CES MMA 49: Curtis vs. Norwood
Travis Lizotte
Friday night, CES MMA will once again light up the events center at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island as two of the promotion’s Championship belts will be on the line, in one of the most highly anticipated fight cards in New England MMA history. Stacked from top to bottom with high quality home grown talent as well as fierce competition from all corners of the United States CES 49 is the can’t miss card of 2018. AXS TV Fight’s Pat Miletich and Ron Kruk will team up with the Burchfield’s to play host, as New England’s premier promotion; CES MMA, puts both bragging rights and Championship belts on the line. In the night’s first Championship clash Providence, Rhode Island’s own Nate “The Snake” Andrews (12-1) will look to punch his ticket to the UFC by claiming the vacant CES Lightweight Championship Belt in a co-feature scheduled for five rounds, against 22 year old Californian prospect; Chris “Taco” Padilla (9-3). Andrews has long been amongst the speculation of a UFC call up, as the UFC continues to feed on the talent rich divisions of CES MMA. Padilla will enter the cage poised to put those aspirations on hold at least for the time being. In Friday’s Main Event, current CES Welterweight Champion Chris “The Action Man” Curtis (17-5) will put his belt on the line against United States Army Major; Jason Norwood (18-4) in a fight which also carries high UFC call up implications. Cutis is widely considered one of the top fighters not yet competing amongst the ranks of the UFC and Norwood could vault himself into that discussion with a win over the current Champion. Norwood is a very dangerous opponent that should pose one of the toughest threats of Curtis’ career.
With Title matches set to co-headline CES 49 the remainder of the Main card packs a lot promise as well. Cranston, Rhode Island’s Gary “Batman” Balletto Jr. (5-1) will take the next step in his bright career as he draws Philadelphia’s Jeremiah Wells (3-1) in a Welterweight slugfest. The Phenom Flyweight; Richie Santiago (6-0) will put his unblemished record on the line against New Yorker Matt Almy (3-2). Fall River’s Kaline Medeiros (8-6) returns to New England following a title run with Invicta FC as she takes on Brooklyn’s Jenna Serio (3-2). Rhode Island’s OG Sean Soriano (10-5) makes is another go around in the CES cage when the former UFC fighter welcomes former Bellator veteran Jonathan Gary (13-9-3) to the ‘Ocean State’ in a Featherweight showdown. Providence’s Marquis Brewster (4-0) will round out the main card with what should prove to be the toughest fight of his career against Michigan’s Shawn “Tha Quick” Mack (6-4) as Bantamweights kick off the nationally televised portion of CES 49.
The nights undercard will not disappoint as CES lines up four of its top up and coming fighters against other hungry regional talent; Team Link Hooksett’s Terrance Jean-Jacques will make his Professional Debut against Team Bombsquad’s Mark Glover who will also be making his Pro Debut in the Light- Heavyweight Division. Former Amateur Champions Pat Casey (1-0) and Ryan Castro (Debut) will share the CES cage in the Lightweight Division. Woonsocket, Rhode Island’s Jose Lugo (1-0) welcomes the Bronx New York’s Carlos Rodriguez Jr. (Debut) to the Pro ranks in a Flyweight contest. And fast rising Providence, Rhode Island native; John Douma (2-0) looks to add another first round finish to his record at the expense of New York’s Zachary Burhans (3-1). CES MMA 49 kicks off live from Twin River at 7 pm Eastern Friday night, April 6th 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.
Terrance Jean-Jacques (Debut) v. Mark Glover (Debut)
Light-Heavyweight
Terrance “T-Bone” Jean-Jacques
Affiliation: Team Link Hooksett
Record: Debut (3-0 Amateur)
Summary: Terrance spent the early part of his combat sports career training for the WWE following a successful collegiate wrestling career. Equipt with one of the more intimidating physiques in New England and the powerful wrestling techniques to match, along with the coaching from one of the best around in Ed Carr, Terrance’s future in MMA continues to beam brightly as he makes his Professional debut! Terrance Captured the NEF Heavyweght Amateur Title in his final Amateur contest with a win over previously undefeated Nick Gulliver.
Last fight: Unanimous decision victory over Nick Gulliver at NEF 31: The Old Port.
