WSOF 3 Preview

 

Josh Burkman (25-9) is coming into Friday’s fights riding a 4 fight winning streak and has won 7 of his last 8 bouts. His win streak includes two fellow UFC vets Aaron Simpson and Gerald Harris. The win over Aaron Simpson came via tko after blasting “A-Train” with a brutal knee. A win over Jon Fitch would not only avenge a loss to Fitch in 2006 at UFC Fight Night 4 but would also further solidify his place in the WSOF welterweight division.

Jon Fitch (24-5-1), former UFC star, UFC welterweight contender, Purdue wrestling team captain and top 10 ranked welterweight in the world Fitch will be fighting outside the UFC for the first time since October of 2005. After going 1-2-1, including a draw against former 2 division UFC champ B.J. Penn, a 12 second ko loss to #1 ranked UFC welterweight Johny Hendricks and a one-sided loss to BJJ ace and welterweight contender Demien Maia in his final 4 UFC fights, the promotion released Fitch in a very controversial way. Despite not fighting for the UFC anymore Jon Fitch is still a top welterweight and will be looking to get back into the win column with a dominant win over the always tough Josh Burkman.

 

In the night’s co-main event we have Steve Carl (19-3) vs. Tyson Steele (10-1).

Steve Carl is coming into tonight’s bout with Steele riding high on a five fight win streak. Carl ended his last fight versus Ramicio Blackmon at WSOF 1 in November 2012 via Rear-naked-choke. The submission win was his 14^th career win by way of submission.

Carl’s opponent, Tyson Steele, comes into tonight’s fight riding a 4 fight win streak after a tko win over Gregor Gracie at WSOF 1. Both men have the skills to end fights standing and on the ground. With a combined 21 submission victories between them this fight should end before the final bell.

 

Jacob Volkmann (15-4 vs. Lyle Beerbohm (21-2) is a very interesting match-up between two high level grapplers.

After a submission loss to Bobby Green at UFC 156 last February, the promotion released Volkmann. He was not a free agent for long as he was quickly signed by WSOF adding another great addition to their growing roster. Volkmann is known just as much for his brash talk and political views as his suffocating ground game. He will have a great match-up against a fellow grappling ace in Beerbohm.

Strikeforce veteran Lyle Beerbohm is riding a 6 fight win streak with 5 of those 6 wins coming by way of stoppage (4 submissions and 1 tko). Beerbohm is a great MMA grappler with amazing transitions and submission prowess.

Brian Cobb (20-7) vs. Justin Gaethje (8-0)

Gaethje coming into this evening’s event with an unbeaten professional record of 8-0. Justin has notable career wins over Strikeforce and UFC vet Drew Fickett, and Strikeforce vet Gesias Cavalcante. With only one of his 8 wins coming by way of decision, Gaethje has the ability and killer instinct to finish his opponents.

Brian Cobb will be looking to continue his winning ways after earning a split decision victory over UFC veteran Ronys Torres at WSOF 1 in November 2012. Cobb has won 5 of his last 6 fights including wins over Drew Fickett and Rad Martinez. Out of his 20 career wins Cobb has 15 total finishes on his résumé.

 

WSOF 3, takes place at The Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas and will air live on NBC Sports. Check your local listings and DO NOT miss this card.

Enjoy the fights and stay safe.

Randy Casjens

Twitter @SavageRandy