With September 18th quickly approaching, the battle tested M-1 Selection: Americas finalists are ready for action, we will now take a look at the individual match ups that will decide the Americas tournament champions.
With the prospect of an M-1 Challenge title shot, and an M-1 Selection tournament championship in their grasp, our lightweight finalists George Sheppard, and Jose Figueroa are prepared to leave it all in the ring for their shot at victory.
Sheppard ( 9-2) fights out of Richmond Virginia’s MMA Institute, and is riding a 3 fight win streak into his finals bout. With a split decision win over a very tough Josh Bacallao in the semi finals, Sheppard has been training harder than ever for the toughest fight of his professional career.
At 5’10” Sheppard is a solid sized lightweight, and with the nickname “Lights Out” you can bet he’ll be searching for the knockout. With a strong wrestling background and good stand up, Sheppard is a well rouunded competitor who’s only losses came via submission.
Jose Figueroa ( 8-4) is not your average lightweight fighter. At 6’ 3” tall the American Top Team competitor enters his finals fight with a substantial height and reach advantage. With 5 submission victories to his credit, it’s no secret where “The Peoples Champion” would like to take this fight.
Figueroa earned his place in the finals with a unanimous decision win over Josh Thorpe in the semi finals on August 7. In that bout, Figueroa displayed patience, and controlled the pace of the fight. Figueroa has vowed to be more prepared than he has ever been coming into his September 18th bout.
The fight is going to be an interesting display of mixed martial arts. Sheppard , a standout college wrestler, has made his mark in the sport showing quality stand up. However with such a disadvantage in the reach department, can “Lights Out” close the distance and land on his much taller opponent. Figueroa has a history of solid ground work, but fighting a quality wrestler such as Sheppard can he get this fight to the floor?
These are just a few of the questions that will be answered on September 18, at Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey as M-1 Global presents the 2010 M-1 Selection: Americas tournament Finals.
