Villefort and broadcasting live on HDNet, is just one more reason why.
Unfortunately, a compelling rematch between James Irvin and Houston Alexander collapsed when Irvin's tests from a fight in December came back positive for steroids. Instead, two of the most recognizable female fighters, Tara LaRosa and Carina Damm will consummate a grudge match in the co-main.
Shark Fights 14's whopping 15-fight lineup should still provide an entertaining night, the results of which may resonate in the Octagon down the road.
Matt "Suave" Horwich (26-17-1) vs. Danillo "Indio" Villefort (12-3)
In August 2009, Villefort was cut twice-- first, from an accidental headbutt in his UFC debut against Jesse Lennox at UFC 101 that resulted in an controversial loss. The next cut was much worse, as Villefort was released from his UFC contract only days afterward, despite riding into that bout on a five-fight winning streak.
"Indio" has since mounted a convincing campaign to return to the big show, having smashed through two opponents in the first round and most recently earning a unanimous decision over PRIDE and Strikeforce vet Joey Villasenor at the last Shark Fights event.
Horwich's release from the UFC in the summer of 2009 was much more justifiable that Villefort's, having dropped a decision to Dan Miller and then again to Ricardo Almeida. The former IFL middleweight champ has looked brilliant in his finest moments, which range from his crushing knock out over Benji Radach to win his IFL title, to submitting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and former UFC contender Thales Leites. Yet, Horwich's 1-1 record against Jason MacDonald seems an accurate summation of his career thus far, as he has come up short against equal or lesser competition.
Prediction: Both are formidable BJJ black belts, but Villefort would do well to avoid a grappling match with Horwich. Villefort is clearly the more explosive of the two, and if his stamina holds up, he should be able to use his agility to stay one step ahead of Horwich's steady, plodding approach.
Villefort is on a roll, and Horwich may or may not be. It's hard to tell, because Horwich has not put together more than two wins since 2007. Horwich is a handful in the cage and has the experience to punish Villefort for his mistakes, but Villefort is a solid all-around fighter and, most importantly, more consistent. Expect "Indio" to stay ahead on the scorecards and earn the unanimous favor of the judges.
Tara LaRosa (19-2) vs. Carina "Beauty but the Beast" Damm (15-5)
Texas fight fans are in for a treat as two of the most visible names in women's MMA square off in a grudge match. In a press release, Damm's trainer, Jesse Finney claimed that "LaRosa disrespected Carina in the past when they fought under the BodogFIGHT banner, and there has been animosity between the two ever since." Shark Fights deserves recognition for honoring these two with co-main event status.
Widely considered the second best female fighter in the world (right behind Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos), LaRosa is the clear favorite. The former BodogFIGHT champ owns victories over many of the best women in the sport, including Kelly Kobold, Takayo Hashi and Roxanne Modaferri, who settled the score last year, ending LaRosa's fifteen-fight winning streak that lasted almost seven years. LaRosa bounced back last November by winning a hard-fought five-rounder over Hashi.
This will mark Damm's debut at 125 lbs, prompted by a submission loss to Hitomi Akano, which knocked her out of last year's Strikeforce 135 lb tournament. A TKO loss to Cat Zingano in December set the Brazilian back even further. That said, Damm's BJJ black belt and varied striking game have earned her a respectable record.
Prediction: The key here is aggression. LaRosa possesses a Dan Henderson-esque right hand and often outworks her opponents, hitting them first and then using the momentum to find a finish, usually in the form of a submission. Damm accelerates much more slowly and her passivity makes her a target for more tenacious fighters. The fight will eventually hit the ground, and despite Damm's skills there, LaRosa is particularly resistant to submissions and will overtake Damm in a scramble.
Damm will put up a fight, but ultimately provide a spotlight for LaRosa's ever-evolving game. LaRosa by armbar in the third.
Lucas Lopes (19-10) vs. Mike "The Greek" Bronzoulis (11-2-1)
A next-day replacement for the injured Dream and WEC-vet Todd Moore, Strikeforce-veteran Lopes certainly brings a wealth of experience. The 31-year old Floridian has fought in numerous Vale Tudo events in Brazil and even knocked off former UFC contender Thiago Alves...ten years ago.
The BJJ black belt's best days are likely behind him, which is a safe bet, considering that his fighting days began in 1999. Interestingly, he's lost his last three, but previous to that, had put together five wins, including two under the Strikeforce banner.
Meanwhile, Bronzoulis, USCombatSports.com Texas Fighter of the Year Nominee, is arguably the hottest fighter out of Houston, especially with rumours rampant that the UFC has their eye on the heavily-marketed 32-year old.
With wins over TUF-contestant Cleburn Walker and a Legacy Fights belt around his waist, the USCS Fighter of the Year nominee looks to make good on what could be his breakout performance, live on HDNet, no less.
Prediction: Last August, Lopes split his shins kicking his opponent and was forced to throw in the towel because he couldn't walk. These things happen in combat sports, but this should give some indication of where Lopes is at in his career. For some reason, Lopes finished the first half of 2010 on a five-fight win streak and then wrapped up the year with three losses in a row.
"The Greek" has been hungry to break out of the local scene and is surely well-prepared for this fight. It's possible that Shark Fights caught Lopes well-rested and in fighting shape. Even so, his decline last year began with a loss to a guy named "Mojo". If Lopes hasn't got his mojo back, he'll have a rough night against the surging Houstonian.
Bronzoulis will batter the old-school Brazilian in the first and finish him with strikes in the second.
Eric "Big Head" Davila (18-10) vs. Alex Cisne (5-1)
Amarillo-native Eric Davila doesn't own the most impressive record in the world, but he certainly looked impressive in dismantling Texas' favorite son, Pete Spratt with a stunning knee followed by a guillotine choke finish. Also impressive are the big-headed one's victories over Benji Radach and Cleburn Walker.
Houston's Alex Cisne also looked brilliant in taking out Richard Knepp for the Worldwide Gladiator title. The King of the Cage-veteran surgically took out Knepp's knee with low kicks, pounced and landed precise punches to cinch the victory.
When you have as many fights as Davila, most guys will be newcomers in comparison. Davila has won and lost against fighters of similar experience as Cisne, who would be wise to use his kicks to keep the short-limbed "Big Head" at range. That said, Davila has lots of experience working with what he's got, and according to Shark Fights, he's only at a reach disadvantage of 3.5". Davila can be expected to close the distance and find that guillotine he seems to like so much lately, sometime in the second round.
Sean Shakour (3-1)* vs. Joseph Sandoval (4-0)
Sandoval's stock has risen considerably after upsetting Bellator-veteran Douglas Frey last summer after Frey commented that West Texas was devoid of good fighters. Sandoval, a protege of "Big Head" Davila entered their Steele Cage match with a chip on his shoulder and weathered an early onslaught from Frey to exact revenge by beating down Frey with heavy punches. Sandoval was nominated for KO of the Year and Fight of the Year by USCombatSports.com
Little is known about Shakour, other than that the Californian will seek to bounce back from a submission loss within seconds of the opening bell of the third round at a Rebel Fighter event in August. Prior to his only loss, Shakour had scored two TKO victories.
Having dominated the well-traveled Jared Lopez and mounting an impressive comeback to score a massive upset over Frey, compounded by the hometown advantage, there are just too many factors working in Sandoval's favor. This looks like a lock for a dominant unanimous decision victory for Sandoval.
* We have taken a composite of different sources regarding Shakour's record and come up with 3-1.
Shark Fights 14 emanates from the Fair Park Colisseum in Lubbock, Texas. The main event will air live on HDNet at 9pm CST.
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