The Fight Report: RFA 10
Having established itself as a feeder org for the UFC, RFA continues onward in finding new talent and allowing former Octagon warriors a stage to work their way back to the big show. We’ve got a small roster for the RFA 10 event on Friday, but a potent one none-the-less. Let’s dig in!
RFA 10 Main Event – Mike Rhodes vs. Alan Jouban: A former basketball player whom fell in love with MMA, Roufusport’s Mike Rhodes will look to take that big step into the majors, taking on muay thai specialist Alan Jouban. Rhodes is a fast-developing fighter, using his athletic ability from his basketball career to flesh out his footwork and explosive entry in the striking game.
Jouban is a long-time fighter with a tremendous arsenal, using a very traditional muay thai style, along with judo takedowns and BJJ. While he’s a bit on the wild side, his long range weapons and inside flurries are absolutely brutal, having hacked down UFC vet Chris Spang in his last fight.
This one comes down to that in-fighting aspect, as Rhodes has the speed and dynamic entry to avoid most of what Jouban uses to keep fighters at leg’s reach. In the pocket, Rhodes is a powerful puncher with a strong double leg takedown, and while Jouban is a hitter himself, his defense is lacking in exchanges. It’s a razor-close fight, but I like Rhodes simple power over Jouban’s muay thai combination work in a fire fight, giving Rhodes the late first round KO in a brutal fight.
Justin Lawrence vs. Luis Saldana: UFC vet Justin Lawrence will look to get back into the winner’s circle in RFA, taking on local buzzsaw Luis Saldana. Lawrence made a name for himself with his hard-style karate offense, taking out James Krause to get onto TUF, but was unable to capture the show title or stay afloat against the Featherweight killers in the Octagon. Saldana is a relative unknown, but appears to be from a san shou background, using a rapid fire kickboxing style that should meld very well with Lawrence’s own vicious offense. Lawrence has the better resume, but don’t sleep on the dark horse here, as Saldana could well surprise Lawrence if he takes this step down in competition lightly.
Complete RFA 10 Main Card: (subject to change)
Alan Jouban vs. Mike Rhodes
Justin Lawrence vs. Luis Saldana
Emanuel Brooks vs. Johnny Case
Michael McBride vs. Emmanuel Sanchez
Jeff Bates vs. Cory Galloway
Miles Marshall vs. Jordan Sanford
RFA 10 will take place from the Hy Vee Hall in Des Moines, Iowa and the main card will air live on AXS TV.
Category: Featured, MMA, Resurrection Fighting Alliance
About the Author (Author Profile)
I'm a 20+ year veteran of martial arts and a fan of MMA since UFC 1, when my world was thrown on its head by the budding sport. I'm obsessive in the pursuit of martial abilities and have competed across the country in everything from Vale Tudo to archery to Scottish broadsword. Once my body broke down, I picked up a pen and went in the direction of writing. I specialize in betting advice, predictions, and I'm a walking encyclopedia of MMA trivia. I own a cafe in Exeter, NH called Hammersmith Sandwich Company and write out of my office between customers.Subscribe
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