Mark “Lion Heart” Glover
Affiliation: Team Bombsquad
Record: Debut (6-4 Amateur)
Summary: Of the six wins Glover accrued as an Amateur, all came by finish (5 Knockouts, 1 Submission) and five of those finishes came in the very first round! The lone Submission coming his last time out; when he choked out Trevor Gibbons to claim the Gladius Fights Heavyweight Amateur title.
Last fight: First round Submission of Trevor Gibbons at Gladius Fights 29.
Breakdown: The cage integrity will be tested early as two former Amateur Heavyweight Champions will kick off the night with a powerful matchup in the Light-Heavyweight division. Jean-Jacques will need to deploy his powerful Wrestling techniques in effort to neutralize the Knockout power of Glover. This is a clash of two differing styles and the result will hinge on which fighter can successfully carry out their game plan.
Pat Casey (1-0) v. Ryan Castro (Debut)
Lightweight
Pat “The Gorilla Ninja” Casey
Affiliation: Team Link
Record: 1-0 (Unanimous Decision)
Summary: Casey has gained some notoriety around New England for fighting men of all sizes, Casey held amateur belts at both Welterweight and Middleweight for Premier FC. Casey made his Professional debut in February as a Lightweight when he outpointed Tyler Hamilton at Bellator 194.
Last fight: Unanimous Decision victory over Tyler Hamilton at Bellator 194: Nelson vs. Mitrione 2.
Ryan “Loborious” Castro
Affiliation: No Limits Kickboxing
Record: Debut (10-4 Amateur)
Summary: With six finishes in ten Amateur victories Castro goes into every fight looking to end it early. Ryan has spent the majority of his Amateur career fighting in both the Lightweight and Welterweight divisions having won titles for several promotions, in three different weight classes (155, 165, 170). Castro looks to continue his success as a Professional this time, as he squares off with the dynamic Pat Casey.
Last fight: Third round Submission (Choke) of Tim Ring at Triton Fights 5.
Breakdown: This fight pits two fighters with similarly successful Amateur careers, both having held Amateur Titles in multiple weight classes, in a fight that Castro acknowledges he always anticipated happening. Castro added that he; “is very excited to be fighting under this promotion, against a very highly rooted Prospect.” in Pat Casey. This fight has all the makings of being a back and forth battle between two well round Martial Artists with their careers set on a ‘crash course.’
Jose Lugo (1-0) v. Carlos Rodriguez (Debut)
Flyweight
Jose “El Salvaje” Lugo
Affiliation: BST MMA
Record: 1-0 (1 Submission)
Summary: Puerto Rican Flyweight Lugo, started his Professional career off by putting the entire division on notice last time out, when he took just over three minutes to submit Michael Taylor at CES 47. Lugo will look to ruin yet another professional debut as he welcomes Carlos Rodriguez Jr. to the CES cage.
Last fight: First round Submission (Choke) over Michael Taylor at CES 47: Rebello vs. Brown.
Carlos “The Natural” Rodriguez Jr.
Affiliation: Musukos MMA
Record: Debut (2-4 Amateur)
Summary: Rodriguez found success on the feet in his Amateur career gaining two wins by way of knockout. Rodriguez will likely look to keep this fight standing and hope that he can once again find a way to get his hand raised.
Last fight: Third round Submission loss to Danny Rodriguez at Aggressive Combat 17.
Breakdown: BST MMA’s Lugo is poised to welcome his second straight opponent to the Professional ranks in the CES cage. Lugo anticipates similar results to his fight with Michael Taylor at CES 47 as he aims for a second straight first round finish against Rodriguez. Rodriguez will likely be going for broke as he hopes to connect on a knockout and silence the CES crowd and slow the rising status of Lugo.
John Douma (2-0) v. Zach Burhans (3-1)
Featherweight
John Douma
Affiliation: Tri-Force MMA
Record: 2-0 (1 Knockout, 1 Submission)
Summary: At just 21 years of age, it looks like CES has one of their next biggest stars in the making in Tri-Force MMA’s John Douma. Since turning Pro in August of last year Douma has needed just under seven minutes combined to dispatch his first two foes, finishing Jason Rine (Submission) and Mark Trader (Knockout) each in the first round. Douma will be gunning for yet another first round finish Friday night as he looks to make Zach Burhans CES debut an ugly one!
