THE CLINCH REPORT

 

Lights Out Promotions returns to The Hollywood Park Casino on Aug 10th. Headlining this stacked card is a very interesting matchup between two fighters with very different backgrounds, however they both share one goal. Both want to fight on the big stage, and whenever graduation is on the line you can expect a good fight.

Dominic Clark (6-3 MMA) vs. Karim Ghazi (11-6 MMA) is an intriguing match up. Ghazi, formerly known as Chris Saunders, is a ‘TUF’ alumnus with both UFC and Bellator MMA fights on his resume. After a loss to Sevak Magakian, Ghazi rebounded with a 3rd round submission over Dominic Gutierrez at ‘Chaos At The Casino 4’. Consecutive wins would certainly put Ghazi back on the UFC’s radar.

Clark  is aware of that and of several things, he understands coming off a loss that he needs a good performance. The UFC will not even look at a fighter with two consecutive losses, especially in the stacked 155 lbs division. Clark is also aware of his opponents pedigree. In his way is a very well rounded and dangerous fighter. A tactician who has tasted the big show, and is scratching and clawing his way back.

Fighting out of PKG in Los Angeles, Clark enters the main event as the underdog. With the way his last fight ended, its hard to imagine why he would take a step up in competition instead of taking a tune up fight. However Clark is an opportunist. He is not fighting for the sake of fighting. He has a goal. Like many others Clark wants to fight in the UFC, and you don’t get the UFC brass’s attention by fighting tomato cans.

Excuses are abundant. In life, and in the sport of MMA they roll off the tongue freely. Performances are often blamed on nutrition or, horrible judges renderings. Dominic Clark makes no excuses for his performance in his last fight. He was winning the fight, dictating the pace, and implementing his gameplan. Then his opponent hit a homerun.

The loss although heartbreaking, changed very little about Clark. “My past four fights I showed up to every one. In the last one I was putting the fight where I wanted, and he got me with a ninja type Machida-esque kick.” Clark said “I am really looking forward to showing a loss is a loss, and we move forward now we always stay aware.”

As for this opponent, Clark  seems to have a pretty decent scouting report prepared.

“He was on the Ultimate Fighter, and had a great run in the house.” Clark said. “He beat Sam Sicilia, put up a great fight against Vinc Pichel and ran into a very tough Myles Jury.” An impressive resume to say the least, however Clark is still confident. “I’m just really excited for the opportunity, especially with the buzz a promotion like Lights Out generates.” Clark said.

Fighting as the main event usually carries a heavy burden. Clark will be fighting in front of his hometown fans, and in a fight that certainly has career implications.  A win over Ghazi, may not be enough to get him in the UFC, but it will certainly open some eyes.

With both fighters making concerted efforts to move on, this is a fight you will not want to miss.

 

Dominic Clark fights for: Team PKG

And is Sponsored By: Training Mask Dethrone Zevia

Managed By: Iridium Sports

Dominic Clark would like to thank his Coaches: Mac Danzig, Chad George, and Jeremy Umphries

And his training partners: Joe Locicero and Eric Steans.