Potential matchups have talented group positioned for exciting fights
By MFC Staff
The scenarios are plentiful, the talent pool deep and rich, and the perspective fights all scintillating in their own way.
Such is life in the shark-infested waters of the MFC’s lightweight division.
On the heels of two more exciting 155-pound bouts at MFC 29: Conquer, there is much to be sorted out among the top contenders – many of whom are pitching their own battles for upcoming events.
Let’s take a look at who might just wind up going nose to nose at MFC 30 and beyond.
Drew Fickett vs. Hermes Franca
Fickett (41-13) – submitted Matt Veach via armbar in only 36 seconds at MFC 28
Franca (21-11) – scored second-round knockout against Robert Washington at MFC 29
Here lies an interesting twist as Fickett was slated to meet Antonio McKee for the title at MFC 28 but instead mowed through replacement Matt Veach. “The Night Rider” was banged up for a slated encounter with Franca at MFC 29, but is now the time for this fight? Fickett could get McKee first or, if as expected McKee hangs up his gloves for good, then a spirited tussle with Franca could potentially be a brand-new title matchup. “The Unreal” looked, well, if not unreal at least fantastic in clowning with and then dusting off Robert Washington at Conquer. Both fighters have world-class jiu-jitsu so it will be interesting to see if either elects to take the fight to the ground where their respective talents are best served. Franca showed against Washington that he has some pop in his fists, and the re-born Fickett looks as though he’d chew glass to go through whoever is next in his path.
Probability of happening – 8 out of 10
Marcus Davis vs. Richie Whitson
Davis (18-8) – coming off hard-fought split-decision win over Curtis Demarce at MFC 29
Whitson (11-1) – slipped past Curtis Demarce via split decision at MFC 28
In various forums, Whitson has called out Davis and “Hell Boy” should get exactly what he wants. This would be a pure strikers’ battle, and easily a contender for Fight of the Year. Davis probably got more than he expected out of Curtis Demarce at MFC 29 – just like Whitson dealt with at MFC 28 – and the longtime veteran had a bit of a struggle with the weight cut. Still, “The Irish Hand Grenade” has a lot to offer, and this is a showdown that will stop traffic. Both fighters seem to relish the opportunity of getting into all-out wars, and both aren’t the least bit afraid to take two or three good shots en route to blasting a few bombs back on their opponent.
Probability of happening – 9 out of 10
Tyrone Glover vs. Kajan Johnson
Glover (6-0) – got past Robert Washington via split decision at MFC 28
Johnson (18-10-1) – one-sided decision victory over Ryan Healy at MFC 28
Glover reappeared on the mixed martial arts scene following a career-oriented timeout to achieve his law degree and open his own practice. That’s out of the way now and “T$” is geared up to fight. He obviously showed some ring rust against Washington, though he was able to spice things up with flashes of his jiu-jitsu skills. Glover needs to stay active to get into title consideration so a fight at MFC 30 would be an absolute must. The ever-talkative Johnson called out Franca after MFC 29, but that matchup isn’t likely since “Ragin” has been either inactive/injured/focused on hip hop for long periods over the past couple of years. Johnson has a solid all-around approach and, most importantly, the jiu-jitsu defense (as illustrated against Josh Russell) to contend with Glover’s game.
Probability of happening – 7 out of 10
Curtis Demarce vs. Robert Washington
Demarce (10-9) – coming off back-to-back gut-wrenching decision losses to Whitson and Davis
Washington (9-3) – decision loss to Glover followed by KO setback against Franca
Washington, the former U.S. Navy petty officer, is 0-2 in the MFC. Demarce, perhaps victimized by the judges against Whitson, is a treacherous 1-2. If they do wind up facing off, the loser is surely going to get a one-way ticket out of town. Washington took the Franca fight on short notice so he gets some leeway, but he’s yet to come close to showing why he has been nicknamed “The Beast.” Meanwhile, Demarce is every bit “The Demon” because he will manically go to hell and back to stay in a fight. He gave more than he got against Whitson yet was shortchanged on the scorecards, and was much more than Davis ever expected. The sharks are circling these two – one of them will get pulled out of danger.
Probability of happening – 8 out of 10
And what of belt-holder Antonio McKee (25-4-2)? A knee injury held him back from defending against Fickett at MFC 28, and he still wasn’t ready six weeks later for MFC 29. At 40 years of age, it seems the body – and maybe the desire as well – has finally run out.
If McKee wants one more go at things, then it is 100% mandatory he defends the belt at MFC 30. If he can’t then a heartfelt farewell is in order.