Last fight: First round Knockout of Mark Trader at CES 47: Rebello vs. Brown.
Zach Burhans
Affiliation: Team Bombsquad
Record: 3-1 (1 Submission)
Summary: After a layoff from MMA competition of over six years Burhans will finally return to the cage Friday night with what will easily be the most daunting task of his career. Burhans will attempt to make his comeback to the sport against one of the fastest rising Featherweight prospects in the region for the biggest promotion on the East Coast when he matches whits will John Douma at CES 49.
Last fight: Knockout loss (Knee) to Steve McCabe at XFE Cage Wars in March of 2011.
Breakdown: New York’s Burhans hasn’t competed in the cage since 2011, when his opponent John Douma was just 14 years of age. Douma will be out to show Burhans that there is ‘a new kid in town’ as he looks to make Burhans his third straight first round finish to kick off his Professional career. Douma looks like he is the real deal, and it will take every bit of skill Burhans can muster if he is to prove otherwise.
Marquis Brewster (4-0) v. Shawn Mack (6-4)
Bantamweight
Marquis Brewster
Affiliation: Tri-Force MMA/ New England Combat
Record: 4-0 (1 Knockout, 1 Submission)
Summary: Brewster landed the first of what he hopes to be many Knockouts in his professional career at CES 46 against Raymond Yanez and further improved his Professional record to a clean 4-0. ‘Quis will face his toughest Professional matchup to date in Shawn Mack, but the Providence, RI native Brewster told FightbookMMA.com that he is “Trying to Plank this kid.” Brewster who is a regular at Tri-Force MMA has spent much of this training camp training with Nate Andrews at New England Combat, as Andrews trains for his own fight on this same card, for the vacant; CES Lightweight World Title.
Last fight: First round Knockout of Raymond Yanez at CES 46: Howard vs. Carroll.
Shawn “Tha Quick” Mack
Affiliation: Triumph MMA
Record: 6-4 (5 Submissions, 1 Knockout)
Summary: CES fans will remember Shawn Mack from CES 47 when the Lansing,Michigan native fell victim to Richie Santiago. Mack would like to change that perception and revert to the form that saw him finish six of his first eight Professional bouts before ending up on the wrong side of the decision in his last two fights. Mack possesses a slick submission game that that will undoubtedly have Marquis Brewster on his toes in this one.
Last fight: First round Knockout loss to Keith Lee at KOP 59.
Breakdown: Mack is without a doubt the toughest test to date for the undefeated Marquis Brewster, Mack has been heavily tested throughout his career fighting a majority of his fights in Michigan for Knockout Promotions and making his name as a tough customer in the Bantamweight division. Brewster has never looked better, following his first career knockout against Raymond Yanez, Marquis is poised to make a run in the CES Bantamweight division. Both of these fighters are highly skilled and possess the ability to finish in spectacular fashion, this should be a great fight with the possibility of being one of most closely contested matchups on the entire card.
Sean Soriano (10-5) v. Jonathan Gary (13-9-3)
Featherweight
Sean Soriano
Affiliation: Blackzilians / Team Soriano
Record: 10-5 (4 Knockouts, 3 Submissions)
Summary: It is no secret that Soriano is trying to turn his career around, after starting his career off 8-0 and earning a spot on the UFC roster. Woonsocket, RI native went on to lose five of his next six bouts before picking up a Second round TKO of Jacob Bohn at CES 44 last May. Soriano hopes that a return to New England, where he has lost only one fight in his career, will be the move that will revive the Featherweight’s career. Sean will be looking to take the second step towards his next winning streak as he draws the veteran of 25 professional fights; Bellator veteran, Jonathan Gary.
Last fight: Second round TKO (Kicks) of Jacob Bohn at CES 44: Bessette vs. Trujillo.
Jonathan “Junk Yard Dog” Gary
Affiliation: American Top Team OKC
Record: 13-9-3 (7 Knockouts, 3 Submissions)
Summary: Gary started his career off 5-1, with 4 knockouts in Japan before first competing stateside in 2012. Since the fast start Gary has been an even .500 fighter going 8-8-3 over the last five years, having competed in the United States, Japan, Brazil and El Salvador. Jonathan has fought four times under the Bellator MMA banner, following suit; going 2-2 for the Promotion. A victory over Soriano could garner Gary yet another look from a top regional promotion.
