CES MMA 50: Sweetbread vs. Ewell
Travis Lizotte
Friday June 15th, New England’s premier Combat Sports promotion returns to its home at the Twin River Casino Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island; as Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment Sports presents CES 50: Paiva v. Ewell. Following the promotion’s inaugural trip to the Empire State of New York, CES returns to AXS TV and the Ocean State, as it puts it’s vacant Bantamweight World Title Belt on the line in the Main event. Rhode Island’s “Portuguese Man of War” Dinis “Sweetbread” Paiva Jr. (11-6) defends home turf against Riverside, California’s Andre “Afro Monkey” Ewell (12-4) in a five round bout that promises to be an explosive war, between two notorious headhunters. Owners of a combined 18 career wins by stoppage; Paiva and Ewell have been entertaining fight fans for years and are ready to share the CES cage as they put on a show for CES Bantamweight Gold. In the Co-Main Event; New England Welterweight contender Jon Manley (11-4) looks to continue climbing the ladder to Welterweight title contention when he meets Philadelphia’s dangerous finisher; Jeremiah Wells (4-1-1) who’s knockout of Gary Balletto Jr. at CES 49 left New England fight fans stunned. Framingham, Massachusetts’ Maria Rivera (2-0) continues to draw tough competition as she battles former LFA and Invicta Strawweight; Mallory Martin (3-2) who promises to be the toughest test of Rivera’s young career. Buffalo, New York’s Michael Taylor (1-1) steps up on short notice, in efforts the avenge his submission loss to Woonsocket, Rhode Island’s Jose Lugo (2-0) at CES 47, as the two Flyweights are set to do battle for a second time as professionals under the CES Banner. Team Link’s Reginaldo Felix (4-2) has not lost since relocating to New England from his native Brazil, he will be putting those credentials on the line against Massachusetts native Middleweight; Pat McCrohan (3-1). Providence’s own Undefeated Bantamweight star John Douma (3-0) will hope to make Adam Acquaviva (5-3) CES debut an unwelcome one, as 135 pounders kick off the action live on AXS TV.
A highly anticipated six fight undercard supports the Televised Main card and will get the night started from Twin River Casino. Exciting CES stars; Toby Oden (vs. Jeremy Puglia), Fabio Cherant (vs. Marquis Allen), Brendon Marotte (v.s Arslan Otchiyev), Kris Moutinho (vs. Al Jones), Hilary Rose (vs. Thais Souza) and Yorgan De Castro (vs. David White) all return to the CES cage to prove that they are worthy of finding their way on to the Televised portion of the card in the near future. CES MMA 50 kicks off live from Twin River at 7 pm Eastern Friday night, June 15th with a star studded Main Card; which will be televised live nationally on AXS TV; starting at 9 pm Eastern. For Ticket information visit CESMMA.com.
Click Below for complete fight Breakdown.
Yorgan DeCastro (1-0) v. David White (0-2)
Light-Heavyweight
Yorgan DeCastro
Affiliation: Regiment Training Center
Record: 1-0 (1 Knockout)
Summary: DeCastro joined the list of fighters who have made quick work of James Dysard in the CES cage with a 39 second drubbing of New York’s Dysard at CES 47 last November. Yorgan has been chomping at the bit to get back into the CES cage following the quick fight in his pro debut, he will have that chance June 15th against Maryland’s White.
Last fight: First round Knockout of James Dysard at CES 47: Rebello v. Brown.
David “Barbarossa” White
Affiliation: Tactical Combat Academy
Record: 0-2 (Been finished in the second round of both professional contests)
Summary:The owner of four finishes, 3 by submission, in a very successful (5-0) Amateur career, White has faced some adversity since turning Pro in December of last year ending up on the wrong side of two consecutive stoppages. White will look to notch his first professional victory against a tough hometown foe; in DeCastro.
Last fight: Second round Submission (Choke) loss to Allen Bose at XCC 30.
Breakdown: DeCastro is not looking to miss a beat after his 39 second dismantling of James Dysard at CES 47, Yorgan will let his heavy pressure and heavy hands do the talking when the door closes on his bout with David White. White has succumbed to heavy pressure in the past, having been finished in both of his professional fights, White is going to have to fight off another early onslaught from the powerful DeCastro if he hopes to secure his first professional victory.
