Posts Tagged ‘Mac Danzig’

 

August 10th Hollywood Park Casino

August 10th Hollywood Park Casino

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

MAIN CARD Predictions and Analysis

(FUEL TV, 9 a.m. ET)

  • Jeff Hougland (10-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC) vs. Takeya Mizugaki (15-7-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC)

Both of these bantamweight strikers were originally scheduled to face each other at UFC 151, which was cancelled due to a string of injuries. Coming off recent losses, each fighter finds themselves in a must win situation. With a history of alternating wins and losses that dates back to 2009, Mizugaki should be able to continue the trend with his elusive defense, and his superior striking.

Prediction: Mizugaki via unanimous decision

  • Jon Tuck  (6-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) vs. Tiequan Zhang (15-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC)

John Tuck is undefeated as a professional and possesses a definite athletic advantage. Although Zhang will have the edge with experience and the hometown crowd, Tuck should be able to push the smaller Zhang around the cage. Eventually his athleticism will prove to be too much.

Prediction: Tuck via 2nd rd TKO

  • Mac Danzig (21-9-1 MMA, 5-5 UFC) vs. Takanori Gomi (33-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC)

Mac Danzig rose to fame winning the ultimate fighter reality show, securing his spot in the UFC. Since then he has compiled a .500 record with some impressive wins, but some poor showings as well. Takanori Gomi is an absolute legend in the sport of MMA. Although his record in the UFC at 2-3 is not stellar, “The Fireball Kid” still has some serious striking ability. However Mac Danzig should be able to utilize his improved striking and wrestling defense to maintain position.

Prediction: Danzig via unanimous decision

  • Dong Hyum Kim (15-2-1 MMA, 6-2 UFC  vs. Paulo Thiago (14-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC)

Both of these fighters are coming off quick losses. Kim was forced to submit after suffering a weird rib injury vs Demian Maia, and Thiago was knocked out cold by UFC newcomer Siyar Bahadurzada in just 47 seconds. Kim will hold a definitive striking advantage over Thiago, however the Brazilian does have power. Kim will need his technique to avoid the KO power of Thiago. If Thiago is able to get the fight to the mat, he will be in a more comfortable position. However, Kim has great wrestling defense, and should be able to keep Thiago’s shots at bay with his superior striking.

Prediction: Kim via TKO rd 3

  • Stanislav Nedkov (12-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) vs. Thiago Silva (14-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC)

Thiago Silva was at one time one of the top fighters in the world at 205 lbs, and for good reason. His size and power, coupled with an excellent submission game make him extremely dangerous. However recent issues (failed drug test, suspension and long layoff) had taken their toll on the Brazilian born fighter. In his return, he faced an extremely game Alexander Gustafsson who was able to literally strike circles around the lumbering Silva, frustrating him all the way to a unanimous decision loss. Now Silva will look to return to form, with a new team (Blackzilians) and against a burly striker much like himself. Stanislav Nedkov  is undefeated as a professional and has notable knockout victories over Luiz Cane, and Travis Wiuff. At only 5’11 he will be giving away a distinct height and reach advantage. A disadvantage he will have to overcome, as going to the ground with Silva is not an option for the Bulgarian striker.

Prediction: Silva rd submission (set up by strikes)

  • Rich Franklin (29-6 MMA, 14-5 UFC)  vs. Cung Le (8-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC)

Although both fighters are past their primes; with only Franklin holding on to the slimmest of title aspirations, it should make for an exciting match up. Even at 40 years old, Cung Le can strike with the best in the division. His spinning liver kick may be one of the most devastating strikes ever recorded in MMA. His unique angling. and superior flexibility allow him to hit his opponent at seemingly impossible times. Rich Franklin is one of the most well rounded mixed martial artists in the history of the sport. The former school teacher, and former Middleweight Champion of the world can strike, wrestle and roll with the best. He has notable wins over Chuck Liddell, Wanderlai Silva (Twice), Nate Quarry, and many others in his storybook career. If Franklin is able to close the distance then he should be able to control Le, who has shown his weakness on the ground. Once in position the ground and pound will begin, and end!

Prediction: Franklin rd TKO (ground and pound)

Fight of The Night Prediction: Silva v Nedkov

KO of The Night prediction: Kim

Submission of The Night Prediction: Silva