MFC 36: Reality Check Predictions

Sam's Picks

Graham Spencer vs. Mukai Maromo: This is a fantastic fight. Their first fight was great and now that they have both really improved since then, it will be even better this time around. Spencer did win that fight by unanimous decision, but Maromo has really improved since then, showing a better ground game and displaying brutal knockout power. Spencer is still a very good fighter, but Maromo will win this rematch = Maromo via unanimous decision.

Elvis Mutapcic vs. Sam Alvey: (Check out our interview here) I have to say, I was extremely surprised when I found out that the UFC released Alvey following TUF. He is entertaining, charismatic, and extremely talented. What he showed on TUF doesn’t do him a justice. He has wins over Lucas Lopes, Jason Guida, and even Karl Amoussou. He also has an extremely close loss to Vitor Vianna. Mutapcic is also one of the more exciting prospects himself, always putting on great fights and pulling off upsets. I mean, the guy has wins over Joseph Henle, Jacen Flynn, Zak Cummings and even has a knockout win over TUF: Brazil winner, Cezar Ferreira in just 25 seconds. They both have the tools to defeat each other, but I think Alvey has the power to win it. It will be extremely close but Alvey will rock him several times throughout, making the judges lean to him = Alvey via split decision.

Mike Hackert vs. Smealinho Rama = Hackert via split decision.

Clay Davidson vs. Jason Zentgraf = Zentgraf via unanimous decision.

Leo Bercier vs. Jay Silva = Silva via 1^st round KO.

Jonatas Novaes vs. Kurt Southern = Southern via unanimous decision.

Dave's Picks

Mukai Maromo vs. Graham Spencer: This fight should be a blast to watch. I think Maromo’s game has improved since the last time these two fought back in 2010. However, his game has not evolved enough to handle Spencer. Spencer will drag this to the ground and keep it there until the final bell rings. = Spencer by unanimous decision.

Elvis Mutapcic vs. Sam Alvey: (Check out our interview here) Sam Alvey is the man! He was a great interview and I think he takes this fight. But both of these guys are incredibly durable and tough and they are also both very well-rounded. This will be a close fight but I think Alvey comes from a great camp and he is also much more experienced. I see Alvey controlling the pace and dictating where the fight takes place; landing bombs along the way. = Alvey by unanimous decision.

Mike Hackert vs. Smealinho Rama = Hackert by split decision.

Clay Davidson vs. Jason Zentgraf = Zentgraf by submission in round 3.

Leo Bercier vs. Jay Silva = Silva by KO in round 2.

Jonatas Novaes vs. Kurt Southern = Novaes by submission in round 2.

Make sure to tune in to this event at 10 PM on AXS TV on February 15th and let us know your predictions for this event, either on Twitter @Champion_Rounds, or in the comments.

MFC Adds Bantamweight Division; Castillo Injured

Anthony Birchak
Photo via Sherdog.com

After a year of breaking in their newly minted featherweight division, the MFC now has added the bantamweight division to their roster. The first fighter in which they have signed is the up and coming Anthony Birchak, a 9-1 grappling prospect who is riding a 3 fight win streak all via TKO.

The Arizona native has been itching at getting his chance at the big time, “I’ve been on pins and needles, waiting with baited breath,” said Birchak, “I want to be that guy who makes the MFC bantamweight division known.” For a young 26 year old looking to make name for himself, there is no better way than to be the man leading the bantamweights into the MFC.

He will be making his debut at MFC 37, but his opponent has yet to be announced.

In other news for MFC 36, David Castillo, originally scheduled to face Kurt Southern, has pulled out due to a sudden neck injury. The grappling expert Southern will be facing similarly talented grappler in the newly signed Jonatas “Peixe Frito” Novaes.

Novaes, a highly decorated BJJ practitioner, has signed a four fight-deal with the MFC. He holds most recently a 51 second TKO of UFC vet Drew Fickett, a long time veteran of MMA.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m very happy,” said Novaes, “I’m going to train even harder now and make something big happen.”

MFC Continues Roster Expansion; Castillo vs. Southern Added to 36th Event

David Castillo (left) lands a left hook on Ricky Musgrave (right).
Photo via Sherdog.com 

The Maximum Fighting Championships continue their major additions to the roster with two new signings to their already stacked lightweight division.

Kurt Southern, a 10-3 Canadian prospect, was signed to a multi-fight contract with the Canadian promotion a few weeks back. He is a very welcome addition as he brings a very dangerous ground game and a very promising future to the MFC.

Southern’s debut will not be against an easy opponent though. David Castillo, a 30 year old veteran who holds wins over Gordon Bell and John Gunderson, also signed a multi-fight deal with MFC. He also trains out of Elite Performance with UFC vets like Jason Brilz, DaMarques Johnson, Travis Wiuff, and MMA legend Jeremy Horn.

Castillo brings one of the more impressive records to the ever-growing Maximum Fighting Championships with 22 fights and a 16-5 record. He’s won 6 of his last 9 fights and is coming off of a 3^rd round TKO loss to UFC vet and Alpha Male product in Justin Buchholz.

Southern, on the other hand, is riding a three fight win streak, including a first round submission win over Mukai Moromo, who will be fighting for the vacant lightweight title on the same card.

David Castillo vs. Kurt Southern is bound to produce fireworks wherever the fight goes as they both provide a well-rounded MMA game. The winner could also be granted a title shot against the winner of Mukai Moromo and Graham Spencer.

Castillo/Southern will be opening the main card of MFC 36 on February 15^th live on AXS TV. 

Related news:
Jay Silva Signing, Jason Zentgraf vs. Luke Harris Set