Entire first round of the WORLD CUP of MMA VOTE NOW!!!

Hello fight fans and welcome to the event we've so fondly been looking forward to the day of the first round of the Sherdog HW World Cup of MMA!!!!Tonight we will be treated with 8 ...,yes count them 8 HW fights featuring the best talent from around the globe.Truly Global bragging rights are on the line and the honor and pride of not only the competitors themselves,but also the Promotions being represented are on the line for this first ever World Cup of MMA.

(Since I dont have the ability to create polls we will do this a little differently......
I will give fighter breakdowns with videos for you to look at to help decide who you think would win.After reading/watching videos simply post the name of the fighters you think would win and how.after a time period TBA I will tally the votes and then create a PBP of the fights and give the results of who won.)

So let's get on with it already I'm itchin for action and the JUST BLEED GODS demand their payment....The first match of the World Cup is starting right NOW!!!


Making his way to the cage representing Pancrase in Japan we have......


Hikaru Sato (24-24)38 yrs old 5'9 218lbs

Hikaru is a true Pancase Veteran who has wins over Shannon Ritch,Jonathan Ivey,Ryo Chonan,and Daisuke Nakamura.He has a very good grappling skillset with good top control and patience to set up the submission for the finish.His standup isnt elite but he can hurt you with straight power punches and has a decent kicking game as well.His takedowns are simple yet effective and he is pretty durable though at HW he is the smallest of the competitors.

VS

Now making his way to the cage representing EFC in Africa we have.......


(C)Dalcha Lungiambula (9-1) 5'10 215lbs

Dalcha is EFCs Lhw and Hw champion and is getting better every fight.He is a short stalky guy with power in his hands and just power in general. He also has a solid Judo background which he uses in the clinch for takedowns and in scrambles to defend.His striking is surprisingly quick and coming up to Hw his gas tank hasn't suffered at all.He is on the rise and looking for big names to add on his resume.



This fight is a battle of Veteran warrior spirit versus the hungry young lion......Can Satos veteran fight IQ and veteran grappling skillset allow him to take out the surging African?Can Dalcha overwhelm Sato with strikes and avoid the takedown???Or showcase his judo skills?
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Making his way to the cage representing ONE in Singapore we have......


(C)Brandon Vera (15-7) 41yrs 6'3 265lbs

Brandon Vera is the current ONE Hw champion with 1 successful title defense but is probably still better known from his time in the UFC where he beat guys like Frank Mir,Justin Eilers,Assuerio Silva,and Fabiano Scherner.Brandon is unbeaten in ONE and has showcased solid muay thai ability with thumping leg and body kicks as well as a dangerous clinch game.Brandon is a Blackbelt in BJJ under Lloyd Irvin so he is no slouch on the ground but prefers to stand and bang with opponents.

Here's footage of his last fight finishing with kicks and punches.




VS


Making his way to the cage representing CAGE WARRIORS in The United Kingdom we have.....


(C)Mauro Cerrilli (12-2)35yrs 6'2 242lbs

Mauro is the Cage Warriors HW Champion and has defended 2×.He has since signed with ONE and is taking on Vera for the Hw Belt.Mauro has a powerful brawling/boxing style with good wrestling to compliment it allowing him to adjust in the fight where he feels most comforatable.He likes to finish but is pretty durable and his cardio is I'd say slightly above average for a Hw.

Here he is finishing Karl Moore an SBG 8-1 fighter who was Cage Warriors Lhw champ looking to become double champion he was undefeated.......until he met Cerilli.




This fight is another example of the tested veteran looking to hold his ground against a surging young lion looking to take the belt and his spot.Can Vera keep the fight at Kick boxing range and pick Cerill apart with his muay thai skill and stop the takedown and big punches from Cerilli?and can Cerilli close the distance and use his power punching to rock Vera or get the takedown?and if he gets said takedown is his top game good enough to fend off Vera's Bjj?

(This fight is happening in real life in November)

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Making his way to the cage representing RIZIN in Japan we have.....