Last fight: Unanimous Decision loss to Takahiro Kawanaka at GRACHAN 34 x Brave Fight 16.
Breakdown: If Soriano, the first Rhode Island fighter to crack the UFC roster, hopes to find himself back in the sport’s top promotions he is going to have to start stacking up impressive wins. That mission continues for Soriano Friday night as he locks horns with Bellator veteran Jonathan Gary in a fight between two accomplished professionals looking to turn their careers around. Both men have fought adversity over the last couple years, after trying to live up to the hype they created for themselves early on. I have my heart set on watching two fighters gunning for knockouts when these guys take the cage, nothing makes more of a statement in a career defining fight than a dynamic finish.
Keline Medeiros (8-6) v. Jenna Serio (3-2)
Women’s Strawweight
Kaline “The Dark Angel” Medeiros
Affiliation: Juniko/ Gracie Fitness
Record: 8-6 (2 Knockouts, 1 Submission)
Summary: Following a 2-0 start to her Invicta FC campaign, Fall River, Massachusetts’ Medeiros found her name in the conversation for the promotions top Strawweights and earned herself a title shot against former Ultimate Fighter/ UFC competitor; Angela Hill. Kaline fought Hill to a five round decision that in the end, favored Hill. Hill would move on to the UFC with the win, and Kaline would go on to fight highly touted Prospect and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner Mackenzie Dern who submitted Kaline with just fifteen seconds left in their fight at Invicta 26, Dern would also go on to fight in the UFC. Following the back to back losses the Brazilian Medeiros, will now return to the place she calls home; New England, as she returns to the CES cage for the first time since 2014 at CES 24. Kaline can move her promotional mark to 3-0 Friday, as she lines up across from Jenna Serio at CES 49.
Last fight: Third round Submission loss to Mackenzie Dern at Invicta FC 26: Maia vs. Niedźwiedź.
Jenna “Savage” Serio
Affiliation: Tiger Schulmann’s MMA
Record: 3-2 (1 Knockout, 1 Submission)
Summary: Brooklyn, New York’s Serio comes into CES 49 as one of the biggest underdogs on the card and trying to play the role of spoiler. But don’t tell the 25 year old that, she fully intends on living up to that moniker, as she looks to disrupt the homecoming of Kaline Medeiros. Training out of Brooklyn’s Tiger Schulmann’s MMA, Serio intends to show the New England fans that she is not a name to be overlooked!
Last fight: Unanimous decision loss to Paulina Granados at Combate Americas 9: Empire Rising.
Breakdown: Mederios is looking forward to a homecoming after battling with some of the most talented Strawweights in the country for the Nationally acclaimed Invicta FC. The 39 year old Mederios comes into this fight heavily favored due to her experience against some of the best in the world over her four fights under the Invicta FC banner. Kaline will enter the 14 years the elder of Jenna Serio, who could jump start her career if she can attempt to catch lightning in a bottle, by grasping the victory from the hands of the fan favorite Mederios. Ultimately Kaline’s experience and overall abilities should neutralize that game of the lesser experienced Serio, but only time will tell.
Richie Santiago (6-0) v. Matt Almy (3-2)
Flyweight
Richie Santiago
Affiliation: BST MMA
Record: 6-0 (6 Submissions)
Summary: After starting his Professional career off predominantly in the Bantamweight division, Santiago returned to the Flyweight division, where he spent his entire Amateur career, at CES 47 against Miguel Restrepo. It may have been a different weight class, but it was more of the same for Santiago as he made it six for six as a Pro. Santiago did however face some of the toughest adversity of his career against Restrepo before securing the sixth submission wins as a Professional. Santiago continues to make his statement as one of the top Flyweight prospects in the Northeast, one neck at a time!
Last fight: Second round Submission (Choke) of Miguel Restrepo at CES 47: Bessette vs. Trujillo.
Matt Almy
Affiliation: Team Bombsquad
Record: 3-2 (1 Knockout, 2 Submissions)
Summary: With the Flyweight division still very much in it’s infancy at CES, when an opportunity presents itself in the division one would be wise to take it. The opportunity to fight Richie Santiago live on AXS tv is just what New York’s Almy was looking for following a submission loss to Reality Fighting Flyweight Champion Johnny Lopez in January of 2017. Almy now has the opportunity to mix up the entire Flyweight division if he can find a way to blemish the perfect record of the upstart Santiago.
