Titan FC returns on March 26th for Titan FC 68 at the InterContinental Hotel in Miami, FL.
Titan FC will host an eight fights Friday night headlined by, Titan FC flyweight champion, Wascar Cruz (11-6) who’s set to defend his belt against Victor Dias (8-2). In the co-main, surging bantamweight prospect, Ryan Kuse (2-0) takes on Damian Attie (1-0). Other notable names on the card are Roy Echeverria, Slava Borshchev and Richie Lewis.
Wascar Cruz (11-6) vs. Victor Dias (8-2)
The flyweight strap is on the line in the main event. The champ, Wascar Cruz, makes his fourth Titan FC appearance this weekend and looks to build on his two fight win streak. Cruz, training out of MMA Masters, is a long rangy striker with some serious speed. His striking is high level and gives most of his opponent’s trouble. His path to victory will be to keep his distance and avoid engaging in grappling exchanges with Dias. At age 37, Cruz is still at the top of his game and is a force to be reckoned with.
Victor Dias is making his third Titan FC appearance and also looks to add to his two fight win streak. Currently training out of American Top Team and TFT, Dias is known for his crafty jiu-jitsu and grappling. His best path to victory would be to avoid fighting at range, closing the distance and using his high level grappling. The 30-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, will earn his first ever pro MMA belt if he is victorious at Titan FC 68.
Ryan Kuse (2-0) vs. Damian Attie (1-0)
The Goatshed Academy’s Ryan Kuse, is one of the many highly touted prospects out of the gym. He’s also one of four goats on the card. Kuse is a 26-year-old phenom with a very well-rounded game. He is an underrated grappler with insane cardio and forward pressure. Not to mention, his hand speed and low kicks are a serious part of his game as well. At 2-0, with both victories coming by way of finish, he looks to replicate this outcome Friday night.
However, Damian Attie stands in his way. The 1-0 prospect is a long kickboxer with a solid jiu-jitsu game. As Kuse was the larger of his last two opponents, that will not be the case as Attie is slightly taller. It was clear there was some animosity between these two at weigh-ins, so this is not a fight to miss.
Richie Lewis (0-0) vs. Danny Vega (1-2)
Standout wrestler Richie Lewis, makes his long awaited pro MMA debut Friday night. Lewis is as high level of a grappler as you will see at this level. He was a 2-time All-American wrestler at Iowa Central, a 2-time NCAA qualifier at Rutgers University and is a world champion in freestyle wrestling. However, he’s not just a wrestler. Lewis has tons of experience rolling with world class jiu-jitsu practitioners in Garry Tonin and Gordon Ryan. Lewis has all the resources to be a successful martial artist and training out of the Goatshed Academy he’s well equipped to be victorious Friday.
Danny Vega returns to the cage for the first time in 21 months. In his last bout he earned his first victory in his pro career, as he defeated Keith Speed by unanimous decision. Vega is a quality striker, who trains out of MMA Masters. Vega must stay on his feet to win this fight, which is easier said than done against a guy like Richie Lewis.
Gustavo Villamil (3-0) vs. Jason Eastman (5-3)
Gus Villamil is another Goatshed product who has shown signs of greatness. Villamil is an explosive and experienced grappler who has finished all three of his wins by submission, two in under three minutes. This is an intriguing matchup for Villamil because his opponent is the most experienced to date. If Villamil sticks to his bread and butter he could prove his dominance to the Titan FC fans.
However, Eastman is no slouch. The American Top Team prospect is a warrior. Making his Titan FC debut, the striker will look to negate the grappling of Villamil by using his hands. Eastman has finished four of his five wins, three by KO. This was another face off at weigh ins that will leave you on the edge of your seat. I would suggest not blinking during this fight as both fighters are extremely explosive and can end it at any point.
Roy Echeverria (3-0) vs. Samarbek Sabryzhan (5-0)
Echeverria is one of the brightest prospects out of the Goatshed Academy. The Ecuadorian is equipped for battle wherever the fight goes. Echeverria has high level kickboxing and is well-prepared in grappling exchanges as well. His opponent Samarbek Sabryzhan is a serious force as a jiu-jitsu based martial artist. He is an Asian champion in jiu-jitsu and is said to be undefeated at 5-0 in pro MMA. This should be one of the best scraps on the card as these two are young, highly touted and undefeated prospects.
Gaston Manzur (10-7) vs. Earnest Walls (2-6)
American Combat Gym’s Gaston Manzur is a jiu-jitsu black belt and will make his Titan FC debut Friday night. Mazur is predominantly known for his quality grappling and is a huge asset over at American Combat Gym. Coming off a loss to 11-0 prospect Eduardo Torres, Manzur looks to get back on track with a win over Earnest Walls. Walls, an experienced wrestler and boxer, hasn’t had many fights go his way as of late. However, he’s been put in front of most of Titan FC’s brightest prospects. Walls must look to close the distance here and avoid getting submitted in order to snap his losing streak, however that will be a tough task against the decorated grappler.
Slava Borshchev (2-1) vs. Corey Dulaney (2-2)
A pair of Titan FC debutants will kick off the main card on UFC Fight Pass. Team Alpha Male’s Slava Borshchev, is a 13-time kickboxing champion. He is also one of the more highly praised prospects at Team Alpha Male by the likes of Urijah Faber and Cody Garbrandt. Dulaney is savvy veteran boxer, hailing from Ohio. Dulaney is also a warrior in the cage and is not afraid to stand and bang. This should be nothing, but a stand up war which always results in fireworks.
Facebook Prelims:
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By: Coby Weinsier