Fabio Cherant (1-0) v. Letay Allen (1-1)
Light-Heavyweight
Fabio “The Water Buffalo” Cherant
Affiliation: Sityodtong Boston
Record: 1-0 (1 Submission)
Summary: Fabio continued his string of submission victories (4 straight) last time out when he needed just thirteen seconds to break the will of New York’s James Dysard, in a successful pro debut on New England’s biggest stage. Fabio will be looking for the same result, and to continue his grappling dominance when he makes his second CES appearance against Ohio’s Letay Allen.
Last fight: First round (13 second) Submission (Choke) of James Dysard at CES 48: Rebello v. Wiuff.
Marquis “Letay” Allen
Affiliation: Wreckroom Athletics
Record: 1-1 (1 Knockout)
Summary: A grappler by design, Ohio’s Allen showed off some heavy hands in his CES debut at CES 36 Knocking out Dan Randall in just 16 seconds. When I asked Letay to predict the outcome against fellow grappler Fabio Cherant at CES 50, Allen predicted a second round choke of the Massachusetts native Cherant, guaranteeing some sort of submission victory in his upcoming bout.
Last fight: Decision loss to Aaron Bush at It Fight Series 79.
Breakdown: Fabio Cherant made his presence known last time out as he needed only thirteen seconds to send James Dysard packing. It doesn’t appear that Cherant will waste any time putting tremendous pressure on Ohio’s Allen, with that said Allen is no stranger to quick work as he needed just sixteen seconds to knockout Dan Randall in his promotional debut. This fight could really simply come down to who strikes first.
Hilarie Rose (0-1) v. Thais Sousa (0-2)
Strawweight
Hilarie Rose
Affiliation: United States Mixed Martial Arts
Record: 0-1 (5-3 as Amateur)
Summary: Hilary showed the heart and grit that once made her an Amateur Champion here in New England the last time out, when she took a tough opponent; Linsey Williams, into the third round in her Pro Debut. Hilarie will look to get back to Championship form in her second pro fight for CES against Thais Sousa.
Last fight: Third Round TKO loss to Linsey Williams at CES 48: Rebello v. Wiuff.
Thais Sousa
Affiliation: American Top Team
Record: 0-2 (2 Decision Losses)
Summary: After starting her MMA career off with two tough luck decision losses, Sousa has taken her talents to one of the most highly respected gyms in the world; American Top Team, in hopes to get her career on the right path and pick up her first MMA victory, that quest culminates with her June 15th matchup against Hilary Rose.
Last fight: Decision loss to Hannah Cifers at Titan FC 47: Yusuff v. Gomez.
Breakdown: Rose had her hands full in her pro debut when she got out grappled by LFA veteran; Linsey Williams, Rose was unable to show what she was really capable of in that fight, spending most of the fight on her back. Rose wants to do some bullying of her own in this contest, when she takes on American Top Team prospect Thais Souza. Souza will have success in this fight if she can keep her distance from Rose and avoid having her back to the cage or mat.
Brendon Marotte (1-0) v. Arslan Otchiyev (Pro Debut)
Featherweight
Brandon “The Kid” Marotte
Affiliation: Professional Martial Arts Academy
Record: 1-0 (1 Knockout)
Summary: Marrotte showed some pretty slick grappling as well as overwhelming pressure in a convincing win in his professional debut last time out at CES 48 against Jhon Costa. Marrotte continues to show us that he is an ever evolving well rounded Martial Artist that is comfortable in the cage with any type of opponent, Marrotte looks to broaden that sentiment when he clashes styles with submissions specialist Arslan Otchiyev on June 15th at CES 50.
Last fight: Second round Knockout of Jhon Costa at CES 48: Rebello v. Wiuff.
Arslan Otchiyev
Affiliation: Renzo Gracie Connecticut
Record: Pro Debut (4-4-1 as Amateur)
Summary: Turkmenistan native; Arslan Otchiyev was a six time Chess champion in his Middle Eastern home. When Arslan moved his life stateside in 2011, he moved his Chess skills from board to mat, using his strategic, situational awareness to outpoint his opponents, earning submissions stoppages in all four of his Amateur victories. Arslan will be staring down his toughest opponent to date, when he makes his professional debut against Marrotte.