Mirko Crocop (37-11)47yrs 6'2 233lbs

Mirko is the 2016 RIZIN Openweight GP winner and is currently riding a 9 fight win streak dating back to 2014.That streak includes wins over Satoshi Ishii×2,Gabriel Gonzaga,King Mo,Baruto Kaito,Amir Aliakbari,TK,&Roque Martinez.Mirko is definetly a bit slower but he is still a very powerful kicks and punches and drive to finish guys.He has shown still at his older age that he can finish off surging competition already holding wins via finish over 2 competitors in the World Cup.His BJJ and wrestling has gotten better but he still isnt a submission specialist but can defend pretty well.

VS
Making his way to the cage representing Akhmat Fight Club in Russia we have.....


Aleksander Emelianenko (28-7)37yrs 6'6 256lbs

Aleks is currently on a 5 fight win streak including wins over Gerinimo Dos Santos,Gabriel Gonzaga,and Viktor Pesta.Aleks is an accomplished Combat Sambo practitioner and is known for his powerful and speedy boxing.Aleks has looked good in his recent run showcasing both the ability to still knock guys out on the feet but able to scramble and grapple to good effect showcasing his rounded skillset.

This fight is a rematch from PRIDE era between 2 scary strikers and Crocop finished Aleks the first time.Can Crocop utilize his kickboxing and repeat history with another finish of the younger emelianenko.Can Aleks get revenge and finish Crocop with his powerful boxing or mix it up with his Sambo to get the win?

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Making his way to the cage representing RCC in Russia we have.....


Ivan Shtyrkov (14-0)30yrs 6'0 236lbs

Ivan is a stout ball of muscle with lots of power in his punches and good burst in his boxing. He has a pretty good grappling game and his top position is very good and dominant.His cardio isnt elite but he generally goes for and finds the finish by the 2nd round.Has a win over KSW champ and participant in the World Cup Phil defries.

Here's videos of him finishing guys








VS

making his way to the cage representing Combate Americas in Mexico we have......


Tony Lopez (61-29)44yrs 6'5 233lbs

Tony is a true journeyman in the best way possible he has been in multiple promotions throughout the years fought tons of guys and won alot of regional titles. He has great cardio and a Jack of all trades style he uses pressure to break guys in all positions.He has good boxing and limited kicks with good wrestling and solid bjj.

Here's some videos of him in bare knuckle boxing





This fight is an interesting matchup of power versus IQ as we see the body builder vs the battle tested veteran.Can Shtyrkov use his power to overwhelm Tony with punches and keep his undefeated streak?Can Tony use his durability and cardio to put the pace on Shtyrkov and gas him enough to finish him or decision him?
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Making his way to the cage representing Jungle Fight in Brazil we have .......


(C)Roggers Souza (8-0)29yrs 6'4 265lbs

Roggers is the Jungle Fight Hw Champion and is a finisher.All his wins are by finish with 7 kos/1sub win.He is a Nova Uniao trained fighter and has the boxing style and BJJ style that is trademarked by them.Good combinations and power on the feet as well as a underutilized bjj game and good cardio. The guy always looking to finish he is a JBG God disciple.

VS

Making his way to the cage representing M-1 Global we have.....


Nikolay Savilov (13-3)25yrs 5'11 231lbs

Nikolay is a very young but very interesting prospect in M-1 Global.He doesn't have any big signature wins but he has showcased a solid skillset and is ever improving. He has good powerful punches and a good grappling base but he prefers to stand.His shorter build helps defend takedowns and let's him get in tight and still have ko power.

Here's a video of one of his fights



This is a battle of 2 Hw prospects looking to break out in the World Cup and make a statement.Can Roggers aggressive striking style overwhelm the Russian?Can he showcase his grappling and surprise his opponent?Can Savilov stay composed and avoid the early onslaught from Roggers and get a finish of his own?Can he use his counter wrestling to control the pace of the fight and win a decision?

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Making his way to the cage representing KSW in Poland we have.....


(C)Phil De Fries (16-6)32yrs 6'4 248lbs

Phil has fought in alot if different promotions and been successful from UFC to Bellator to becoming the KSW Hw Champion.Phil has a smothering style of wrestling and grappling that pressures opponents into making mistakes then he submits them.His standup isnt elite but his boxing is good enough to rock some guys and mix it up to get his takedown going.wins over oli thompson,Brett Rogers,James aThompsin,Andryszak,and Karol Beforf show he us definetly in the upper tier of fighters and since slimming down a few pounds he has been much more aggressive and getting finishes.

