CES MMA 48: Wiuff vs. Rebello Preview
Travis Lizotte
Friday February 2nd, CES MMA will host its first show of the 2018 fight season live from the Twin River Casino event center in Lincoln, Rhode Island and as always will feature a Main Card that airs live nationally on AXS tv. Fights. CES 48 boasted a fight card that was originally billed as the return of Featherweight Champion Matt Bessette, defending his title for a third time against California’s Jamall Emmers (12-3). However, with the UFC in town and an injury to former Ultimate Fighter Latin America winner Enrique Barzola’s opponent, Bessette jumped at his opportunity to pursue a dream and fight for the UFC on just ten days notice in front of some of his hometown fans at the TD Garden in Boston. With former headliner Matt Bessette off to Boston to fight for the sports biggest promotion at UFC 220, CES Matchmaker Pat Sullivan wasted little time doing what he does best; matching big fights. As the promotion’s Matchmaker killed two birds with one stone by signing UFC, Pride FC and Bellator Veteran Travis "Diesel" Wiuff (75-21) to fight Heavyweight fan-favorite; Greg Rebello (23-8) as the “New” Main Event for CES 48. Not only did the announcement add hype to an already exciting lineup of fights featured on the CES 48 fight card, but the fight will allow the promotion to crown a new Heavyweight Champion as it looks to replace it’s recently retired Heavyweight Champion; Juliano Coutinho, who announced his retirement from professional combat sports two weeks ago and just four months after achieving the Heavyweight crown with a second round TKO of former Champion Ashley Gooch. Rebello versus Wiuff adds a high profile Title Fight and Main Event to a card that already features some of the most exciting prospects in all of New England MMA.
The co-main event features a man with 17 career fights inside the CES cage dating back to the promotions second event; at CES 2 in 2010, a man that needs little introduction to the CES fans, a man they call “Sweetbread.” Dinis Paiva (10-6) looks to add to his three fight winning streak when he meets Minnesota’s Kevin Barberena (5-3), Barberena who is a full time wildlife firefighter when he is not training for a fight and will be looking to put out the fire that is Dinis Paiva, when the bell sounds Friday night. Also on the Main Card; Manchester, New Hampshire veteran Middleweight Tim “The Bear” Caron (8-1) will square off against fellow Bellator veteran Timothy “The Good Soldier” Woods (7-5). Boston’s Bantamweight prospect Rico DiSciullo (8-1) will be looking for his ninth victory when he throws down against Colorado’s Jaime Hernandez (3-1) in Hernandez’s first fight on the East coast. Also highly anticipated prospect and undefeated Featherweight Dylan Lockard (3-0) will put his clean record on the line when he meets New York’s Shane Manley (3-3) at the center of the CES cage. Also former Featherweight prospect Brian Marino (5-1) makes his long awaited return to the cage against Jerome Mickle (2-3).
The night will kickoff with an Undercard that is slated to include; two Women’s Strawweight prospects when Hilarie Rose (Pro Debut) takes on Linsey Williams (1-2). Rising stars Brendan Marotte (vs. Jhon Costa) Tommy Davis (vs. Armus Guyton) and Fabio Chrant (vs. James Dysard) all make their CES and Professional debuts to round out and intriguing night of fights at CES 48. Tickets can be purchased by visiting CESMMA.com or CageTix.com/CES or by visiting the Twin River Casino box office. Below is a breakdown of each fight on the card:
Click Below for our breakdown of the Entire CES MMA 48 fight card:
Fabio Cherant (Pro-Debut) v. James Dysard (0-3)
Light- Heavyweight
Fabio Cherant
Affiliation: Juniko
Record: Debut (3-1 as Amateur)
Summary: Fabio finished his Amateur career on a high note, after righting the only wrong on his resume by dispatching former foe; Ron Marshall via first round submission. Cherant opened his Amateur career losing a tough fought decision to Marshall, both fights coming under the Cage Titans banner.
Last fight: First round Submission Choke of Ron Marshall at Cage Titans 34.
James Dysard
Affiliation: Underdogs
Record: 0-3 (3 losses by first round Knockout)
Summary: For New York’s Dysard a win is everything at this point in his career, after suffering early first round losses in each of his first three professional bouts. Dysard needs to have a career like performance to make his case to keep fighting for the CES Promotion.
