Road FC 47: Openweight GP Opening Round - May 12 (OFFICIAL DISCUSSION)

Road FC 47
May 12, 2018
Cadillac Arena
Beijing, China

Main Card:
Aorigele (6-3)                vs.       (0-2) Jae Hoon Kim 
Main Card |  Grand Prix Quarter-Finals | Openweight

Mighty Mo (12-5)           vs.       (39-16) Gilbert Yvel 
Main Card |  Grand Prix Quarter-Finals | Openweight

Oli Thompson (3-3)        vs.   (10-5) Chaolong Deng
Main Event |  Grand Prix Quarter-Finals | Openweight

Chris Barnett (16-6)       vs. (16-4) Alexandru Lungu
Main Card |  Grand Prix Quarter-Finals | Openweight

Kazuyuki Fujita (15-14)  vs.      (3-5) Handong Kong 
Main Card |  Grand Prix Reserve | Openweight

Gabi Garcia (4-0)           vs.     (0-0) Veronika Futina 
Main Card |  Superfight | Women's Openweight

ROAD FC has held five events in China since 2015, and Xiaomi ROAD FC 047 marks the return to the capital city of Beijing in two years. The event will take place in the Cadillac Arena, originally the Beijing Wukesong Culture & Sports Center, a 20,000-capacity indoor arena that was recently constructed for the 2008 Summer Olympics basketball preliminaries and finals.

The Openweight Grand Prix marks the start of the new ROAD FC plan to host exciting annual tournaments across different weight divisions. This 8-man format will pair the most engaging Mixed Martial Artists who will seek to blitz their way to a cash prize, killer trophy, and the right to claim the title of 2018 ROAD FC Openweight Grand Prix Champion!

The first ROAD FC Openweight Grand Prix and the first event in China for 2018 would not be complete without including the fan favorite surging young fighter, Aorigele. The “Kung Fu Panda” (6-3-0-1, Xindu Martial Arts Club) has gone 6-1 in his professional record with ROAD FC. All of his wins are by KO/TKO including those over Yusuke Kawaguchi, Bob Sapp, and the legendary Kazuyuki Fujita. Aorigele will cement his prospect status at just 23-years old with his inclusion in the first ROAD FC Openweight Grand Prix.

Hope the winner of this GP fights Mighty Mo for the OW title.

PRIDE VET SANDU LUNGU JOINS 2018 OPENWEIGHT GRAND PRIX

Alexandru Lungu (16-4, Sandu Lungu Academy) is a Romanian Judo champion who made the transition to MMA in a huge way, by debuting in PRIDE in 2005. In judo, he won the gold medal as a junior in the 1994 World Championships, and in 1999 he took gold at the Universiade and bronze in the European Judo Championships. Lungu competed in over 100 judo matches and won 14 gold medals across Europe, Japan and the US.
 
After his PRIDE debut, Lungu competed in Cage Rage, K-1, and Romania's RXF. He amassed eleven knock out victories over such notables as Jimmy Ambriz, China kickboxing standout Steven Banks, and ROAD FC Openweight Champion Mighty Mo. Lungu continued his onslaught in the kickboxing ring with a record of 5-2, knocking out Bob Sapp in his 3011 debut.
 
At over 160 kgs, “Sandu” is anything but the diminutive nickname he was given. Lungu is indeed a “massive” veteran of MMA, and his participation in the 2018 ROAD FC Openweight Grand Prix is sure to leave a huge impact!

Three more participants are now announced for the opening round of the inaugural 8-man 2018 Openweight Grand Prix: Chris Barnett, Wu Lahan, and Kim Jae-Hun.

Chris “Beastboy” Barnett (16-6, Barnett Taekwondo Academy) is one of the most exciting heavyweights in action today. He comes from a family of Taekwondo practitioners and brings exactly those kicking skills into the cage. Barnett achieved dominance in Island Fights then launched his career in Asia with tournaments in IGF and Rizin, so the ROAD FC Grand Prix is right up his alley. He ended 2017 with a strong beatdown of wrestler Shim Gun-Oh at ROAD FC 045, and will keep that momentum going.