Last fight: Decision loss to Swagath Pillai at AMMO Fight League 2 : Dawn of War.
Breakdown: Marotte comes into this fight with advantages in the Striking and Grappling departments and should be able to take this fight wherever he wants it to go. However, if this fight ends up on the mat Arslan possesses some high level submission skills that have the ability to put a stop to any sort of offensive output. Marotte needs to fight a smart fight and put himself in position to avoid the submission attempts of Otchiyev if he wants to notch his second professional victory.
Toby Oden (2-2) v. Jeremy Puglia (Pro Debut)
Welterweight
Toby Oden
Affiliation: Tri-Force MMA
Record: 2-2 (1 Knockout, 1 Submission)
Summary: Veteran of four scraps in the CES cage over the last five years; Oden has battled his way to a .500 record. Toby was upset with the results in his last bout, when the judges scored the three round war with Paul Sims, in Sims’ favor at CES 44. Toby is out to show the CES fans, as well as himself, that his best fights are still ahead of him as he makes a bid to get back in the win column.
Last fight: Decision loss to Paul Sims at CES 44: Bessette v. Trujillo.
Jeremy Puglia
Affiliation: Vamos BJJ
Record: Pro Debut (7-1 as Amateur)
Summary: Puglia ended his Amateur career on a five fight win streak that saw him capture the Triton Fights Amateur Middleweight title and defend his crown twice on his way to a 7-1 record on the Amateur circuit. Puglia will return to Welterweight, where he began his MMA career, as he turns pro and makes his CES MMA debut against veteran Toby Oden.
Last fight: First round Knockout of Marcus Chin at Triton Fights 6. (Middleweight Title Defense)
Breakdown: New York’s Puglia will be making his professional debut against a veteran of the CES cage in Toby Oden. Puglia may be unknown to CES fans but comes into this contest with high praise. Out of the Triton Fights organization in New York, Puglia has established a current five fight win streak, all coming as a Middleweight. Both of these fighters will have something to prove when the cage door locks; Oden will be looking to prove that he can hang within the top of the CES Welterweight Division, while Puglia will be looking to show that he belongs in the discussion as one of the top up and coming fighters in the region.
Reginaldo Felix (4-2) v. Pat McCrohan (3-1)
Middleweight
Reginaldo Felix
Affiliation: Team Link
Record: 4-2 (3 Knockouts, 1 Submission)
Summary: For Brazil’s Felix the move Stateside from his native Serra, Espirito Santo, Brazil has proven to be the best thing to happen to the 32 year old’s MMA career. Since he relocation to New England, Felix has reeled off four straight first round finishes, including three impressive Knockouts. Felix would love to keep this fight on the feet against the Wrestler McCrohan, and add yet another Knockout to his already impressive resume.
Last fight: First round Submission (Choke) of Tom Regal at CES NY 1.
Pat McCrohan
Affiliation: Regiment Training Center
Record: 3-1 (2 Knockouts)
Summary: McCrohan isn’t going to wait for a standing battle to ensue, the talented Wrestler is going to be looking to put pressure on the Brazilian Striker and close the distance early in this fight. Don’t let McCrohan’s two knockouts against Buck Pineau confuse you, he is going to have to go back to his Wrestling roots if he hopes to collect his fourth professional victory for CES.
Last fight: First round knockout of Buck Pineau at CES 46: Doomsday v. Carroll.
Breakdown: Stylistically this fight may be the biggest clash on the entire card; Felix has done most of his work as a professional with his striking, coming into this contest with three knockouts to his credit and a thirst for Muay Thai. McCrohan however, is an established wrestler who makes his name by closing the distance on his opponents and taking them to the mat where he possesses a strong and lethal top game. Felix will have to do most of his work from the outside if he hopes to keep himself away from the stranglehold of McCrohan’s grappling expertise.
