MMA is big with our neighbors to the north. So big, in fact, that the fan base has managed to overturn many MMA bans within just a few short months whereas a similar feat has taken US fans almost a decade. With a fan base this strong, it’s only logical that several solid Canadian-based MMA promotions have begun to climb the ranks. One such promotion is Warrior One MMA (W-1). W-1 normally holds their cards in Quebec, but on Saturday, October 23, the cage travels to Halifax, Nova Scotia for W-1: New Ground. The card is filled with some well known international MMA stars as well as some of the best Canadian MMA names. The main event is a heavyweight battle between Strikeforce veteran “The Grim” Brett Rogers (10-2), who has been forced to step out of Strikeforce after back-to-back losses to “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (31-2) and “The Demolition Man” Alistair Overeem (30-12), and fellow slugger “Warpath” Ruben Villareal (18-18-3). The card also features “Ninja” Murilo Rua (17-10-1) who is coming to North America for the first time since the collapse of Elite XC, and is chock full of Canadian all-stars and up-and-comers.
—Main Card—
Strikeforce and Elite XC veteran Brett Rogers takes on Ruben Villareal in the main event at W-1: this Saturday.
Brett Rogers vs. Ruben Villareal (18-18-3) Aside from an 11-year age difference, the only thing Villareal has on fellow heavyweight Rogers is experience. “The Grim” has the edge in striking and can use his wrestling to keep the fight standing. Ruben has a stout chin as well as a deep gas tank considering his size. Although he is likely to withstand Rogers’ strength and aggression, “Warpath” stands little chance of victory. Brett Rogers by unanimous decision
Murilo Rua vs. Roy Boughton (4-0) “Ninja” Rua joins the New Ground card fresh off his submission win over Jeremy May (7-6) at Impact FC 2: The Uprising to battle Roy Boughton, the man who shocked Canadian fans with a submission victory over Misha Cirkunov (1-1) at W-1 Judgement Day. Boughton is certainly a game competitor but is in over his head against Murilo’s international experience. Murilo Rua by TKO, Round 2
Mychal Clark (7-10) vs. “The Hulk” Roger Hollett (10-3) Clark vs Hollett is a match-up that surely won’t be left in the judges’ hands. With all ten of his wins coming inside the first round, Hollett will look to make a statement in front of the hometown fans by stopping Clark and stamping him as number 11. Clark currently is on a five-fight losing streak, having been defeated by the likes of Steve Bosse (7-1), Ryan Jimmo (10-1), and Strikeforce veteran Daniel Puder (8-0). Clark’s most recent blemished record doesn’t necessarily reflect his abilities, as he is both tough and experienced and will make for a great fight regardless of how long it lasts. Roger Hollett by KO, Round 1
Matt MacGrath (4-4) vs. Ryan Machan (10-5) Ryan is currently riding a two-fight win streak with victories over James McCutcheon (3-3) and Spencer Rohovie (8-5). He will be looking to make it three in a row while the man standing across from him will be bound and determined to not be another notch on Ryan’s belt. Matt is a much more unyielding fighter than his record implies. He has faced a higher level of talent than Machan and that should give him the edge. W-1′s website has MacGrath listed as 0-0, which contradicts the 4-4 record seen on MixedMartialArts.com. MMA Gospel contacted the organization about the discrepancy but has yet to receive any clarification on the matter. Ryan Machan by submission (Guillotine), Round 1
**Update: W-1 contacted MMA Gospel on Tuesday, October 19 and now says that MacGrath’s record allegedly is 8-4
Tristan Johnson (5-1) vs. Douglas Evans (10-7) Originally scheduled to fight Will Romero (5-1), who had to pull out of the fight due to injury, Nova Scotia’s heavy-handed Tristan Johnson looks to get back to his winning ways against Douglas Evans following a first round TKO loss to Guillaume Lamarche (6-2) at Ringside MMA: Invasion. He may have gone 0-2 in the UFC, but Douglas is not one to underestimate. Look for the submission specialist and former Shark Fights featherweight champ Evans to take the fight to the ground and either pound out or submit a very spirited Tristan Johnson late in the fight. Doug Evans by submission (Rear Naked Choke), Round 3
—Prelims—
Jason MacKay (9-2) vs. Musa Tolliver (6-6-1)
Nordine Taleb (2-1) vs. “Chainsaw” Chad Cox (5-2)
Chris Johnson (0-0) vs. “Hawk” Jeremy Hamilton (6-0)
Ricky Goodal (6-2) vs. Sean Pierson (7-4)
Todd Henry (1-1) vs. “The Fireline” Jeremiah Bernard (2-3)
“Thrilling” Pat Schilling (1-0) vs. “The Bomb” Tom Waters (3-1)
Travis Axworthy (3-4) vs. Jeremy Josey (1-1)
Michael Imperato (0-0) vs. Jamie Saunders (1-2)
