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Ultimate Challenge MMA weigh ins
04 Dec 2009
By Jim Page
Neil ‘Goliath’ Grove looked very relaxed ahead of his heavyweight title clash with undefeated challenger, Karlos Vermola at Ultimate Challenge on Saturday night. The London Shootfighter has been on a tear since turning professional, choking or smashing every one of his six opponents so far.
“He’s very young, he’s very strong and he comes in with no losses as well.” Grove said of his explosive opponent. “So he’s going to come to the cage all pumped up and he’s going to get a big surprise!
“I’ve seen some of his videos and he’s amazing to watch. Like I said, he’s young and he has all these big muscles and stuff, but he has not fought against any decent fighters yet. I think I am going to be the first big fight for him.”
Dave O’Donnell announced that Tsunami gym fighter, Jack Mason is suffering from a broken hand and has unfortunately been withdrawn from his fight with Tam Khan. However, the enthusiastic promoter announced that an excellent replacement had been found.
“I phoned Santa Claus” Dave laughed, “and they gave me Jamie Hearn, stepping in on a day’s notice!”
The dangerous boxer and all-round hardman is a true professional fighter and promised that he is constantly in shape. “Always, with my boxing, I’ve been fighting for a very long time now. I want to keep this fight old school; I’m going to do what I do best and take him out.”
Tam Khan was visibly annoyed by Hearn’s confident words, but tried his best to remain calm. The Team Sure Grip representative and grappling expert promised to show improved striking having recently competed in three K-1 fights overseas.
Shaun Lomas was all smiles as he cheerfully looked forward to his fight with Jimi ‘The Poster Boy’ Manuwa. Most people would be bricking it – Manuwa is a fierce competitor who has laid waste to some solid fighters. His most noticeable win to date came when bludgeoned former Cage Rage heavyweight champion Ryan Robinson into a bloody mess back in May.
Lomas sat back, secure in the knowledge that he can bring the danger himself, having recently destroyed the tough Liverpudlian, Tony Moran, in his own back yard – breaking three of his ribs, puncturing his lung and breaking his foot in the process.
“We’ll see what happens tomorrow like”, he said without an ounce of malice.
Neil Grove vs Karlos Vermola
Shaun Lomas vs Jimi Manuwa
Tam Khan vs Jamie Hearn
Michael Pastou vs Mark Glover
Jason Barrett vs Scott Jansen (UK-1)
Wayne Weaver vs Ben Smith
Luke Smith vs Wesley Johnson
Earl Brown vs Karl Lawrence
Brett Bassett vs Dyson Roberts
Mike Edwards vs Jake Bostwick
Simon Gill vs John Kelly
Joe Holder vs Michael Brown
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