John Douma (3-0) v. Adam Acquaviva (5-3)
Bantamweight
John Douma
Affiliation: Tri-Force MMA
Record: 3-0 (2 Knockouts, 1 Submission)
Summary: Douma has done nothing but impress inside the CES cage looking virtually unstoppable in three pro fights for the promotion. Douma has yet to allow any of his opponents to see the third round, racking up two knockouts and one submission on his was to becoming one of the top Bantamweight Prospects in the region. Douma looks to once again display powerful wrestling and accurate striking in his hopes to derail Vegas’ Adam Acquaviva and continue his dominant march to contention.
Last fight: Second round Knockout of Zachary Burhans at CES 49: Curtis v Norwood.
Adam Acquaviva
Affiliation: Syndicate MMA
Record: 5-3 (1 Knockout, 2 Submissions)
Summary: Coming out of the Fighting City of Las Vegas, Nevada, Adam Acquaviva has honed his skills on some of the biggest stages both Regionally and Nationally since turning pro back in 2014. Owner of three starts for the World Series of Fighting, which saw him go 2-1 for the promotion, Adam is no stranger to big fights and tough opponents. Having faced defeat in two of his last three outings, Acquaviva hopes that a change of scenery (making his CES debut) will be just what he needs to get back to his winning ways.
Last fight: First round Submission loss to Josh Huber at SCL: AVM 8.
Breakdown: It’s taken only three fights for John Douma to establish himself as a star in CES’s talent rich Bantamweight division, Douma has easily dispatched Jason Rine, Mark Trade and Zachary Burhans on his way to a 3-0 record as a pro and a boat load of hype to go along with it. Douma comes into this fight with all the confidence in the world and deservedly so as he is set to take on the toughest opponent in his young career in Acquaviva. Coming to CES from Las Vegas, Acquaviva is in Rhode Island with one thing on his mind, and that is to stop the train that is; John Douma, Acquaviva brings a well balanced MMA attack to the cage and a resume that trumps that of the up start Douma.
Kris Moutinho (4-2) v. Al Jones (3-3)
Bantamweight
Kris “The Soul Snatcher” Moutinho
Affiliation: BST MMA
Record: 4-2 (1 Knockout)
Summary: Less than a year ago Moutinho was one of the fastest rising Bantamweights in the Northeast, but with rising status came a rise in opponents talent level, as Kris wound up on the wrong side of two first round chokes in his last two bouts (Branden Seyler Sr. and David Garcia). Moutinho is more inspired than ever to live up to his once top prospect status and prove that his last two fight do not define him as a fighter. Kris’ striking has never been in question as he has turned to his training partners and coaches to patch up the holes in his game in efforts to once again stake his claim as a top contender in the Bantamweight division in these parts.
Last fight: First round Submission loss to David Garcia at CES 47: Rebello v. Brown.
Al Jones
Affiliation: Long Island MMA
Record: 3-3 (1 Knockout, 1 Submission)
Summary: Long Island’s Al Jones burst onto the CES stage with a hard fought Decision victory over Quentin Gaskins at the inaugural CES MMA New York card last month. There, CES offered Jones the opportunity to fight in his backyard, now they will give him the chance to prove that he belongs on the CES roster long term; a win over former top prospect Kris Moutinho at CES 50 could solidify his spot with the premier organization in New England.
Last fight: Unanimous Decision victory over Quentin Gaskins at CES NY 1.
Breakdown: There is no doubt that Moutinho will be looking to silence his naysayers and put himself back in line, as a top Bantamweight contender in the CES organization. Moutinho is less than a year removed from being one of the most widely talked about striking prospects in the Bantamweight division, and Kris has aspirations of bringing those talks back to light when he takes on Long Island’s Al Jones. Jones showed that he is a well rounded martial artist in his victory against Quentin Gaskins at CES NY1 but Moutinho should offer a different look in the striking department (than that of Gaskins) and Jones should be advised to take this fight to Moutinho and make it ugly, as not to allow Moutinho to deploy his stylish striking techniques.
Jose Lugo (2-0) v. Michael Taylor (1-1)
Flyweight
Jose “El Salvage” Lugo
Affiliation: BST MMA
Record: 2-0 (1 Knockout, 1 Submission)
Summary: After an impressive first round comeback Submission of Michael Taylor in his pro debut at CES 47, Lugo was facing more adversity in his second professional fight against Carlos Rodriguez at CES 49 before an early second round injury to Rodriguez allowed Lugo to capitalize on his second professional victory. Lugo looks to make good on his first professional bout as he tries to hand Michael Taylor his second consecutive loss.
