By Andreas Georgiou
We’ve had superfights, supercards and even super Saturdays but never has a month been so monumental for the sport of MMA. With more than a handful of compelling and competitive fights happening this month, we take a look around the globe for ten of the best showdowns MMA has to offer.
Ediane Gomes vs Tonya Evinger – Invicta FC 8 – September 6 (Kansas City, Missouri)
As Invicta FC make their debut on UFC Fight Pass, Shannan Knapp has set up an incredible card to introduce the promotion to a wider audience of fans.
One of the best fights on the card sees veterans, American Top Team’s Ediane Gomes and Team Quest Tonya Evinger clash in which has the making to be a technical showcase.
Gomes (10-2) has finished 80% of her wins, and Evinger (13-5) a close 77%, they are fighters who will press the pace and are unafraid to fight in the guard. Expect some slick jiu-jitsu transitions as well!
Cory Tait vs Tony Tauru – Cage Warriors 72 – September 13 (Newport, Wales)
For a few years, Cory Tait (8-2) has been called one of the UK’s top prospects, with his his ninja style standup up and technical ground game, he is ready to add the Cage Warriors belt to his already impressive resume.
Tauru (9-1-1) is on a nine fight winning streak and is considered a submission specialist with six of those wins coming by tapout, seen when he made easy work of Martin Akhtar earlier this year.
These two will face off to determine the new Cage Warriors Bantamweight champion, and it is expected to be an explosive fight.
Jack Marshman vs Che Mills – Cage Warriors 72 – September 13 (Newport, Wales)
Stylistically both guys couldn’t be more differently similar. Jack Marshman’s predominate style is boxing, whereas Che Mills more muay thai.
However, the arguable “x factor” is Marshman’s (15-5) supremely improved jiu-jitsu which we have seen a lot from the Welshman, and most recently against Bola Omoyele at CWFC 69.
Former UFC fighter Mills (16-7) has faced some of the best, and with his dangerous power kicks and strikes, it could prove costly for Marshman who often struggles to check leg strikes.
The people’s main event of a card that features two intense title fights. Che Mills faces Jack Marshman in his home of Wales.
Tom Duquesnoy vs Ashleigh Grimshaw – BAMMA 16 – September 13 (Manchester, England)
The Featherweight title is on the line at BAMMA 16 as France’s Fire Kid Dequesnoy defends against Team Titan’s Ashleigh Grimshaw.
Grimshaw (16-8-1) has mixed it up with some of the best the UK has to offer with victories over both Phil Harris and Vaughan Lee.
Fire Kid (9-1) only boasts one loss on his resume, and has dominated the majority of his opponents with his superb wrestling skills.
There is no question that Grimshaw will be Duquesnoy’s toughest challenger to date, and thus this fight has the potential to steal the show in Manchester.
Marlon Moraes vs Josh Hill – World Series of Fighting 13 – September 13 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
The Bantamweight belt is on the line as Brazil’s Marlon Moraes defends against “The Gentleman” Josh Hill.
Muay Thai and BJJ specialist Moraes (13-4-1) is riding a seven fight win streak, which includes a victory over former WEC champion Miguel Torres.
His undefeated opponent, Canada’s Josh Hill (10-0) is looking to bring Moraes back to earth, and his aggressive and tiring style may prove a task for Maraes who holds a question mark over his cardio.
Melvin Manhoef vs Doug Marshall – Bellator 125 – September 19 (Fresno, California)
One of the best standup wars you will most likely see in the stacked month of September, both Manhoef and Marshall are finish specialists and with fist of steel and kicks of concrete, expect a bloody war.
With 39 knockouts combined these two fighters come to bang. Marshall (18-7) is a former WEC Light-Heavyweight champion and top Bellator fighters Brett Cooper and Andreas Spang.
Manhoef (28-11-1) one of kickboxing’s most renowned finishers, the former Strikeforce fighter once again has the opportunity to prove himself on the world stage.
Rin Nakai vs Meisha Tate – UFC Fight Night 52 – September 20 (Saitama, Japan)
There is no question that Meisha Tate (14-5) is one of the toughest women at Bantamweight, she endured a crazy onslaught from Cat Zingano as well as a battering from Ronda Rousey and she still keeps on coming.
Her opponent, Rin Nakai (16-0-1), is a Japanese muscle-bound goddess, and arguably one of the strongest women at 135lbs. Her extremely pressing and smothering style of fighting could pose a threat to Tate, who has struggled with similar styles before.
In Nakai’s home country of Japan, she posses a huge threat to Tate’s renewed title hopes, who faces one of her toughest challengers ever.
Mark Hunt vs Roy Nelson – UFC Fight Night 52 – September 20 (Saitama, Japan)
This fight really needs no explanation to its inclusion. Two fighters who you know will always put everything on the line no matter who or where they are fighting.
Hunt (8-9-1); having just signed a six-fight contract extension, is one of those rare fighters where martial arts records don’t show the whole picture. Due to Hunt’s kickboxing, stand and bash style of fighting, it’s either knockout and be knocked out.
Roy Nelson (20-9) is a true fan favourite in the UFC, and arguably the best one punch knockout power in the entire promotion.
I could easily write a novel on how awesome this fight is, but in short – I will be extremely surprised if this fight goes the distance.
Eddie Alvarez vs Donald Cerrone – UFC 178 – September 27 (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Eddie Alvarez’ (25-3) welcome gift to the UFC, one of the toughest men at Lightweight in Donald Cerrone (24-6-1 NC).
The former Bellator Lightweight champion has been thrown right into the thick of the 155lb division, even with notable wins over Michael Chandler, Shinya Aoki and Pat Curran, Cerrone will be his biggest test to date.
Cerrone has started up a hit list of four straight and after dominating finishes of Edson Barboza and Jim Miller, a win over Alvarez could land him the next title opportunity.
Connor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier – UFC 178 – September 27 (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Even with Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier originally slated for UFC 178, there was just as much hype for Conor McGregor’s Las Vegas debut as he fights fifth ranked Dustin Poirier.
McGregor (15-2) captivated his Irish faithful back in July as he smashed Diego Brandao in front of his home fans, and the highly touted prospect has been on a collision course with Poirier ever since.
Winning three straight, Poirier (16-3) has made it his mission to stop the McGregor hype train, and has promised to give the former Cage Warriors two weight champion a reality check when they collide in Vegas.
Are there any fights you feel should have made the list? Leave a comment below or join in the debate at @MMAPLUS.
Photo by Jorden Curran
