With two slots available in the finals, the welterweights in this Saturday’s M-1 Selection: Americas tournament will be putting it all on the line for a chance at the championship. The semi-final round of the M-1 Selection: Americas tournament takes place at Bally’s hotel and casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey Saturday, August 7, 2010.
Welterweight Semi-Finals
Tom Gallicchio vs. Aaron Meisner
Brookdale, New Jersey native Tom Gallicchio brings a strong submission game, and tough as nails attitude to the ring. With 13 wins as a professional, Gallicchio has proven to be a fighter who will either tap you out, or grind you out.
Gallicchio enters the semi-finals coming off a razor this split decision win over Reggie Pena on June 26. The fight was very competitive as both men entertained the crowd with a skilled display of mixed martial arts. At the end of the final frame it was Gallicchio who was awarded victory by the judges at ringside.
Aaron Meisner fights out of the Philadelphia fight factory, and is one of the east coasts hottest prospects. Meisner who hold a career record of 6-2 enters the semi-finals riding a 3 fight win streak. Known for his heavy hands, Meisner made quick work of Vagner Fernandez in the quarterfinals ending the fight in just :25 seconds with a violent barrage of knees and punches.
The records would indicate that Gallicchio would hold an advantage on the floor, while Meisner should have an advantage on the feet. One thing is for sure, Aaron Meisner has only been out of the first round once, so expect the action to be fast and relentless.
Len Bentley vs. Colin Schrader
Team Bombsquad welterweight Colin Schrader holds a perfect professional record of 3-0 . With an endless amount of talent and a top level group of training partners, Schrader has transitioned from a quality amateur fighter to a true prospect in the professional ranks. A chemist by day, Schrader has a solid grappling background, and appears to have all the elements to take his game to the next level.
In his first round fight, Schrader disposed of Josh Smidt in an astounding :30 seconds. Schrader has proven to have the winning formula, as none of his fights have reached the second round.
Len Bentley enters the semi-finals as a late replacement due to injury. Fighting out of Victory Athletics in Irving, Texas, Bentley brings experience and a slick submission game of his own to this match up.
At 8-4 with 6 wins via submission, Bentley will look to capitalize on his opportunity, and move forward.
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The M-1 Selection2010 – Americas tournament third round takes place live on August 7 at Bally’s Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Tickets are available through www.TicketMaster.com. Doors open at 7:00 pm, first fight at 7:30 PM/ET.