Wu Lahan (5-0, Tianjin Jitianlong) is a 196cm giant from China who has the right mix of striking and grappling prowess. He has been a National Sanda champ three years running, but he counts submission finishes on his MMA record. In the new Ganryujima promotion, he became known on the international scene. Wu's debut in ROAD FC was a dominant performance that showcased exactly what he's capable of. Wu will make a commendable addition to represent China's new MMA strength.

Kim Jae-Hun (0-2, Team Korea) steps up as the definite dark horse in representing Korea, after recent title contender Myung Hyun-Man was set out with an injury. Kim's performances have been brawling nailbiters that see him rushing out of the corner for a war, but seeing the opposition's flag raised instead. His last match against kickboxer-turned-MMA reality star Heo Jae-Hyuk looked to be the turning point in his favor with a one-sided thrashing until a slip let his opponent claim the last minute victory. Kim will be the underdog, but expect nothing less than his all.

ROAD FC Openweight Champion Mighty Mo is announced as the sixth participant.

ROAD FC Openweight Champion Mighty Mo (12-5, Team Mighty Mo) is a 2-time K-1 World Grand Prix winner who also fought in DREAM and Bellator. He made his promotional debut in 2015 with a resounding 37 second KO of PRIDE legend Choi Mu-Bae. Mo then entered the first ROAD FC Openweight Tournament and defeated Choi again by TKO, submitted Myung Hyun-Man in their first meeting in the semifinals, then became the Champion when he rubber matched Choi Hong-Man. Since then, he has defended his belt twice. A third defense was planned with challenger Myung, however injury forced the Korean contender out of the bout, leaving Mighty Mo without at opponent the week of the event.

PRIDE and UFC vet, RINGS and M-1 tournament Champ Gilbert Yvel is announced as the seventh participant.

Gilbert Yvel (39-16-1-1, Mike's Gym) of the Netherlands is a mixed martial artist who needs no introduction – he prefers to make himself known loud and clear. With over 20 years of professional bouts, Yvel is one of the most prolific fighters still in action today. His start in the historic RINGS during the early years of the promotion saw him earn victories over Valentijn Overeem and Semmy Schilt. He then went on to PRIDE where he defeated Gary Goodridge, lost to Vitor Belfort and Igor Vovchanchyn, and cemented his nasty reputation with an eye gouge DQ against Don Frye.
 
Yvel competed prolifically in M-1, K-1, Cage Rage, It's Showtime, and Affliction. His knockout of Pedro Rizzo got him the UFC call up in 2010, but he saw 3 losses inside the Octagon, and then called it a career on an upswing victory over Houston Alexander in 2012. Yvel just couldn't stay retired and flaunted his prowess once again in 2016 by retiring fellow OG Ricco Rodriguez. Still reflecting on the win, his renewed health, and a mindset that's much more positive than ten years ago, Yvel has decided to come back to prove why he's one of the best heavyweight strikers of all time!

Kingfedor wrote:
PRIDE and UFC vet, RINGS and M-1 tournament Champ Gilbert Yvel is announced as the seventh participant.

Gilbert Yvel (39-16-1-1, Mike's Gym) of the Netherlands is a mixed martial artist who needs no introduction – he prefers to make himself known loud and clear. With over 20 years of professional bouts, Yvel is one of the most prolific fighters still in action today. His start in the historic RINGS during the early years of the promotion saw him earn victories over Valentijn Overeem and Semmy Schilt. He then went on to PRIDE where he defeated Gary Goodridge, lost to Vitor Belfort and Igor Vovchanchyn, and cemented his nasty reputation with an eye gouge DQ against Don Frye.
 