Last fight: First round Knockout loss to Yorgan De Castro at CES 47: Rebello v. Brown.
Breakdown: Most New England MMA fans are well aware of Cherant, who has finished his last three contests by choking his adversary into submission. Fabio will make his highly anticipated Professional debut against a man who continues to draw some of the toughest Light-Heavyweights on the CES roster; James Dysard. Dysard has previously fallen victim to both Yorgan De Castro and Mike Rodriguez in the CES cage; both by TKO, just :39 seconds into round one. Dysard will have his hands full once again as he struggles to keep his head above water against the dynamic Fabio Cherant!
Hilarie Rose (Pro-Debut) v. Linsey Williams (1-2)
Strawweight
Hilarie Rose
Affiliation: USMMA
Record: Debut (5-3 as Amateur)
Summary: 25 year old Massachusetts native and veteran of both NEF and Cage Titans over her Amateur career; Hilarie Rose has achieved “top-prospect” status entering her professional debut. Having earned her spot with CES, a promotion that could help her propel her career, a win against another highly anticipated Strawweight could send her vaulting up the Regional ranks.
Last fight: First round Knockout of Alex Walker at NEF 31: The Old Port.
Linsey “Wonder Woman” Williams
Affiliation: Minnesota Martial Arts Academy
Record: 1-2 (Win By Decision)
Summary: After seeing her early professional career sputter slightly, going 1-2 for another “Premier” Regional Promotion; Legacy Fighting Alliance, Linsey Williams is still considered a top prospect in Women’s MMA and looks to another Top Organization; in CES, to showcase her skills.
Last fight: First round Knockout loss to Sabina Mazo Isaza at LFA 23: Krantz v. Nakashima.
Breakdown: Hilarie Rose finished her Amateur career on a three fight win streak culminating in her capturing of the New England Fights Strawweight Championship in November by first round TKO. Rose is one of the biggest women’s prospects in all of New England and will start her Professional career off with one of the toughest fights she could ask for. As Massachusetts’ Hilary Rose welcomes highly ranked Minnesota prospect Linsey Williams, East; for an exciting showdown between highly skilled 115 pound women!
Tommy Davis (Pro-Debut) v. Armus Guyton (Pro-Debut)
Middleweight
Tommy Davis
Affiliation: Sityodtong Boston
Record: Debut (4-1 as Amateur)
Summary: Tommy Davis has been the recipient of high praise since he first stepped into an MMA cage, backed by one of the most successful camps on the Eastern Seaboard; Sityodtong Boston, the sky could very well be the limit for Tommy Davis.
Last fight: Split Decision victory over Jon McNeil at Combat Zone 62: Legendary.
Armus Guyton
Affiliation: Team Bombsquad
Record: Debut (8-4 as Amateur)
Summary: Guyton had an impressive Amateur career that saw him capture the Gladius Fights Middleweight Title twice before deciding to vacate his title and turn pro for CES. In four of Armus’ eight wins as an Amateur, Guyton finished his opponent (3 Knockouts and 1 Submission) and will be looking for a finish to start his pro career off in style.
Last fight: Unanimous Decision victory over Cameron McClaney at Gladius Fights 25.
Breakdown: Davis and Guyton each hold three knockout finishes to their credit and will be looking to welcome one another to the professional ranks by shutting the other’s lights out. I see both fighters coming to the CES cage for the first time looking to cement their spots on the CES MMA roster by making a statement in their promotional debut.
Brendon Marotte (Pro-Debut) v. Jhon Costa (Pro-Debut)
Featherweight
Brendon Marotte
Affiliation: Professional Martial Arts Academy
Record: Debut (5-2 as Amateur)
Summary: Marotte had an impressive Amateur career holding the Combat Zone Featherweight Title before losing it in a close decision to now CES prospect; John Douma. Having wars with both Douma and Danny Abad under his belt, Marotte looks to start his Professional career with a big win as he makes his climb up the New England Featherweight ranks.
Last fight: Unanimous Decision loss to John Douma at Combat Zone: Resurrection, Featherweight Title Defense.
