October 14th will see the very first Samurai Fighting Championship card go down in front of a packed out Ebbw Vale Sports Centre. The card is set to feature 20 fights; 2 professional, 18 amateur and with 2 titles on the line.
The main-event will see Stephanie Evans take on Ruby Mesu, with a dream PFL contract at stake. Scott Pedersen returns to action after three consecutive finishes. With the inaugural event fast approaching, let’s take a look at five fights that you won’t want to miss.
Samurai Fighting Championship: Ioan Thomas v Gabriele Rovieri
Opening up the main card on October 14th is one name that we’ve all heard by now. “The Future” Ioan Thomas will make his first walk to the cage since March earlier this year. The young Welshman holds a perfect amateur record of 6-0 and is seen by many as a future superstar.
This time around, Thomas will make the move up 185lbs, ready to test his advanced skillset at a new weight class. Praised by headcoach, Richard Shore, as one of the best fighters in the country, he will need a career best performance to get past Italy’s Gabriele Rovieri.
Roveiri makes the trip to South Wales with a lot of confidence and a good finish rate. The Italian middleweight will be looking to continue his impressive 2023 run with a big upset next week. A skilled fighter who will have no issues keeping this fight standing.
This fight could prove a lot of things about Ioan Thomas. One thing we do know, it’s not one to be missed.
Matthew Dixon v Keanan Regisford
Another middleweight bout to keep on theme. Scotsman, Matthew Dixon, is ready to keep his win streak well and truly alive on October 14th. This rising amateur already has a lot of experience under his belt and the skills to match it.
His last fight came in August when he got the first round tap at Unity Fighting Championship in Darlington, England. He’s no stranger to the venue either. He brought home the silver medal at the Four Nations Championships back in July, going 1-1 in Ebbw Vale.
His opponent trains out of Renegade Gym, home of UFC welterweight champ, Leon Edwards. 25-year-old, Keanan Regisford, will hope to make it 2 wins in 2 months after his recent victory at GTFP23. This fight will see two hungry young warriors hoping to make a statement in a big way.
Marina-Mariam Boura v Lauren Woolf
“I will show everyone October 14th”, says former kickboxer Lauren Woolf. Boasting an incredible fight career up to this point, Woolf hopes to continue her rise in MMA when she takes on Greek competitor Marina-Mariam Boura.
Since making the switch to MMA at the start of the year, she hasn’t taken it slow. Four fights in and things are looking good. Unbelievable kickboxing ability isn’t all she has to offer. Her ground continues to develop working with the guy’s at Shore MMA. You never know what to expect when someone this skilled enters the cage.
Boura has a strong background in BJJ and won’t be put off by who she’s facing. No matter what, expect surprises here.
Victor Yeo v Louie Cooke
Training out of Lions Den Gym in Exeter, enter 20-year-old, Victor Yeo. Coming up to a year since making his debut, the “Vanilla Gorilla”, holds a 4-1 record. All four of his victories have come by way of finish and he’ll want that to continue October 14th.
A dangerous ground game and some powerful hands are what you can expect from this young Englishman. However, he’s sure to be tested this time as he faces 3-2 amateur, Louie Cooke. The Scouser makes his return to South Wales hoping to back up his last win here, once again.
Two very skilled fighters locked in a cage. Who walks out? We just don’t know.
Dan Tourle v Tate Groves
Finally, let’s talk about these two. Both of these undefeated amateurs make the walk with a great deal of hype behind them. Welshman, Tate Groves, fights out of Celtic Pride Gym and is still just 16-years-old. He’s already shown why we should all be keeping an eye on him, but this fight is just another opportunity to prove it.
Having spent some time training in Birmingham alongside UFC welterweights, Leon Edwards and Ian Marchado-Garry, there’s no doubt we’re going to be seeing the very best Tate Groves. Incredible boxing and an underrated wrestling ability.
On the otherside of the cage, we have Dan Tourle. This Englishman throws bombs. Both men have the ability to close the show at any point they choose and with them opening up the card, I can think of worse ways to kickstart an event.
Blink and you’ll miss it.
You can keep an eye on all the build-up to Samurai Fighting Championship right here. As well as, live results and interviews across all our platforms from the event. Stay tuned.
