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What are your thoughts on The World Series of Fighting's first event this Saturday night? What fights in particular are you looking forward to?
RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
I'm oddly attracted to the first WSOF Fighting card. And this sentiment is coming form someone who would like to see all of the top talent under one promotional banner. Here's the entire card:
Main Card (NBC Sports Network)
Andrei Arlovski vs. Devin Cole
Anthony Johnson vs. DJ Linderman
Marlon Moraes vs. Miguel Torres
Gregor Gracie vs. Tyson Steele
Travis Bartlett vs. Tyrone Spong
Preliminary Card (Sherdog.com)
Brian Cobb vs. Ronys Torres
Josh Burkman vs. Gerald Harris
Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante vs. TJ O'Brien
Dave Branch vs. Dustin Jacoby
Waylon Lowe vs. Fabio Mello
Ramico Blackmon vs. Steve Carl
Obviously, the main event does nothing for anyone, other than selling some tickets to some fans from the 1970's. I am, however, looking forward to, um, certain elements of this card? Yeah, that's a good way to put it. Example: I'm interested in seeing Anthony Johnson fighting at his natural weight class (374 pounds), but the fight itself doesn't move me much. Example: Tyrone Spong is making his MMA debut. Example: I haven't seen Brian Cobb fight, I'm looking forward to that. Same with Fabio Mello. There are a lot of fighters I'm interested in on this card, more so individual fighters than the fights in which they've been booked. I'll certainly be watching.
BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
My biggest problem with the WSOF card this weekend is the fact that they're putting Devin Cole in a fight against a note worthy opponent. The man faced some heinous sexual charges and if they had any morals in that company the man would not be fighting on their card. That disagreement aside, I expect to see a great lineup of fights for their inaugural card. Miguel Torres will have a shot at redemption against a much less talented Marlon Moraes, but we will also see Rumble Johnson and DJ Linderman go head to head. All around the card is pretty solid, featuring plenty of talented fighters gettin a shot in what could be the next relevant organization. I truly hope that they are able to put together solid cards in the future aswell and maintain a level of integrity high enough to not have fighters like Devin Cole remain on their payroll.
FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I want to see Miguel Torres vs. Marlon Moraes and Anthony Johnson vs. D.J.Linderman. I think both Torres and Johnson will win by explosive fashion so that should be cool. There's some other interesting fights on there, but those are the main two for me.
ERIC HOBAUGH, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Any time I get to see Miguel Torres, Anthony Johnson and Andrei Arlovski fight it is a treat. Of those three I think Johnson is the only one who has enough left to make a title run in the UFC. Honestly, I am more interested in how NBC will handle the broadcast than any particular fight. MMA needs another voice and with the backing of NBC, the World Series of Fighting may be that voice. I am hopeful that fans and fighters will have another place besides the UFC and if run correctly this promotion could be around for the long haul.
MATT PELKEY, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
I'm more excited for the next big Japanese show...whatever that is. IF that is. I won't watch, but I'll certainly check results. There's plenty of former UFC fighters on this card, and a few of them could work their way back to the big show with an impressive performance. Guys like Miguel Torres, Ronys Torres, and Anthony Johnson should be in the UFC right now (at 205 for Johnson, but still), so their bouts are key. Plus there's the MMA debut for Tyrone Spong. All in all, they could've done worse for their first outing.
JASON AMADI, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
I think the WSOF has some pretty big names on their first card and should be pretty successful. More than anything, I'm excited to see the MMA debut of Tyrone Spong. We see tons of accomplished wrestlers and BJJ experts try their hand at MMA, but it's so rare to see a legitimate world class kickboxer, in their athletic prime, step into the cage.
It'll be interesting to see how he adapts his style for mixed martial arts, what kind of defensive wrestling game he's been able to put together with the Blackzillians, and see if he's got any defensive grappling chops.
Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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Chris Park - Matt Pelkey
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