Here's a fight if his



VS

Making his way to the cage representing BRAVE CF in the Middle East we have.....

Fabiano Silva (5-1)40yrs 6'2 238lbs

Fabiano is a world class accomplished Bjj Black Belt and head coach of ATT in Temecula Ca.He has a very good technical bjj game his top game is very dangerous and his bread and butter.He has a decent boxing game but it's used to close distance and range find for the takedown. His bjj off his back is mostly defensive and sweep heavy but armbars are available for him.

Here's his first fight back in mma in 6 years after knee surgery.he has another victory after this win here too as hes recommitted to only MMA and is training full time again for the last 2-3 years.




This fight is a battle of high level grapplers and who can assert their style better.Neither guy is a killer on the feet but the ground game both guys are legit it's a very fun matchup.Can De Fries get the takedown and smother Silva with gnp and positioning without getting swept or submitted?Will Phil choose to use his standup and try to tko his opponent?Will Silva be able to get the takedown first and use his world class bjj to submit the KSW champ?Can Silva if taken down get the sweep or submission and not get positionally dominated?

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Making his way to the cage representing ROAD FC in South Korea we have......


Mighty Mo (12-6)48yrs 6'1 265lbs

Mo is a veteran of the sport and 2017 Roadfc Openweight GP Champion and an accomplished kickboxer.He is a brutal brawler/kickboxer with big punches and kicks and the attitude to finish fights.His groundgame isnt great so at all costs he tries to defend the takedown and counter guys.He is another JBG disciple lol always gives it his all.

Here's some of his fights for you guys





VS

Making his way to the cage representing TKO in Canada we have.....


(C)Cyril Gane (2-0) 28yrs 6'5 241lbs

Cyril is an undefeated Muaythai kickboxing champion at 13-0 in MT and 2-0 in KB.He is fairly green in mma but he is training grappling to close the gap on opposition.His standup is really good he has fast strikes and kicks with good ability to close distance and dictate range.His clinch game is good with powerful knees and elbows and his takedown defense is good.His speed and power are very formidable on the feet against anyone in the World Cup.

This fight is a a battle of kickboxers and will surely be a treat for the fans and a tribute to the JBGs!!!Can Mo catch Gane with his power and finish him for his first loss in combat sports?Can Gane utilize his speed advantage to pick Mo apart and finish him?Can Gane gas Mo and Finish him?

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Making his way to the cage representing DEEP in Japan we have.....


(C)Roque Martinez (13-5)32yrs 5'10 265lbs

Roque is the DEEP megaton Champion and was on an 8 fight win streak before falling to Crocop in Japan.He is a short stalky Hw with power punches and good wrestling with a dominant top game and gnp.He is a solid all around fighter who is a tough fight for anyone in the World Cup.

VS

Making his way to the cage representing M-1 Global in Russia we have ......


Mikhail Mokhnatkin (11-2)28yrs 6'3 223lbs

Mikhail is a hot Russian prospect who has wins over Valentijn Overeem,Derrick Mehmen,Fabio Maldonado,and Kleber Silva.He has showcased a solid rounded game with a solid patient boxing style and a solid grappling game both defending and attacking.He is close to signing with a bigger promotion and is searching for big names to put on his hitlist.

Here's a video of him for some reference



This fight is a battle between 2 rising prospects looking to show dominance and assert themselves in this World Cup.Can Roque catch Mikhail with his power punches?can Rogue get a takedown and keep him there?Can Mikhail showcase his speed and technique against a powerful brawler like Roque?Can Mikhail show his full game and outclass Roque?

Ok so I screwed up on the poll so just make a list of the guys you think would win and post them.

Cheers guys!!!