Last fight: Second round Knockout (Injury) of Carlos Rodriguez at CES 49 Curtis v. Norwood.
Michael “Titan” Taylor
Affiliation: Cortland MMA
Record: 1-1 (1 Knockout)
Summary: Michael Taylor looked to have the upper hand in the striking department in his first bout with Lugo, but Taylor could not keep Lugo at distance and ended up getting out grappled by the much less-lengthy Lugo on his way to a first round submission loss. Taylor took the loss as a learning experience and hopes to show that he has patched the holes in his game when the two Flyweight run it back in the CES cage.
Last fight: First round Submission loss to Jose Lugo at CES 47: Rebello v. Brown.
Breakdown: Lugo showed that Michael Taylor’s length was no match for his high level grappling in their first scrap, taking Taylor to the mat with little effort and ultimately submitting the much taller new comer. Taylor never had the opportunity to open up and let his hands go before Lugo was able to lock up the choke for the submission. Lugo hopes that their rematch will go much the same way as the first fight, as he will once again be looking to close the distance and put the pressure on Taylor. It will be up to Taylor to use his jab as well as other strikes to keep Lugo at reach and keep the fight on the feet where Taylor’s lengthy frame will play to his favor.
Maria Rivera (2-0) v. Mallory Martin (3-2)
Strawweight
Maria Rivera
Affiliation: Framingham TKD
Record: 2-0 (1 Knockout)
Summary: After a jaw dropping drubbing of Sarah Click at CES 41, in her Pro Debut, Framingham’s rising Strawweight; Maria Rivera showed her Heart, as well as a very well rounded MMA game to eek out a narrow decision over Jessica Sotak at CES 42. As Rivera continues to develop so do her challengers, as Rivera lines up with her toughest opponent to date in former LFA and Invicta Strawweight; Mallory Martin at CES 50.
Last fight: Unanimous decision victory over Jessica Sotak at CES 42: Curtis v. Santiago.
Mallory Martin
Affiliation: Tiger Muay Thai
Record: 3-2 (1 Knockout, 1 Submission)
Summary: Currently on the most impressive ride of her professional career, Martin is coming off back to back finishes of Tiffany Masters (Invicta) and Linsey Williams (LFA) following two Decision losses in her prior two bouts. Mallory has never been in an easy fight having been locked in there with some of the best regional Strawweight talent, in front of some pretty big audiences for both LFA and Invicta, Martin will be no stranger to the atmosphere at Twin River Casino.
Last fight: Second round Submission (Choke) of Linsey Williams at LFA 38: Hughes v. Greene.
Breakdown: The time is now for Rivera to show the world that she is indeed worthy of such high praise in the Strawweight division. Maria has shown stylish striking as well as above average grappling defense on her way to two impressive victories to commence her professional career in the CES cage. Enter Mallory Martin; a talented, well rounded fighter with the ability to finish fights both standing or on the mat. Both women are enjoying two fight win streaks currently and will be looking to keep their streaks rolling with a highlight reel finish, and further propel themselves up the Strawweight rankings.
Jon Manley (11-4) v. Jeremiah Wells (4-1-1)
Welterweight
Jon Manley
Affiliation: Jon Manley MMA
Record: 11-4 (5 Submissions)
Summary: Since Manley’s return to New England, following his run on the Ultimate Fighter and subsequently in the UFC, Manley has drawn some of the toughest competition one could imagine in the Welterweight Division. Manley followed a decision loss to Manny Walo in his last CES appearance (CES 44, May 2017), by reeling off back to back wins against Former New England Fights (NEF) Stars; Michael Hansen and Ryan Sanders. Manley will look to prove he is one of the region’s best Welterweight when he sets his sights on his third consecutive victory as the bell signals the start of his bout with Jeremiah Wells.
Last fight: Unanimous decision victory over Ryan Sanders at AMMO Fight League 4: House of Pain.
