After a successful New York debut with Empire Rising last October, Combate Americas is back on UFC Fight Pass this week with their biggest show to date, Combate10.
Combate10 takes place on Thursday, January 19 and will be the Latino-focused promotion’s first show in their target market of Mexico when they take over El Plaza Condesa in Mexico City and will be headlined by Gustavo Lopez (6-2) who will take on promotional newcomer Steve Swanson (13-2) in a Bantamweight bout.
Lopez was originally scheduled to face John Castaneda in a 135lb title rematch after no champion was found in their previous outing (Castaneda won the fight but missed weight).
Steve Swanson – the younger brother of UFC star Cub Swanson – has been signed to fill that gap and has been touted as a future star by those who have seen him tearing up the regionals. With nine of his thirteen victories coming by KO/TKO and currently riding a three-fight win streak, “Little” Swanson will want his good form to continue on his Combate Americas debut.
Meanwhile, Lopez himself has finished five of his six career wins and after buzzsawing his way through the promotion’s “Road to the Championship” tournament, he would fall painfully short of claiming the Bantamweight title at Empire Rising when he lost to Castaneda via fourth round stoppage and will look to get back on track in Mexico City.
Also on the card, former Invicta Atomweight Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc (9-9) returns to face Lizbeth Lopez Silva (3-3) as she looks to reverse her recent fortunes which have seen her lose three of her last four fights.
Despite the losses, Calanoc remains a fan favourite with her all-action style and robustness but will have to take out a fired up Lopez Silva who will be in front of the adoring Mexican fans.
Other fights on the card include two undefeated Bantamweights in a Tex-Mex clash as Mark De La Rosa carries the pride of Texas on his shoulders against top Mexican prospect Ivan Flores.
Also, Mexico City’s finest go head-to-head as Rodrigo Vargas (5-2) faces Marco Antonio Elpidio (4-1-1) in a Welterweight bout.
Combate Americas: Combate10 Fight Card
Gustavo Lopez vs. Steve Swanson
Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc vs. Lizbeth Lopez Silva
Mark De La Rosa vs. Ivan Flores
Jose Ceja vs. Joey Ruquet
Rafael Garcia vs. Raul Najera Ocampo
Rodrigo Vargas vs. Marco Antonio Elpidio
Kevin Garcia vs. Enrique Barragan
Alex Velazco vs. Julio Cruz
Christofer Ramirez vs. Heriberto Tovar