Last fight: Third round Submission (Armlock) loss to Johnny Lopez at Reality Fighting.
Breakdown: Richie Santiago has Submitted his way into the Flocombat.com top ten rankings as one of the best Flyweight prospects in all of North America. Santiago continues to be a tall task for any fighter who steps up for their chance at an upset of the Milford, Massachusetts native. Miguel Restrepo had Santiago on the ropes for the first time in his Professional career in the first round of Santiago’s last fight, before Santiago eventually prevailed with yet another Submission victory to kick off his career. New York’s Almy will have to take a page out of Restrepo’s book and put Santiago in an uncomfortable place early if he hopes to survive the Submissions attacks of the 6-0 Milford Mauler; Santiago.
Gary Balletto Jr. (5-1) v. Jeremiah Wells (3-1-1)
Welterweight
Gary “Batman” Belletto Jr.
Affiliation: Tri-Force MMA
Record: 5-1 (2 Knockouts, 3 Submissions)
Summary: Cranston’s own Balletto continues to impress as one of the top prospects throughout the entire CES promotion. Gary’s boxing background has been long documented, following in the footsteps of his father Gary “Tiger” Balletto, but the more we see Balletto Jr. the more it becomes evident that this kid is a complete Mixed Martial Artist. Although Gary would always love to let his hands do the talking his wrestling and submission stills have been put on display on numerous occasions throughout his Professional career resulting in three wins by submission. Gary is confident wherever the fight ends up and is always eager to end his opponents night early!
Last fight: Third round Submission (Choke) of Sharif Jones at CES 46: Howard vs. Carroll.
Jeremiah Wells
Affiliation: Renzo Gracie Philadelphia
Record: 3-1-1 (1 Knockout, 2 Submissions)
Summary: Wells showed that he most certainly belongs in the cage with some of the region’s most talented Welterweights after following up a 3-0 start to his Pro career with a hard fought decision loss to Manny Walo for the CFFC Welterweight Title. Wells has displayed the ability to finish a fight no matter where the action takes place and has earned finishes in all three of his professional wins. Jeremiah will need all the experience he can muster as he takes on one of the toughest Welterweights around in Balletto Jr.
Last fight: Split Decision Draw against Bassil Hafez at CFFC 68.
Breakdown: Gary Balletto Jr. would love to finish each one of his fights by Knockout, but sometimes that luxury doesn’t present itself when you possess the Boxing pedigree of someone like Bellatto. The notoriety behind Balletto’s hands has discouraged his opponents from getting into a firefight with him, but Gary has been able to showcase equally dangerous submission skills leading to three career victories by tap out. Jeremiah Wells is no stranger to tough opponents having challenged the former CES fighter Manny Walo, for his Welterweight Title for CFFC. Although Wells has shown the resiliency in the past to persevere in the face of adversity, the offensive output of Gary “Batman” Balletto can be too overwhelming for even the most well equip of opponents.
Nate Andrews (12-1) v. Chris Padilla (9-3)
Lightweight (Title)
Nate “The Snake” Andrews
Affiliation: New England Combat
Record: 12-1 (5 Knockouts, 7 Submissions)
Summary: Nate “The Snake” has been a staple in the CES Lightweight division over the last five years as a Professional, compiling an impressive record of twelve wins against just one lone loss. Of the twelve wins Andrews has notched in the CES cage, none of the decisions have reached the judges table as Nate has been decisive in each of his victories by finishing his opponent. There is no question that the CES Lightweight belt is taylormade for Andrews waist, but it’s also a wonder that the UFC has passed on him long enough for him to fight for that title. Although the CES belt would be a strong feather in Nate’s cap, it is likely that it will be one and done as the Champ, if he can dispatch Chris Padilla in Friday’s co-main event. With a top regional belt around his waist, to add to an already near perfect career; Nate looks poised to punch his ticket to the UFC’s Lightweight roster with a victory here.
Last fight: First round Submission (Choke) of Tyler Combs at CES 47: Rebello vs. Brown.
