Veterans And Prospects With Something To Prove At KOP 58
Veterans And Prospects With Something To Prove At KOP 58
UFC veteran Daron Cruickshank will look to turn things around on Saturday night at KOP 58.
By Shawn Bitter
As one of the top rising regional organizations in the country, KnockOut Promotions is set to showcase a stellar card of up-and-coming amateurs and well-known professionals alike at KOP 58 at the Deltaplex Arena in Grand Rapids, MI, on Saturday night.
Here is a look at the fighters to watch for at KOP 58, which streams live on FloCombat at 7 PM ET:
On TV: Now Available on Roku and Apple TV 4—download the FloSports app now.
STREAMING: Only on FloCombat with a PRO subscription. A yearly PRO subscription provides access to ALL FloSports sites.
If you've been paying attention to MMA over the past five years, then you may already be familiar with Cruickshank. "The Detroit Superstar" is a former UFC and Rizin veteran and has put up some spectacular performances in his career.
Cruickshank is currently on a two-fight skid but has proven to be dangerous every second of the fight. This will be his first bout under the KOP banner, but more importantly, it will also be his first showing in his hometown in a number of years. He will be fighting an experienced opponent in Alexander Trevino, who is coming off a big win in his most recent fight.
Martin is an an undefeated profession heavyweight prospect looking to move up the ranks. All of his professional bouts have been under the KOP banner.
Martin is very skilled and quick for the weight he carries into the cage. He also has a solid gas tank to consistently put pressure on his opponents. The big guy is a good wrestler, and he is a nightmare to contend with once on top. This weekend, Martin is fighting Raymond Lopes, who is 9-10 and coming off a win. A victory for Martin on Saturday night would be huge for his career, but an impressive stoppage win could draw some serious heat for the up-and-coming fighter.
Hill is an amateur light heavyweight making his professional debut. His one previous bout to date took place inside the KOP cage.
Hill showed promise in his lone fight last year, as he scored an impressive knockout with his fists against Dillon Ankney. In the two-round bout, Hill had to overcome adversity and fight through his opponent's takedown before landing some heavy kicks and heavy hands. On Saturday, Hill is fighting Alex Davidson, who is 4-1 who is also looking to make success in his professional debut.
Here is the only bout from Hill:
This will be the seventh time McDonald has stepped into the KOP arena.
The 21-year-old is doing the right thing by getting a big amount of fights on the amateur scene. McDonald is improving with each fight, and when he turns pro he will make waves on the regional scene. That said, he is looking to win the KOP title. He is fighting Floyd Jones, who is 7-2 and coming off a win and hoping to stop McDonald in his tracks.
Here is McDonald's latest win:
The first fight between these two was a fantastic scrap, as the two combatants launched leather until the final bell in April at KOP 55. Alsalmani was winning the first two rounds on the feet, but Esch was tough as hell and never stopped throwing. In the final round, Esch came out and landed a right hand to drop Alsalmani before locking up the shocking rear-naked choke for the comeback win.
Here is the first bout between the two:
As one of the top rising regional organizations in the country, KnockOut Promotions is set to showcase a stellar card of up-and-coming amateurs and well-known professionals alike at KOP 58 at the Deltaplex Arena in Grand Rapids, MI, on Saturday night.
Here is a look at the fighters to watch for at KOP 58, which streams live on FloCombat at 7 PM ET:
How to Watch KOP 58
On TV: Now Available on Roku and Apple TV 4—download the FloSports app now.
STREAMING: Only on FloCombat with a PRO subscription. A yearly PRO subscription provides access to ALL FloSports sites.
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Daron Cruickshank | Catchweight (18-10) | Detroit, Michigan
If you've been paying attention to MMA over the past five years, then you may already be familiar with Cruickshank. "The Detroit Superstar" is a former UFC and Rizin veteran and has put up some spectacular performances in his career.
Cruickshank is currently on a two-fight skid but has proven to be dangerous every second of the fight. This will be his first bout under the KOP banner, but more importantly, it will also be his first showing in his hometown in a number of years. He will be fighting an experienced opponent in Alexander Trevino, who is coming off a big win in his most recent fight.
Brett Martin | Heavyweight (3-0) | Hesperia, Michigan
Martin is an an undefeated profession heavyweight prospect looking to move up the ranks. All of his professional bouts have been under the KOP banner.
Martin is very skilled and quick for the weight he carries into the cage. He also has a solid gas tank to consistently put pressure on his opponents. The big guy is a good wrestler, and he is a nightmare to contend with once on top. This weekend, Martin is fighting Raymond Lopes, who is 9-10 and coming off a win. A victory for Martin on Saturday night would be huge for his career, but an impressive stoppage win could draw some serious heat for the up-and-coming fighter.
Jamahal Hill | Light Heavyweight (1-0) | Michigan
Hill is an amateur light heavyweight making his professional debut. His one previous bout to date took place inside the KOP cage.
Hill showed promise in his lone fight last year, as he scored an impressive knockout with his fists against Dillon Ankney. In the two-round bout, Hill had to overcome adversity and fight through his opponent's takedown before landing some heavy kicks and heavy hands. On Saturday, Hill is fighting Alex Davidson, who is 4-1 who is also looking to make success in his professional debut.
Here is the only bout from Hill:
Jorden McDonald | Lightweight (11-1) | Sparta, Michigan
This will be the seventh time McDonald has stepped into the KOP arena.
The 21-year-old is doing the right thing by getting a big amount of fights on the amateur scene. McDonald is improving with each fight, and when he turns pro he will make waves on the regional scene. That said, he is looking to win the KOP title. He is fighting Floyd Jones, who is 7-2 and coming off a win and hoping to stop McDonald in his tracks.
Here is McDonald's latest win:
REMATCH
Dakota Esch | Flyweight (6-0) | Muskegon, Michigan
Munib Alsalmani | Flyweight (5-2) | Michigan
The first fight between these two was a fantastic scrap, as the two combatants launched leather until the final bell in April at KOP 55. Alsalmani was winning the first two rounds on the feet, but Esch was tough as hell and never stopped throwing. In the final round, Esch came out and landed a right hand to drop Alsalmani before locking up the shocking rear-naked choke for the comeback win.
Here is the first bout between the two: