The world of mixed martial arts has one major player in the UFC sitting at the top of the heap, and other promotions trying to reach the major league status. The World Series of Fighting was started in 2012, and this weekend, the organization will offer its fourth card. While the event may not feature some of the biggest names in the sport, there are still multiple reasons to watch.
The main event features light heavyweight Tyrone Spong taking on Angel DeAnda. Now Spong brings a 1-0 professional record with him into the cage, but any individual that truly follows combat sports knows that this record is very deceiving. The 27-year-old fighter boasts a kickboxing record that includes 72 total wins, 46 of which were by knockout. His striking was on display in his first bout against Travis Bartlett at WSOF 1 back in November, when he finished off his opponent in just over three minutes. DeAnda is expected to be a stiffer challenge, but those that love highlight reel knockouts should surely catch this bout.
The co-main event features two former Zuffa fighters who are looking to right their careers, as Gesias Cavalcante faces Tyson Griffin. Cavalcante is coming off of a quick TKO via doctor stoppage against Justin Gaethje this past March at WSOF 2, while Griffin is just 2-4 in his last six bouts. The style matchup should be quite interesting, as “JZ” is known for being a striker that likes to pressure his opponents, but Griffin has the wrestling ability to keep anyone on the mat for the duration of a bout.
In what is more of a “freak show” fight than anything else, a main card bout that doesn’t mean much to either fighter’s career will nonetheless be intriguing. This is because no matter which other MMA promotion you watch, you will never see the organization’s president step into the cage to compete, unless you are watching the World Series of Fighting. Ray Sefo is going to fight for the first time since 2011, squaring off with Dave Huckaba.
WSOF 4 will also feature two captivating prospects, as Marlon Moraes and Nick Newell will be fighting during the event.
Moraes is a bantamweight fighter that has nudged his way into many top 15 divisional rankings with his performances against Miguel Torres and Tyson Nam. He’s facing a tough striker in Brandon Hempleman, but the Florida native looks to continue his impressive run as of late.
Newell will be a must watch story, though not solely due to his fighting ability. He is a 9-0 lightweight prospect who is known for having only one hand, and not allowing that to stop him in his MMA journey. A former XFC champion, Newell is making his promotional debut in what should be an emotional bout.
World Series of Fighting 4 may not feature any of the top names in mixed martial arts, but it brings its own type of appeal to the sport that makes it worth watching. Three prospects that should continue to gain steam will be in action, along with a number of former Zuffa castoffs who look to change their current career paths. Being home on the couch this Saturday night will not be so bad for mixed martial arts fans after all.
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World Series of Fighting 4 will take place on August 10, 2013 at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.
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