ALBERT MORALES (7-1-1)
Soukhamthath (blue gloves) and Albert Morales (red gloves) fight during their bout at UFC 209 at T-Mobile Arena. Morales won via split decision. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
We’ve heard numerous accounts of how mixed martial arts has had a positive influence and transformed lives for better. The story of Albert ‘The Warrior’ Morales tops the list and probably the one that stands out from the rest. From being imprisoned at the early age of 20 and discovering MMA accidently to winning five straight fights in his professional career; this bantamweight’s nickname is apt for the hardships he has been through. Being raised in a rough neighbourhood and spending most of the time on streets, Albert ended up behind the bars while still expecting his first child. When a prison guard left MMA fights ON on TV, a spark lit inside Albert when he first saw the fights and instantly made up his mind to become a fighter. From the day, he stepped into the training facility to the he got a call from the UFC, Albert says ‘MMA has really given me a new opportunity in life’. He made his professional debut in Bellator then fought in WSOF, BAMMA and RFA to with a clean 6-0 record. After an initial draw and a loss, Albert grabbed his first win inside the octagon at the Woodley vs. Thompson 2 card. Four months later he is facing a much experienced, undefeated and former Titan FC champion Brett Johns.
STEVEN RAY (21-6-0)
The lightweight star from Scotland is riding on a two-fight win streak over veterans Ross Pearson and Joe Lauzon. He faces yet another big name in the form of Paul Felder who has a last fight in his UFC contract. This makes it even more interesting as both the fighters will put on the best performance of their careers and grab the win to resign with the UFC. Stevie Ray had been an underdog in his previous two fights and but overcame tough situations elite strikes like against Lauzon. Against Paul Felder, Stevie promised to display fireworks on the stand up and ready to bang with the Irish.
JOANNE CALDERWOOD (11-2-0)
Scotland’s biggest MMA star and strawweight prospect Joanne ‘JoJo’ Calderwood steps into the octagon for the sixth time to face the undefeated Cynthia Calvillo. This is a very important fight in the women’s strawweight division as the winner of the fight gets one step closer to face the current champion Joanna. So far, the Scottish standout has witnessed mixed results in the UFC but has made significant improvements in her game since she moved to Canada under Firas Zahabi. She defeated Valerie Letourneau and Cortney Casey but lost to the former challenger Jessica Andrade. Fighting in her hometown with the support of her people, #8 Joanne will be at her fiercest in this fight as she looks to wipe off the smile from her opponent and move up the ladder to challenge for the belt.
CYNTHIA CALVILLO (5-0-0)
Fighting out of Team Alpha Male, Cynthia quickly made a name for herself as she defeated Amanda Cooper and Peral Gonzalez in her first two fights inside the octagon. She has fought three times already in this year and with a fourth one scheduled in her opponents’ territory, Cynthia has confidence in her striking and aggression to get her third straight win. Going into the fight Cynthia will be risking her undefeated 5-0 streak and the hype since her two significant wins. The odds are in the favour of Cynthia and if she gets her hand raised, this would be the biggest win of her career and bring her much closer to the top ranked fighters.
GUNNER NELSON (16-2)
Icelandic sensation and SBG standout Gunner Nelson headlines the main event of the card against ATT prospect Santiago Ponzinibbio who has twenty-seven professional fights under his belt. The BJJ blackbelt is known for his ground game and will look to either submit or tap out his opponent. Gunnar has amassed solid 7-2 record in the UFC with his recent victory coming against Alan Jouban via submission. Expectations are high for Gunnar who with a win can move up the ladder and with couple of more wins break into the top 10.
