Looking over the card in anticipation for tomorrow's Titan Fighting Championship 22 I came to realize that this promotion, even on the amateur card, is for real.
Sure, they've got a contract with HDNet. Sure, they've had a share of big names, old and new. Sure they have a huge local following, but all things aside, in almost a decade in MMA in the Midwest, I've seen a lot of promotions come and go.
Looking at the amateur under card, you've got some major players in the KC MMA game. Jason Perrotta, who I've had the privilege of training with many, many times should be watched, and watched closely. His amateur career got of to an average start, but I'm here to tell you, there's nothing average about this fighter.
He has the heart of ten men, and the skills and strength to match. He was primarily a stand up fighter when I trained with him, and I've seen him come a long way since. He's one of the most talented and versatile fighters I've ever seen. If he keeps training like he is, he's going to be around for a long time, and he's going to be nothing short of a superstar. I can't wait to see him in yet another action packed fight!
Also another impressive amateur to watch is another KC native, Phil Morgan. He's kept his head, and chin down and done nothing short of work his ass off. He's been around the amateur circuit for a while, much like Perrotta, but has really come in to his own as of late, blowing through his competition, and swooping up a few belts along the way.
Looking at the first fight on the pro card, this has the making of fight of the night. I have high expectations for Mirsad Bektic vs. Willie Mack. Both show versatility, each having KO/TKO and submission victories. Both are explosive fighters and are relentless in their pursuit of a victory. With Bektic's record a perfect 3-0, and Mack batting .500 at 2-2, I'm sure Willie would love nothing less than to give Mirsad his first professional loss.
Rudy Bears and Nick Nolte is going to be another great match up. Both KC natives and incredibly tough Mixed Martial Artists, this is going to be another fight not to miss.Bears is coming off of a slump, losing 3 of his last 4. Nolte, however is on a hot streak, winning his last two after dropping a heart breaking decision to the New York Bad Ass, Phil Baroni. I expect both fighters to come out strong, and Nolte to push the pace. I know Bears wants to get back on the winning track, but he's definitely going to have his hands full.
Mello and Mamalis is interesting. Mello's most notable victory is over TUF alum's Vinicius Magalhaes. He's been bested by the likes of Takanori Gomi and Jose Aldo. At 10-6, and having over a decade as a pro, we'll see what the future holds for Mello. Coming off of a 6 fight win streak ain't too shabby though.
Mamalis currently sits at 13-8. With his last fight against Nicholas Denis a loss, I'm sure he wants to stack a few more in the "W" column.
Mello definitely has the experience on his side, but being 11 years the elder of Mamalis, he may be giving up more than he bargains for.
Vega and Whitney makes for another great KC match up. Vega is coming off two back to back losses via Bellator in Ed West and Chase Beebe, while Whitney sits at 7-1, comong off his fourth consecutive win. This has the makings of a slug fest. This will definitely be a great one to watch!
I cannot wait to see LC Davis back in action against Bill Kamery. 3 of Lc's 5 losses come from his last 3 fights. I've seen Davis put in work, and this guy is no slouch. Coming out of the Miletich camp, you know he's been through hell and back.
Kamery has won 2 of his last 3, and has only 2 losses overall.
Having no fights in 2011, I expect Davis to have a little ring rust, but we'll see how long it takes to shake loose those cobwebs. I expect Him to come out hard and push the pace for the duration. I'm sure he wants nothing more than to get back in the winner's circle. This will be a great contest, and I expect this to be nothing short of a great co main event.
Last but not least, former UFC standout Anthony "Rumble" Johnson takes on another UFC vet in Dave Branch.
Between his weight issues and coming off a submission loss to Vitor Belfort, Johnson has his hands full in Dave Branch.
Branch, on the other hand looks to be rock solid at 9-2 coming off a decision win over Dominique Steele. I expect him to give Rumble nothing short of his best on Fight night, as long as Rumble makes weight, that is.
At any rate, TFC 22 is a stacked card, playing to the KC crowd with some stellar local fights, and some excellent main card attractions, not to mention a visit by UFC vet Thiago Silva.
Can't say it enough that I very much look forward to seeing this show live tomorrow night. If you live in KC, shame on you for not getting tickets. If you don't live around the Midwest, you damn well better be watching this card on HDNet!
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