Combat Zone MMA Preview

DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!

Regional Fight Sports

Written by Mike Strazerre and RFS STAFF

Combat Zone MMA will return Friday night Jan 31st in an all amateur card. Normally this wouldn't be ideal for fight fans but I think it's coming at a perfect time and has some incredible amateur fights on tap. The 47th installment of the longest running MMA promotion in the northeast promises to bring the amateurs back into the spotlight and sort out some divisions,

Headlining the show is a welterweight battle between current #1 Paul Gaffney (3-0) out of Team Link NH will take on Andrew Tripp (5-0) representing Team Irish. Andrew had dominated the 170 lb. class for a while and when he took a break, Gaffney stepped up with some remarkable wins and finishes.

Look for this fight to be a WAR! Wherever it goes we have two big strong warriors battling it out to lay claim on that #1 spot and look towards some big things in the pro ranks.

In another #1 rankings fight, Team Triumph's Jay Perrin looks to solidify his claim at the top of the 135 lb. weight class in a bad blood fight with Kenny Murphy of Team Link NH. Murphy feels he should be #1 after several big wins but some at 125 lbs. Perrin is out to show why he is on top. These guys do NOT like each other one bit and this will be a high level fierce battle, most likely settled on the ground but could go anywhere!

Top 205 lb. prospect representing team Burgess, Dan Burke (3-1) will take on #1 ranked Jesse Baughman (4-0) out of Team Link. Despite having 7 inches on him, Burke will have to deal with the freakish strength and athleticism of Baughman and to be honest anyone out of Team Link under Marco Alvan is a favorite in 95% of local fights. This one should be a war!!

Rounding out the featured fights is yet another #1 heavyweight ranked amateur, Javier Velasquez out of Connor's MMA is returning for a long awaited battle with the always game Xavier Vargas. Xavier is coming off a quick KO his last fight which was at 185. Much respect for Xavier to step up 35 lbs to take this fight! Javier is dangerous EVERYWHERE and Xavier has dynamite in both hands and is well rounded and conditioned. This should be another showstopper!!!

Other fighters highlighting the card is Team Pitbull head coach Dave Spero, the super exciting Jake Pilla out of Intenze MMA/Wai Kru and Brad O'Brien out of Team Triumph trying to add to what looks to be a BIG year at that school in his debut.

In very unfortunate news, Shane "the Future" Mulligan who was willing to travel all the way from Cape Cod to fight a very tough guy is out with a knee injury. This was VERY odd these days given Shane has two promotions in his backyard which would be much easier for him to showcase not only his skills but ticket sales. Shane has torn his meniscus and had surgery to fixit yesterday. Much respect to Shane and we wish him a fast healthy recovery here at Regional Fight Sports.

For the full fight card and tickets go to combatzonemma.com. This is a show you do NOT want to miss. Not many shows come around this area. Don't pass up on a chance to see the future of local MMA battle it out now and find out who is the ONE!