As I sat watching opening night of my Boston Bruins, I saw, for what may be the first time ever, an advertisement by the NBC Sports Network for this weekend’s World Series of Fighting 14.
Is it possible that, after sometime as an ambiguous participant in the mixed martial arts landscape, NBC is ready to put some might behind WSOF? Perhaps the powers that be at NBC Universal are curious what type of numbers WSOF can pull with even the slightest promotional backing.
Perhaps I saw the only ad ever intended to run before Saturday’s event. Either way, WSOF has been treading water for quite a while now. It is time to find out if they will sink or swim.
With the UFC off this weekend, World Series of Fighting returns with a solid main card in Edmonton. If you find yourself home on Saturday night, here are 5 reasons to flip over to NBCSN.
1.The return (and debut) of Jake Shields
After being unceremoniously and some would argue unjustly dumped from the UFC, Shields makes his WSOF debut in the night’s main event against Ryan Ford. A bit of uneven run and utter lack of a fan friendly fighting style ultimately led to his release. However, the 35 year old did win 2 of 3 against top 10 competition in the welterweight division and is an extremely difficult out. The “American Jiu-jitsu” practitioner has one of the sneaky best resumes in all of mixed martial arts and is a welcome addition to WSOF’s deepest division.
2. The possible emergence of Ryan Ford
Just as Josh Burkman spoiled Jon Fitch’s celebrated debut, Ford hopes to do the same to Shields. The Edmonton native is on a tear, winning 10 of 11 with all but 1 of the victories coming via finish. Currently stuck somewhere in between prospect and journeyman, a win here would vault Ford into contender status.
3. The heavyweights (and some gold)
The inaugural WSOF heavyweight championship is on the line in the night’s co-main event as Derrick Mehmen takes on Smealinho Rama. As evidenced by his vicious knockout of Rolles Gracie, Mehmen packs some power. He has also won 6 in a row coming into the title bout. Rama, the 22 year old Alberta prospect, is coming off a first round finish of UFC vet, and WSOF 14 prelim fighter, Tim Hauge. One guy is going home with the belt, while the other is likely going to sleep.
4. “The Messenger” always delivers
Jared Hamman is another UFC vet making his WSOF debut on Saturday night. In 19 professional fights, Hamman has only gone to decision twice. Violent endings are par for the course when Hamman enters the cage. A win is much needed as he has not had his hand raised in a little over 3 years.
5. USA vs. Canada
3 out of the 4 main card bouts on Saturday have a patriotic twist as Americans (Shields, Hamman and Mehman) take on native Canadians (Ford, Rama and Harris) on their home soil. Nothing like a little national pride to motivate you even further.