By TXMA Staff
Fury FC 9 brings a good mix of intriguing fights and upcoming prospects at the pro level
HUMBLE, TX – Fury Fighting Championship 9 takes place this Friday night at the Humble Civic Center. Showcasing 10 professional fights along with a handful of amateur MMA contests, this latest offering should have a little bit of something for area fight fans. Some of the fights and fighters on the card are especially worth of note so let’s highlight a few of them:
Ricky Turcios vs. Akira Smith
At the top of the card you have undefeated pro prospect Ricky Turcios (4-0) taking on another highly-touted opponent in “Afro Samurai” Akira Smith (4-2). Fans who have been around for a while in Houston MMA surely know both these fighters’ camps. Ricky has been training out of GB Woodlands for his entire career, the same gym that has produced upper-echelon fighters like the former Legacy champ and now UFC fighter Alex Morono. Meanwhile, Akira trains at 4OZ Fight Club, the same gym that sent Daniel Pineda and Derrick Lewis into the UFC. Long story short, both Turcios and Smith are trained very well. Fans can expect an exciting standup battle in this one, and no telling who wins there as both these guys are skilled. The X-factor may come on the ground with Ricky having trained extensively as a wrestler as well, but who really knows. This fight might not even go to the floor and not matter what happens, this will be an exciting one.
Cameron Graves vs. Delis Borges
Another exciting fight on this card features exciting young prospect in 22 year old Cameron Graves (1-0). He’ll be looking to gain his second pro win against DFW-based striker Delis Borges. Graves defeated another striker, Tank Gonzales, in his pro debut. He’ll be looking to gain another T/KO here. To his credit, Borges is one hell of a physical specimen and has power in both fists. He’s also got a win over a now-veteran pro in Kolton Englund and although his opponent is highly skilled in this area, he’s no rookie on the ground either. In short, Borges is an excellent litmus test for Cameron as he looks to push ahead in his career.
Other fighters worth watching
Isaac Villanueva (9-7) – Coming off a win against Kyle Keeney at Fury FC 8, “Hurricane” Ike now enters this latest bout vs. Husam Mohemad looking like he’s in the best shape of his life. Ike has been fighting since 2008 so it’s easy to forget he’s only 31 years of age. Provided he performs like how he’s looked as of late and Ike could have some great years ahead of him yet.
Levi West (0-3) – “2Fly” Levi West is still looking for his first pro win at Fury FC 9. Coming up short in his first 3 pro bouts, it’s easy to shake Levi off based on his record but he’s actually a highly-skilled fighter and challenge for anybody. Folks often overlook the fact that he went 6-1 as an amateur. That didn’t happen by accident. He’ll be looking to right the ship here against his most veteran opponent yet, 16-13 HOUMMA “Jaguar” Jon Kirk.
Gerzan Chau (4-4) – Another skilled fighter, Gerzan has lost to some really tough guys as a pro – including Bellator contender Darrion Caldwell, Cody Williams, and Domingo Pilarte. Always a super nice guy, Gerzan is well-rounded and skilled. Now he just needs to turn the corner and continue building his career with a few solid wins. He’ll look for one when he takes on rugged East Texan Jose Ceja.
Pro Debuter Fighters – Cards like this are an excellent path to transition into the pros and that’s exactly what some of the combatants are doing, including former amateur champs in Leroy Vasquez and Jake Heffernan. It’s time to see what these guys can do at the pro level starting at Fury FC 9.
Fury FC 9 lbs.: Fight Card for January 15, 2016
Professional
- 135 lbs.: Ricky Turcios vs. Akira Smith
- 195 lbs.: Ike Villanueva vs. Sam Mohammed
- 175 lbs.: Levi West vs. Jon Kirk
- 145 lbs.: Cameron Graves vs. Delis Borges
- 265 lbs.: Juan Torres vs. Gary Harling
- 135 lbs.: Gerzan Chaw vs. Jose Ceja
- 170 lbs.: Arthur Ashton vs. Josh Wilson
- 155 lbs.: David Armas vs. Nick Gay
- 145 lbs.: Jake Heffernan vs. Adonis Saucedo
- 155 lbs.: Leroy Vasquez vs. James Gonzales
Amateur
- 145 lbs.: Timothy Messer vs. Josh Altum
- 170 lbs.: Johnny Lovings vs. Jordan Chesser
- 135 lbs.: Aaron Valdes vs. Dequette Reed
- 135 lbs.: Mike Trevino vs. Matthew Morris
- 265 lbs.: Fred Zamora vs. Logan Eckert
