Fight week is finally among us!! The FCFF is once again starting off the new year with another great card. 2018 will mark a big year for the FCFF as it will mark its 100th event later this year. The FCFF’s Rumble at the Roseland 96 has been relatively quiet leading up to fight week.
This Friday, weigh-ins for Rumble 96 will take place at Bridge City Fight Shop. The weigh-in event will start at 7pm sharp. With currently twelve fights scheduled, twenty four fighters are expected to weigh-in that night.
Johnny James Vs. Raymond Hill
Saturday’s main event features a Super Fight between Johnny James and Raymond Hill. Hill came in on less than two weeks notice to fight James. Originally, current champion Alex Aguilar was scheduled to defend his title against Johnny James until he had to pull out due to an injury. Ray Hill hasn’t stepped foot into the cage for almost one year exactly to the day. Hill was supposed to fight Alex Aguilar back in September, but unfortunately had to pull out of that fight due to family reasons. Although he’s on a 3-fight win streak, ring rust could be an issue. Hill will definitely be looking to finish this fight to get his shot once again against Aguilar. Hill is currently 6-1 and ranked #2 in the Northwest in the Welterweight division. I believe he will be willing to stand toe to toe with Johnny James in the slammer. If he can stay on his toes while avoiding James’ punches, I believe he has a good chance. Ray Hill is a tough competitor and will be a great test for Johnny James.
Johnny James is on a two fight win streak after a dominate performance against Saul Ruiz. We should see his full potential in Saturday’s matchup against Ray Hill. Johnny James has shown he has real power in his striking. The one draw back from all of James’ power, is it does leave him open to a counter-punch. Will he be quick enough to get the open shots he needs, though, is the question. Given Hill hasn’t had a full camp to prepare, cardio could be an issue. If the fight lasts till the later rounds, James should have the advantage. One thing is for sure, if he does connect with one of his monster strikes, it will spell trouble for Ray Hill.
I don’t expect this fight to go to the ground at all. With a combined eight knockouts between these two fighters (four Knockouts a piece), this should be a very exciting and intense fight between these two fighters. I don’t believe this fight will reach the 5th round and will end in exciting fashion!
You can still purchase tickets, but seats are getting scarce. You can find tickets at Cascade Tickets or forgo the surcharges and pick them up at Bridge City Fight Shop! Doors open at 6 and the fights will start at 7pm.
Bellator 192 to be shown at Rumble 96
The FCFF is a huge supporter of Bellator fighter Chael Sonnen (who also happens to be co-owner of the FCFF). Sonnen is scheduled to fight the same night as Rumble at the Roseland 96 is taking place. The American Gangster and Rampage Jackson are set to kick off the Bellator World Grand Prix, the first fight of many to crown the next Bellator Heavyweight Champion. To support Sonnen, the FCFF will be playing the Bellator card during Saturday’s Rumble 96. Your ticket purchase will get you into the bar to watch both the FCFF event and also Bellator’s live broadcast.
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