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Ivan Shtyrkov





VS


Tony Lopez



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Roggers Souza




VS


Nikolay Savilov




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Phillip De Fries





VS

Fabiano Silva




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Mighty Mo





VS

Cyril Gane






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Roque Martinez






VS

Mikhail Mokhnatkin

I went with Cro Cop

CDF47 wrote:I went with Cro Cop

I screwed up on poll lol

Just list winners u think from each bout

Vera
Cro Cop
Ivan
De Fries
Souza
Mikhail

Dalcha vs Sato (results= 27votes to 3 for dalcha . .pbp is just for fun)

The fighters touch gloves and the fight is underway...
Round 1

Dalcha lands a pawing jab followed by an inside leg kick,Sato throws an overhand right but comes up short as Dalcha moves out of range.Sato attempts to initiate the clinch but is hit with a powerful left hook as Dalcha circles away from the cage.Dalcha lands a body kick and moves back,Sato trying to get in close and is nailed with a massive right hand that drops him to the canvas!!!.Dalcha rushes in and drops some big hammer fists and it puts Sato out cold!!!

Your winner via ko/tko @1m12secs of the very first round Dalcha 'Champion' Lingiumbula

Dalcha could move far in this.

FIGHT RESULTS!!!
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Crocop vs Aleks 2 (Vote Results=22 votes to 8 for Crocop)

Fighters touch gloves and the fight is underway
Round 1

The fighters quickly meet in the center of the cage but neither one initiates,they circle as crocop feints a kick and Aleks paws with his jab.Crocop fires off 2 straight punches but aleks avoids them as he circles away from the power of crocop.Aleks moves forward with a looping left that just misses and crocop counters with an inside leg kick and misses with a cross.Aleks lunges in with a flurry of hooks and uppercuts the majority are blocked by crocop but the final hook lands flush,Crocop smiles and the fighters both take a step back and gather themselves.Crocop lands a crisp outside leg kick just above the knee and pivots landing a hard straight left that stumbles Aleks backward Crocop is patient though and motions Aleks to bring it.2 mins gone as the action is picking up,Aleks aggressively stalking crocop but crocop is landing leg and body kicks at distance slowing Aleks down.Crocop fakes low and just misses with a left high kick.Aleks lands a good left to the body followed by a crisp straight right,Crocop attempts a counter left but comes up short.Aleks pressing forward bobbing and weaving lands a hard pair of looping punches pushing crocop toward the cage,Aleks uncorks a hard hook to the body and clinches with Crocop against the cage.Aleks lands a few short punches from the clinch before Crocop gets the under hook circles and pushes away taking the center of the cage.Aleks pushes forward again with a wild combo of hooks and uppercuts,Crocop blocking as he back pedals shifts his weight as he plants his feet and catches Aleks with a wicked counter straight left,it drops aleks to his butt as crocop rushes in Aleks stairs up dazed as Crocop lands a soccer kick putting Aleks immediately into a state of rigimortus and the referee graciously stops any further strikes and attends to Aleks.

Your winner by Ko/tko @ 6m 12secs of the first round Mirco 'Crocop' Filipovic!!!!!!

FIGHT RESULTS!!!!
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Shtyrkov vs Lopez(vote results=29 votes to 1 for Shtyrkov)

The fighters touch gloves and the fight is underway!!!
Round 1

Lopez is circling to his right trying to avoid the power hand of Shtyrkov.Shtyrkov has his right hand glued to his jawline ready to uncork a bomb as Lopez tests the waters with a low leg kick more foot then shin connects and he quickly retreats and circles as shtyrkov rushes forward missing with a looping left hook.Lopez throws a right hand and dives in for the double against the fence.Shtyrkov easily gets the under hooks and briefly looks for a takedown of his own before breaking the clinch and taking the center of the cage. Shtyrkov moves forward with an overhand right that just glances off the top of Lopez head.Lopez is backpedaling and Shtyrkov continues to press forward with 2 powerful looping hooks both are blocked by Lopez as he initiates the clinch.Shtyrkov hits Lopez with an awkward punch on the temple and then shoves Lopez away.Shtrykov lands a brutal overhand right rocking Tony followed by a left hook right hand combo that crumples Lopez to the canvas,Lopez turtles up and the ref dives in between ending the fight.You can see on instant replay Lopez eyes were rolled back he was not in the fight....good stoppage.

Your winner by Ko/tko @2m12secs of the first round Ivan 'Ural Hulk'Shtyrkov!!!!!