Jhon Costa
Affiliation: Boston Brazilian Martial Arts Center
Record: Debut
Summary: Costa will be making his CES Debut at CES 48 and will have his hands full with former Combat Zone Amateur Champion; Brendon Marotte. Costa will be looking to dispatch the talented prospect and make a name for himself in front of a packed CES crowd.
Last fight: Fight Record Not Available.
Breakdown: Virtually unknown Jhon Costa will be stepping up to welcome highly anticipated Featherweight prospect Brendon Marotte to the Professional ranks as both square off at 145 pounds. Marotte has seen his fair share of decisions victories in his career but with so much to prove in his first taste of the CES spotlight. Both fighters should be gunning for a finish when the cage closes Friday night and they write the next chapter in their young careers.
Brian Marino (5-1) v. Jerome Mickle (2-3)
Catchweight (160 pounds)
Brian “BJ” Marino
Affiliation: Lauzon MMA
Record: 5-1 (2 Knockout, 2 Submissions)
Summary: Seven years, two tours in Afghanistan as well as the birth of his son, was not enough to quench the thirst once filled by MMA for North Attleboro’s Brian Marino. Once 5-1 as a professional and one of the biggest prospects on the New England scene, Marino looks to show that his stint with the Army did not end his career, just prolonged it. The Lauzon MMA product looks to continue the career he put on hold seven years ago and make the climb back to the top of the Featherweight scene in New England when he enters the CES cage for the very first time.
Last fight: First round TKO (Retirement) of Dan Bonnell at AFO: Thanksgiving Massacre 3. (November 24th, 2010)
Jerome Mickle
Affiliation: STRIKING 101
Record: 2-3 (1 Knockout)
Summary: Mickle has battled some top competition throughout his professional career on his way to a 2-3 record including losses to former CES cambatants Nick Alley and Anthony Giacchina. Mickle is no stranger to the big stage having fought Giacchina at Madison Square Garden for Bellator NYC in June of last year. Jerome will also be making his CES debut after fighting predominantly for Ring of Combat.
Last fight: Decision loss to Nekruz Merkhojaev at Ring of Combat 60.
Breakdown: Marino brings a lot of hype with him to the cage, as well as a lot of unknowns, a seven year layoff is not easy hurdle to overcome for any professional athlete, but Marino wants to leave no question that his tour in the Army only fueled his will to fight as the looks to make an example of New York’s Mickle. Mickle has found himself in some big spots in his career in the sport but never against the level of competitor as Marino. With both men eager to prove a point, in their CES debuts, this fight could prove to be very interesting and exciting as we get a look at what both fighters are can be capable of.
Dylan Lockard (3-0) v. Shane Manley (3-3)
Featherweight
Dylan Lockard
Affiliation: Professional Martial Arts Academy
Record: 3-0 (1 Knockout, 1 Submission)
Summary: It’s been seven men up and seven men down (4-0 as an Amateur and 3-0 as a Pro) for the Danville, NH native, including a 2-0 record inside the CES cage. After his matchup with Ahsan Abdullah was cancelled at CES 45, Lockard is excited to get back in the cage for New England’s top Promotion and keep that zero in the loss column intact.
Last fight: First round Knockout of Brandon Odom at Combat Zone 62: Legendary.
Shane Manley
Affiliation: Team Bombsquad
Record: 3-3 (1 Submission)
Summary: Manley has fought just 2 times (1-1) since he was knocked out by Cody Garbrandt in 2013, yes; that Cody Garbrandt, including a first round Submission of Taylor Trehan at CES 31 and a grueling Split Decision loss to Chris Foster at Bellator 178 last April. At 3-3 on his career Manley has faced some of the toughest competition a six fight veteran could imagine.
Last fight: Split Decision loss to Chris Foster at Bellator 178: Pitbull v Straus 4.
Breakdown: Although this fight may look lopsided on paper; a fast rising undefeated prospect versus a .500 journeyman fighter, that couldn’t be further from the truth. This is without a doubt the most dangerous opponent Dylan Lockard has faced in his entire career. Manley has been tested by one of the best Bantamweights in the sport in Cody Garbrandt, and came up just short against WSOF and Bellator veteran Chris Foster in his last fight. Lockard will have his hands full as he attempts to get out of Twin River Casino still undefeated and riding high.