Chris “Taco” Padilla
Affiliation: Fight Science MMA
Record: 9-3 (4 Knockouts, 3 Submissions)
Summary: Once one of the most highly sought after Lightweight prospects in the West, the 22 year old Padilla is on the toughest streak of his career, having lost three of his last five fights. If Padilla wants to continue with his ‘top prospect’ status he is going to have to revert back to the fighter who started his career 7-0 with six finishes, but that doesn’t get any easier as he draws the East’s top Lightweight Nate Andrews. California’s Chris “Taco” Padilla finds himself in a fight that could quite possibly define his young career, another loss is not an option against the hometown favorite Andrews.
Last fight: First round Submission (Choke) loss to Gabriel Green at Bellator 192: Rampage vs. Sonnen.
Breakdown: Chris “Taco” Padilla is all that likely stands in the way of Nate Andrews his call from the UFC. With 12 professional wins all coming via finish, Andrews wants to leave no question in the eyes of UFC matchmakers as he goes for his seventh straight victory over once highly ranked Lightweight prospect; Padilla. Padilla has the ability to fight his way out of some pretty difficult situations, but Andrews is without a doubt the most dangerous fighter that the youngster has come across in his career. It’s going to take a nearly flawless performance to keep Andrews from capturing the CES Lightweight crown and securing his dream of fighting for the UFC.
Champion: Chris Curtis (17-5) v. Jason Norwood (18-4)
Welterweight (Title)
Chris “The Action Man” Curtis
Affiliation: Team Quest
Record: 17-5 (7 Knockouts, 2 Submissions)
Summary: Curtis has been on a warpath in the Welterweight division, from East to West and through our neighbors in Canada compiling four Welterweight Titles for various promotions along the way. However, none of the titles are nearly as celebrated as the one Curtis’ CES Welterweight Crown, which he looks to defend Friday night as he headlines a stacked CES 49 fight card. ‘The Action Man’ has found himself a home, training full time at Team Quest in Murrieta, California where he tests himself every day against some of the best fighters in the sport, including; Sam Alvey, Dan Henderson, Tarec Saffiedine and Fernando Gonzalez. Curtis continues to find himself in the conversation of the best fighters not currently fighting for the UFC. For the 30 year old Curtis not being included on the UFC roster is unacceptable and signature win over Jason Norwood in the Main Event Friday evening would all but certainly solidify Curtis’ spot with the World’s top promotion. However, Chris has made it known that if the UFC doesn’t come calling within the year, he is at peace with walking away from the sport that he has become so successful in.
Last fight: Unanimous decision victory over Peter Grajcar at Fight Night Medicine Hat 4. (Captured his fourth Welterweight Title)
“G.I” Jason Norwood
Affiliation: Forge Fight Team
Record: 18-4 (5 Knockouts, 6 Submissions)
Summary: United States Army Major Jason Norwood has showcased dominant, powerful wrestling and a strong top game on his way to notching 18 wins against just four losses in his Professional career. Norwood picked up what should be considered a signature win last time out, when he battled former UFC fighter Carlo Prater to a Unanimous Decision victory for Fury FC. Although Norwood added a win against a UFC veteran to his already impressive resume, he told Between Rounds Radio that his performance fell “Flat” and that he “wasn’t that impressed” with his latest victory. Norwood isn’t going to have room for error against the ever impressive CES Welterweight Champion Chris Curtis, as he hopes to dethrone the Champion and steal a spot of his own on the UFC Welterweight roster.
Last fight: Unanimous decision victory over Carlo Prater at Fury FC 19.
Breakdown: If the Matchmakers in the UFC are doing their due diligence their eyes and ears will be well tuned to the Main Event at CES 49 Friday. A strong case for a UFC contract could be made in this fight, regardless of who gets their hand raised when this one is all sorted out. Curtis has long been knocking on the door of the UFC, capturing a careers worth of Championship belts along the way, one of which is on the line in this fight. Curtis knows that if he plans to retain his CES title he is going to need to use his striking and takedown defense to keep this fight on the feet, as he come ups against an overwhelmingly powerful grappler in Norwood. Curtis has been working hard in his camp at Team Quest to improve his takedown defense and limit the time he spends on the ground if he is taken down. Norwood does have the ability to take this fight into deep waters but Curtis has made his name on taking fights deep. This should be a very interesting matchup well worthy of Main Event Status as fans are going to be treated to a fight that could have very easily taken place on the National stage.