Jeremiah Wells
Affiliation: Renzo Gracie Philly
Record: 4-1-1 (2 Knockouts, 2 Submissions)
Summary: Wells dropped a ton of jaws, including that of Gary Balletto Jr., when he stunned the CES faithful in his promotional debut with a first round knockout of the top Welterweight prospect and fan favorite; Balletto at CES 49. Wells will hope to leave Twin River in the same state of disbelief when he crosses one of New England’s most successful Welterweight veterans in Jon Manley, in attempts to notch his fifth stoppage victory, against just one lone loss as a professional.
Last fight: First round Knockout of Gary Balletto Jr. at CES 49: Curtis v. Norwood.
Breakdown: Jon Manley has made an name for himself, throughout his career by breaking the will of his opponents. Manley shows up to every fight with intentions of bringing his adversary into deep waters and grinding them out until they either submit or are saved by the bell. Manley does a great job using his striking to close the distance on his opponents, once inside Manley is suffocating, employing a sticky style of grappling that has sent him on his way to 11 victories as a professional. Jeremiah Wells on the other hand has no time to get into a war with Manley, Wells will be going out there with one goal; finishing the fight early and getting his hand raised. Wells has finished all four of his professional wins and will have no desire to fall into the drowning waters of Jon Manley.
Dinis Paiva (11-6) v. Andre Ewell (12-4)
Bantamweight (Title)
Dinis “Sweetbread” Paiva
Affiliation: Juniko/Sityodtong Boston
Record: 11-6 (6 Knockouts, 2 Submissions)
Summary: Dinis Paiva is a man that needs little introduction in the New England MMA arena, as East Providence’s own son; “Sweetbread” is on one of the most impressive streaks in New England Bantamweight history, having his hand raised in eight of his last nine contests on his way to a well deserved shot at the CES Bantamweight World title. Owner of five knockouts over that impressive span to go along with one submission, Paiva will be looking to leave fight fans with little doubt as to who is atop the New England crop of 135ers as he pushes the pace towards his ninth stoppage victory to go along with his first CES World Title.
Last fight: Unanimous decision victory over Kevin Barberena at CES 48: Rebello v. Wiuff.
Andre “Afro Monkey” Ewell
Affiliation: APEX MMA
Record: 12-4 (7 Knockouts, 3 Submissions)
Summary: Like his adversary; Paiva, California’s Ewell enjoys leaving little doubt in the minds of his viewers, racking up ten stoppage victories over his 12 professional wins. Ewell opened the eyes of AXS TV fight fans last time out, when he made quick work of Trent Meaux, knocking him out in the first round in his LFA debut on AXS TV. The task doesn’t get any easier as Ewell draws main event status when he locks horns with Paiva for the CES World Bantamweight Title.
Last fight: First round Knockout (Punch) of Trent Meaux at LFA 36: Simon v. Zani
Breakdown: This fight has everything you look for in a main event at CES; on one side you have, perhaps, the promotions most charismatic and beloved fighter in “Sweetbread” Paiva, a man that has done a lot of growing up in the CES cage. Once a sub .500 fighter as a professional (3-5 in his first eight fights)Paiva has kept his nose to the grindstone, training hard in efforts to become a successful fighter and do his hometown of Providence proud. Over his last nine bouts Paiva has done just that, recording eight wins and quickly becoming the top Bantamweight in the CES catalog. Paiva has used both his high energy and heavy hands to carve his path towards the Bantamweight title shot he so desperately desired. Paiva receives that shot Friday night when he stands across the cage from another exciting, high energy Bantamweight, LFA veteran; Andre Ewell. Ewell’s style would remind CES fans a lot of Paiva’s, both fighters like to take the center of the cage early and keep their opponents fighting with their backs to the cage. Both fighters also like to let their hands do the talking; combining for 13 knockouts throughout their professional careers. I expect this fight to move very quickly, with both fighters looking to establish their dominance early, which could lead to a very quick pace throughout the fight, both fighters being eager to test the chin of their opponent. Paiva is a smart fighter and does an excellent job recognizing when his game plan is not effective. If this fight starts out as I imagine it will, I will look to Paiva’s high fight I.Q. to come into play, and for him to utilize his grappling in efforts to slow Ewell down and change the pace of the fight. Regardless of the pace of this fight, I do not see it going to the judges scorecards. I will be bracing myself for a ton of back and forth action leading up to the final bell of this slugfest for the CES Bantamweight World Title!