Rico DiSciullo (8-1) v. Jaime Hernandez (2-1)
Bantamweight
Rico DiSciullo
Affiliation: Sityodtong Boston
Record: 8-1 (2 Knockouts, 2 Submissions)
Summary: After fighting his entire career between both Bellator (2-0 with 1 No Contest) and CES (6-1) Rico has been making a name for himself under the bright lights his entire professional career. Rico hopes to gain attention from the UFC, as he attempts secure his 9th win in his first ten professional decisions. An exciting finish would help Rico get that attention he is looking for, as he continues his dream of fighting on the World’s grandest stage.
Last fight: First round Submission Choke of Seth Basler at CES 46: Howard vs. Carroll.
Jaime Hernandez
Affiliation: Pariah MMA
Record: 2-1 (1 Knockout, 1 Decision)
Summary: After starting his career 1-1, Hernandez stunned previously undefeated Steve Perez (3-1) with a first round Choke at Annihilation 60 after nearly a 18 month layoff from the cage. Jaime has another upset in mind as he travels to New England to take on DiSciullo.
Last fight: First round Submission Choke of Steve Perez at NMEF:Annihilation 60.
Breakdown: DiSciullo continues to be one of the most talented fighters in New England who hasn’t yet made his appearance in the UFC. At 8-1 DiScuillo makes a strong case for the call up to the UFC, but if he cannot get past Colorado’s Hernandez, Rico’s climb up the Bantamweight ladder could take a significant hit. Speaking of significant hits, I fully expect Boston’s DiScuillo to to go out and put on an exciting performance as he has done so many times in the CES cage. Hernandez is no slouch and could make a name for himself by outlasting DiScuillo in what proves to be the toughest fight of Hernandez’s career. DiScuillo will obviously have other plans as he finds himself back on the AXS tv Main Card infront of his home crowd!
Tim Caron (8-1) v. Timothy Woods (7-5)
Middleweight
Tim “The Bear” Caron
Affiliation: Burgess MMA
Record: 8-1 (4 Knockouts, 4 Submissions)
Summary: Caron bounced back from the first loss of his career; a first round Submission loss to Jordan Young (8-0) at Bellator 178 in April, when he handed out a first round Submission of his own to Mitch Whitesel at Combat Zone in November. Tim has finished his opponent in all eight of his career wins.
Last fight: First round Submission choke of Mitch Whitesel as Combat Zone 64: Glory.
Timothy “The Good Soldier” Woods
Affiliation: Team Lloyd Irvin
Record: 7-5 (4 Knockouts, 2 Submissions)
Summary: Woods has had quite an eventful career in MMA spanning the better part of the last decade. During his ten years as a pro Woods has thrown down with some very recognizable names in the Middleweight Division including former UFC fighters Jon “War Machine”Koppenhaver and Ron Stallings as well as Bellator veteran Sam Oropeza on his was to a career 7-5 mark.
Last fight: Unanimous Decision loss to Dequan Townsend at FSF MMA: The New Beginning.
Breakdown: Both fighters have run the gauntlet through the Middleweight division during their careers in the sport and although its Tim Caron that boasts the better of the records I could still see this fight going either way. Given their resumes this fight could have very well appeared on a Bellator card sooner than later and makes a huge addition of star like power to what is a very deeply talented CES 48 card. Once the CES cage door closes behind these men for the first time the fans should be treated to a fight that could have very well taken place on the national level and should result in a performance worthy of Main Event status. Both fighters possess extreme power and finishing ability that should have the CES crowd on the edge of their seats.
Dinis Paiva (10-6) v. Kevin Barberena (5-3)
Featherweight
Dinis “Sweetbread” Paiva
Affiliation: Sityodtong Boston
Record: 10-6 (6 Knockouts, 2 Submissions)
Summary: All sixteen of Paiva’s professional bouts have come inside the CES cage, and “Sweetbread” has made his name as one of the most exciting fighters ever to fight for the promotion whether it be in victory or in defeat. Paiva is on the best run of his career having been victorious in seven of his last eight contests including five knockouts over that span. With another impressive victory Paiva could put his name in contention to fight for the Featherweight belt left vacant by Matt Bessette’s departure to the UFC.