Yvel competed prolifically in M-1, K-1, Cage Rage, It's Showtime, and Affliction. His knockout of Pedro Rizzo got him the UFC call up in 2010, but he saw 3 losses inside the Octagon, and then called it a career on an upswing victory over Houston Alexander in 2012. Yvel just couldn't stay retired and flaunted his prowess once again in 2016 by retiring fellow OG Ricco Rodriguez. Still reflecting on the win, his renewed health, and a mindset that's much more positive than ten years ago, Yvel has decided to come back to prove why he's one of the best heavyweight strikers of all time!

Cool to see Yvel back.

World-renowned legendary striker Jerome Le Banner is announced as the final participant.

Jerome Le Banner (3-3-1, Chakuriki Gym) of France is a decorated kickboxer with a 25-year chain of championships and tournaments totaling to an impressive record of 81-22-1. Although he started in judo as a boy, it was the impression of Bruce Lee which set him into the striking arts. Then from 1990 to 2015, Le Banner succeeded in winning title after title in Muay Thai, kickboxing and K-1 rules, including multiple ISKA championships and K-1 World Grand Prix tournaments.
 
The right-handed striker who stuck to a southpaw stance because of Bruce Lee has become a favorite to countless combat fans around the world through several generations. Le Banner has shared ring rivalries with the best of the best including Musashi, Ernesto Hoost, Remy Bojansky, Semmy Schilt, Gary Goodridge, Choi Hong-Man, and Mark Hunt.

Kingfedor wrote:
World-renowned legendary striker Jerome Le Banner is announced as the final participant.

Jerome Le Banner (3-3-1, Chakuriki Gym) of France is a decorated kickboxer with a 25-year chain of championships and tournaments totaling to an impressive record of 81-22-1. Although he started in judo as a boy, it was the impression of Bruce Lee which set him into the striking arts. Then from 1990 to 2015, Le Banner succeeded in winning title after title in Muay Thai, kickboxing and K-1 rules, including multiple ISKA championships and K-1 World Grand Prix tournaments.
 
The right-handed striker who stuck to a southpaw stance because of Bruce Lee has become a favorite to countless combat fans around the world through several generations. Le Banner has shared ring rivalries with the best of the best including Musashi, Ernesto Hoost, Remy Bojansky, Semmy Schilt, Gary Goodridge, Choi Hong-Man, and Mark Hunt.

Nice, Hyper Battle Cyborg. ROAD is bring out the classics with The Bulldog of Normandy and Yvel.

The opening round of the inaugural 8-man 2018 Openweight Grand Prix will be held and the matches are now set.

In addition, a Reserve Match is set between Chinese MMA pioneer Kong Handong (3-5, Longyun MMA Gym) and Japanese MMA legend Kazuyuki Fujita (15-14, Team Fujita).

Cool to see Mighty Mo, Barnett, Yvel, LeBanner.

ROAD Fighting Championship announces a women's openweight bout for ROAD FC 047. RIZIN sensation Gabi Garcia will take on Russia's Veronika Futina.

Gabi Garcia (4-0-0-1, Kings MMA/Team Alliance) of Brazil is known as the larger-than-life sensation Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world champion who successfully transitioned to MMA in RIZIN. Garcia is a 9-times IBJJF Worlds gold medalist and a 3-times ADCC champion. She stands at 188cm and weighs in at over 110kg. Aside from her grappling acumen, Garcia has been developing her striking game as well, focusing on MMA since her transition in 2015. She is a rare specimen who possesses great stature with elite skill that has the women's openweight division finally getting the recognition it deserves. With four of her five RIZIN bouts being finishes split between submissions and punches, Garcia has proven she's here to stay.

Veronika Futina (debut, Team PROFI) of Russia is a Hand-To-Hand Combat Champion who has won the Russia Championship 4 times, the last being in 2017, and the World Championship 2 times. She has pursued martial arts since her childhood including judo and boxing. Futina now trains MMA with Gladiator Fight Team women Oxana Gagloeva, boxing champion, and Anna Maliukova, both former opponents of Garcia's in RIZIN, so she has the advantage of their foresight. Futina is highly conditioned, has great strength, and is well-rounded.

