October is shaping up to be a busy month for the MMA Euro Gang with lots of known faces on the circuit clashing, not just domestically but also internationally as well. Without further ado let’s take a look at those doing battle which I feel, when their feet touch the canvass, will make you utter the aforementioned expression of awe.
Who: Tom Duquesnoy
Where: UFC 216, Las Vegas
When: Sat Oct 6
Opponent: Cody Stamann
What will make you say whoa: A mainstay on the BAMMA promotion who, lets face it, struggled in his UFC debut. Yes he got the victory, he’s unbeaten in the UFC, but his debut was shaky to say the least. I’m guessing we’ll see a different Duquesnoy who has fixed many of the gaping holes in his fight game that were so glaring in his debut. I’d like to say that we’ll see Duquesnoy’s arm raised but it’s difficult to see past the difference in size when you take into account a re-hydrated Stamann. A win by Duquesnoy will depend on just how much he has fixed since his debut in April of this year. One thing’s for sure we’ll see a game ‘Fire Kid’ looking to announce in dominant fashion that he deserves to be in the UFC. With what will be a shift in gears from an already impressive athlete, this could well be somewhat of a coming out party for him.
Who: Lewis Long
Where: Cage Warriors, Wales
When: Sat Oct 14
Opponent: Roberto Soldic
What will make you say whoa: After defeating Ryan Scope and Che Mills how is this guy not in the UFC a win here should definitely solidify his validity for a call up. Long has a decent enough record 15 wins and just 4 losses he faces a solid opponent here in Soldic who is on a five fight win streak. In view of the differences in opponents the two men have faced victory will be Long’s on this occasion. Look out for an early submission in round one and a cheeky call out of the Cage Warriors welterweight champion in his post fight interview.
Who: Michael ‘Venom’ Page
Where: Hayemaker Ringstar Fight Night, London
When: Fri Oct 20
Opponent: tbc
What will make you say whoa: It’s Michael ‘Venom’ Pages’s boxing debut on Hayemaker Promotions, c’mon son let’s face it you could put MVP in a banjo playing competition and people would watch. Arguably one of the most charismatic, entertaining and spectacular finishers in Bellator MVP’s transition into boxing, however, was seen as peculiar decision by many. Whilst his opponent is yet to be confirmed it’s a foregone conclusion that he’ll face someone commensurate with his skillset and the fact he is making his first walk to the ring will be clearly borne in mind. I can forsee many of the traits we have become accustomed to in the Bellator cage being put on display here with a KO win being the result of an opponent initially peppered with shots from various angles.
Who: Jimmy Wallhead
Where: UFC Fight Night: Cerrone vs Till, Gdansk
When: Sat Oct 21
Opponent: Warley Alves
What will make you say whoa: ‘Judo’ Jimmy Wallhead has had a rough time of it since bounding into the Octagon. After many a media member asking why he was unsigned for so long to the world’s biggest promotion he, unfortunately, has failed to deliver the ole ‘Judo’ Jimmy we Euro Gang affiliates have come to know him as. After dropping two losses since debuting back in September of ’16 Wallhead knows he has to secure a win. Its rare for the UFC to keep new signees who have dropped three losses in a row. His future with the promotion is literally in his hands, which I believe he’ll let fly.
Who: Norman Parke
Where: KSW 40, Dublin
When: Sun Oct 23
Opponent: Mateusz Gamrot
What will make you say whoa: Parke’s first clash with Gamrot was arguably one of his most angriest and intense moments in the cage. #Bitegate, #Fanggate or whatever way you want to describe the catalyst that caused Parke’s ire, this rematch will undoubtedly see Parke out to avenge his loss in a dominant fashion that for once will see him possibly finish his opponent in a spectacular fashion. We here at WHOATV have long derided Parke for his inability to finish clashes but this has all the hallmarks of not only fight of the night but finish of the night written all over it. We’ll see a Parke motivated by a sense of absolute closure and buoyed on by a partisan crowd eager for him to lift the championship belt this time around.