Last fight: Second round Knockout of Branden Seyler Sr. at CES 46: Howard vs. Carroll.
Kevin Barberena
Affiliation: Average Joe's MMA
Record:5-3 (4 Submissions)
Summary: Brother of current UFC Welterweight Bryan “Bam Bam” Barberena, Minnesota’s Lightweight Kevin Barberena is on a current three fight win streak and has not lost a fight since 2013. Having finished each of his last three opponents by submission, Barberena likes his chances when the fight goes to the ground.
Last fight: First round Submission of Peter Quezada at Aggression Session: Anarchy.
Breakdown: East Providence's Dinis Paiva has one of the the most storied resumes the CES promotion has ever seen, grinding out an exciting professional career of 16 fight that have all taken place inside the CES cage. Aside from a loss to Kody Nordby at CES 31, Paiva has dominated both the Featherweight and Bantamweight divisions at CES since 2014, on his way to becoming one of the promotions biggest stars. In true Paiva fashion I expect "Sweetbread" to come out swinging in this contest against against Minnesota's Barberena who could pose some trouble for Paiva if the fight makes it to the ground. Barberena is the owner of four submission victories over his five career wins as a professional and even thought he is most comfortable on the mat, he is not afraid to stand and trade blows with a striker. This fight should be right on par with most Paiva performances inside the CES cage, as Dinis Paiva is never part of a boring fight. Circle this fight as an early contender for performance of the night honors.
Greg Rebello (23-8) v. Travis Wiuff (75-21-1)
Heavyweight
Greg “Ribz” Rebello
Affiliation: Sityodtong Boston
Record: 23-8 (14 Knockouts, 2 Submissions)
Summary: Rebello landed his 14th career Knockout last time out when he need just 82 seconds to stop South Carolina’s Derrick Brown with punches at CES 47. This is just another feather in the cap of one of the most dangerous Heavyweights to ever walk through the New England MMA cages. Rebello looks to claim his spot as the promotion’s “Baddest Heavyweight” when he looks to secure the Heavyweight title and add yet another achievement to an already storied career.
Last fight: First round Knockout (punches) of Derrick Brown at CES 47: Rebello v. Brown.
Travis “Diesel” Wiuff
Affiliation: Elite Performance MMA
Record: 75-21-1 (24 Knockouts, 25 Submissions )
Summary: A veteran of 97 confirmed professional fights within some of the worlds largest promotions, including the UFC and Bellator, Wiuff has seen just about anything you can imagine over his 16 plus years in the cage. Wiuff has lost three of his last five fights, however a Heavyweight with as much experience as Wiuff brings to the cage is always dangerous once that bell rings, now put a belt on the line and anything is bound to happen.
Last fight: First round Submission choke of Ron Carter at KOTC: Equalizer.
Breakdown: CES fans have been waiting anxiously to see the promotion’s most loved Heavyweight finally get another shot at CES Heavyweight gold. It’s been over 18 months since Ashley Gooch shocked the CES crowd by handing Rebello a third round TKO loss in Rebello’s first attempt to capture the promotion’s top Heavyweight honor. Since the loss to Gooch, Rebello has gone 3-0 in the promotions Heavyweight division earning him another shot at the Heavyweight belt recently vacated by former Champion Juliano Coutinho. Adding a Heavyweight title to Greg’s already impressive resume looks to be the missing piece in Ribz legacy as one of the best Heavyweights to call New England home. Standing in Rebello’s way will be 16 year veteran of the Heavyweight division; Travis Wiuff. Wiuff is a veteran of 97 fights against some of the most well known fighters in the sports history. Wiuff carries with him countless experiences inside the cage and only time will tell if he has ever seen the talented striking ability that Rebello possesses in the Heavyweight division. Rebello possesses some of the most technical and lethal striking we have ever seen from a Heavyweight, all the while maintaining the power one would expect from a man the size of Rebello. Greg should also like his chances if this fight goes to the ground giving Rebello an opportunity to show a pretty slick ground game that he doesn't always get to showcase because of his ability to keep fights standing. Wiuff’s experience cannot be overlooked as he is capable of dethroning any Heavyweight he gets locked inside the cage with. This fight should provide a very exciting end to what should be an explosive night of action at CES 48 at Twin River Casino.