Garcia staying active with Road FC fight.

Hang on i thought Fujita retired? Man I haven't been keeping up I think mighty mo wins the entire thing personally and as for Gabi I hope her opponent isn't a grandma.

westcott123 wrote:Hang on i thought Fujita retired? Man I haven't been keeping up I think mighty mo wins the entire thing personally and as for Gabi I hope her opponent isn't a grandma.

Same here.

OLI THOMPSON AND DENG CHAOLONG FILL THE LAST GRAND PRIX MATCH

Originally, French kickboxing legend Jerome Le Banner was slated to face China's behemoth Sanda champion Wu Lahan. However, both fighters have been struck with injuries that will push them out of the time needed to recover safely for the Grand Prix.

Oli Thompson (17-10, First Generation MMA) of the United Kingdom discovered his super strength early and began competing in Strongman competitions all over the world. He won gold in Britain's Strongest Man in 2006 and was top 20 in the world by 2008. Thompson transitioned to MMA in 2009 and found equally rapid success by becoming the UCMMA Champion within 2 years. This led to a shot in the UFC, then BAMMA, KSW and Bellator, culminating in winning the IGF 2015 Grand Prix by defeating Minowa Man, Chris Barnett, and Fernando Rodriguez Jr.

Deng Chaolong (10-4, Dailan North MMA Club) of China is taking his biggest fight to date against Thompson. The 23-year old is 188cm and hails from a very tough area and team that is starting to produce well-rounded MMA fighters outside of the Sanda circle. Deng counts 6 TKOs and 3 submissions in his win column, and he's proven that his BJJ is going to be a part of his game plan.

Kingfedor wrote:OLI THOMPSON AND DENG CHAOLONG FILL THE LAST GRAND PRIX MATCH

Originally, French kickboxing legend Jerome Le Banner was slated to face China's behemoth Sanda champion Wu Lahan. However, both fighters have been struck with injuries that will push them out of the time needed to recover safely for the Grand Prix.

Oli Thompson (17-10, First Generation MMA) of the United Kingdom discovered his super strength early and began competing in Strongman competitions all over the world. He won gold in Britain's Strongest Man in 2006 and was top 20 in the world by 2008. Thompson transitioned to MMA in 2009 and found equally rapid success by becoming the UCMMA Champion within 2 years. This led to a shot in the UFC, then BAMMA, KSW and Bellator, culminating in winning the IGF 2015 Grand Prix by defeating Minowa Man, Chris Barnett, and Fernando Rodriguez Jr.

Deng Chaolong (10-4, Dailan North MMA Club) of China is taking his biggest fight to date against Thompson. The 23-year old is 188cm and hails from a very tough area and team that is starting to produce well-rounded MMA fighters outside of the Sanda circle. Deng counts 6 TKOs and 3 submissions in his win column, and he's proven that his BJJ is going to be a part of his game plan.

Nice addition with Thompson.

Very happy with todays results. Fujita Wins! Fujita Wins! Fujita Wins! Ok, he beat a can but at this point, I'll take anything as it's his first win in a decade so I'm fine with him practicing his recycling skills. Glad Thompson and Yvel won their fights but who'd a thought we ever see Yvel win with an armbar?

It is great to see Fujita get a win even if it is a can good for him I didn't expect yvel to win by submission either. I do think mighty mo is the favorite to win it all though Fujita in the finals would be great or huggy bear in the final.

Rocksoldier84 wrote:Very happy with todays results. Fujita Wins! Fujita Wins! Fujita Wins! Ok, he beat a can but at this point, I'll take anything as it's his first win in a decade so I'm fine with him practicing his recycling skills. Glad Thompson and Yvel won their fights but who'd a thought we ever see Yvel win with an armbar?

Nice