Ohio Combat League – OCL 8 Main Card Preview
Midwest promotion, Ohio Combat League is back with a giant card, but first let’s take a closer look at the athletes competing on the main card at OCL 8. The OCL vacant flyweight championship is on the line to on December 5. The Jiu-Jitsu styled Skyler Bray (7-3), takes on the product from Renzo Gracie Pittsburgh, in Mason Deless (4-1).
Corey Dulaney vs. Jesse Smith
In the co-main event, unbeaten as a professional, Jesse Smith (2-0) will look to keep his streak alive against Corey Dulaney (2-1). Since Dulaney has less experience in mixed martial arts and more in boxing, if he sticks to his boxing experience that likely will be his best course of action. For example, if he avoids being taken down, and utilizes superior boxing he can control the pace of the fight. Conversely, Smith has more options and with a variety of finishes, possesses multiple paths to victory.
Also, a welterweight bout between Michael Arrieta and Ravon Baxter is on deck. Attention is on Arrieta as his first professional fight ended in a vicious 32 second, heel hook. Opposite to Arrieta is the heavy handed Ravon Baxter. Undoubtedly, this fight will be action packed, but one curiosity that lingers is Baxter’s ability to bounce back from loss.
Headlining OCL 8 is none other than the experienced, Travis Davis, fighting Marcus Maulding at a catchweight of 195-pounds. While both athletes are looking to get back into the win column, Maulding’s frequent activity throughout 2019 should benefit him come fight night.
Skyler Bray vs. Mason Deless
The main card will feature an incredible flyweight championship bout between Bray and Deless. It’s hard to believe Deless makes flyweight with such a wide frame, but he gets the job done. Since taking his first loss in 2019, at the Caged Thunder 6 event, he has since evolved. Evidently proven by his back to back finishes: first, a TKO in the second round, and then, a slick armbar in the first round stopping James Jefferies and putting a halt to the hype behind him.
Michael Arrieta vs. Ravon Baxter
The young Arrieta brings a frenetic style to the cage, and Baxter has been finished on the ground before. Out of the seven fights Arrieta has partaken in, six of them have resulted in submission, with several triangle chokes on the resume. However, Baxter’s experience does bring poise, and inside the pocket, being comfortable is paramount.
OCL 8 Main Event – Travis Davis vs. Marcus Maulding
Davis intends to bounce back into the win column after an unfortunate cut to his eye forced him out of his last bout with John Poppie. Before that, Travis was riding a three fight win streak. Since Travis has seen some success at boxing level, surely his hands and striking defense improved. However, Maulding’s submission heavy game plans have recently given opponents fits. In addition to that, Maulding has heavy striking, and good finishing ability. Either way fans will witness styles will clash at OCL 8 when these marauders meet each other in the middle.
Don’t miss the action December 5th 7:30PM ET here at MyMMANews!
