Eagle FC 44: 5 fights to look forward to

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagle Fight Club are set to make their US debut with Eagle FC 44 on January 28th in Miami, Florida.

For such a big occasion one would expect a card with the stature to match, a matter which Eagle FC have certainly delivered on, following some huge signings since Nurmagomedov aquired the organisation. With that being said, here are 5 fights you won’t want to miss.

Loik Radzhabov vs Zach Zane

Radzhabov (15-4-1) and Zane (15-9) have the honour of opening Eagle FC 44, through strategic placement or not this fight has all the ingredients needed to draw eyes, and blood for that matter.
Radzhabov is coming off two seasons in the PFL, both of which saw him impress with his fan friendly pressure boxing style. Quickly becoming one of the top lightweights the PFL had to offer, Radzhabov made the finals in both seasons, unfortunately falling short on both attempts. Tajikistans own has never been finished as a pro and will look to hone his proven skillset to get back on the board in Miami.
Taking on Radzhabov is Hawaiian finisher Zach Zane. Zane is coming off a career best performance which saw him take out MMA veteran Steven Siler with a vicious left hand just 7 seconds into their contest. His explosivness and killer instinct always makes for captivating viewing, seeing him secure victories in Bellator, Brave and even feature on the Contender Series. With an opponent as durable and dangerous as Radzhabov, this contest has real potential to steal the show.

Ramazan Nurmagomedov vs John Howard

An age old prospect vs veteran match up in this one as the undefeated Ramazan Kuramagomedov (9-0) takes on the battle tested John Howard (29-17-1).
Yet to taste defeat, Kuramagomedov has already amassed a range of impressive finishes in his young career, taking out experienced names such as Matias Juarez and Georgi Valentinov while competing under the likes of UAE warriors, ACB and the PFL. A product of Dagestan, Ramazan has already displayed an imposing ground game with a more than capable striking arsenal to match. This fight is certainly the biggest of his career and one which, with an impressive display, could be a huge breakthrough opportunity for him.

John Howard on the other hand has no shortage of experience. A 14 fight UFC veteran with the type of KO power which ensures he’s always in the fight, “Doomsday” has had his fair share of huge wins, owning victories over the likes of Uriah Hall and Ray Cooper. Although trading wins and losses in his past 9 outings, Howard picked up a huge KO over PFL welterweight King Ray Cooper III in 2019, proving to the MMA masses that he’s not done yet. Hungry to get back in the win column, a win over an undefeated Kuramagomedov will be sure to turn a few heads.

Raimond Magomedaliev vs Anthony Njokuani

Raimond Magomedaliev (8-1) vs Anthony Njokuani (17-12) is set to be the main card opener and honestly, this fight has so much potential. On paper, a strikers delight.

Magomedaliev is a very capable MMA fighter. A combat sambo and wushu world champion, he has a well versed base for MMA competition. Raimond is riding a 4 fight win streak after his stint with ONE Championship where we saw him pick people apart with that patient yet lethal striking game. His intelligent and smart approach paired with serious KO power and a strong grappling pedigree has seen him amass some vicious finish throughout his MMA career, most notably a brutal first round KO over Edson Marques where he decemated the Brazilian with a pinpoint right hand. Another Dagestani machine who looks to secure a victory over a more established name.
Anthony Njokuani, like John Howard is a more established name in the combat sports world. “The Assasin” has had stints with the UFC as well as a series of Muay Thai and kickboxing fights, all showcasing the vicious stand up game he’s come to be known for. Njokuani holds notable wins over UFC veteran John Makdessi and Muay Thai standout Elliot Compton, more recently securing a first round stoppage in Jorge Masvidals bare knuckle MMA league, Gamebred fighting championship. At 41 years of age he’s still putting guys away with that dangerous kickboxing base and I think a fight with a guy like Magomedaliev will only bring out the best in him.

Ray Borg vs Cody Gibson

First of all, Borg (14-5) and Gibson (18-7) are two superb additions to any bantamweight roster, two UFC veterans who are still very much at the peak of their powers. This is excellent matchmaking.

It’s hard to forget because he’s been at the top for so long but Ray Borg is still only 28 years old. “The Tazmexican devil” possesses a very well rounded skillset which has seen him compete for the UFC flyweight title and pick up some big wins through his MMA journey. His last outing was his first since his departure from the UFC, taking out Jesse Arnett via unanimous decision under the UAE Warriors banner. Make no mistake Borg has looked phenomenal in his recent fights, even in defeat to Ricky Simon, he showed some ridiculously fast hands, a relentless pace with a suffocating wrestling base, he’s still a top MMA bantamweight. A fight with a fellow UFC veteran in Cody Gibson gives him an opportunity to showcase the ability we all know he has against another one of the top bantamweights outside of the UFC.

Cody Gibson is also a guy who has really reminded everyone of his level in recent years since his UFC departure, winning 6 of his last 7 bouts against serious opposition. Most notable of the 6 was a huge win over UFC veteran John Dodson last October, a fight in which he showed his maturity and well rounded skill set against a UFC caliber fighter. Gibson possesses a slick, composed striking game as well as a good utilisation of his larger than average bantamweight frame to impose himself in grappling exchanges. A pro since 2008 he’s got the experience and seemingly a second wind in his MMA career, a big win over a former UFC title challenger would be huge for the continued upward trajectory of his career.

Tyrone Spong vs Sergei Kharitonov

With Eagle FC 44 being the promotions US debut, what a huge main event acquisition this is. Not only is it a captivating clash between two proven knockout artists, but its the return of kickboxing icon Tyrone Spong to the world of mixed martial arts.

Granted, we’ve only seen Spong compete in MMA twice before, but his combat sports credentials speak to what we can expect. The “King of the Ring” is undoubtably one of the most dangerous heavyweights in combat sports history. Boasting a kickboxing record of 107-7 (73KOs) and a boxing record of 14-0 (13KOs), he’s an expert at handing out non negotiable naps. Spong holds victories over the who’s who of kickboxing, scoring finishes over the likes of Remy Bonjasky, Peter Aerts and Zabit Samedov. Not only does he have a vast understanding of the art of striking, he has other worldly KO power, that much is clear. In 4 ounce gloves once again and coming off a very successful stint in boxing, I can’t help but think we’re in for a treat.

Spong opponent is “The Paratrooper” Sergei Kharitanov (31-8). Like Spong, Kharitanov has a reputation for his mastery of the finish. Kharitanov boasts an impressive MMA resume, holding finishes over the likes of Andre Arlovski, Alistair Overeem and even kickboxing great Semmy Schilt. Sergei also has his fair share of submission victories, but its safe to say he favours the hands, an approach would could prove to be dangerous come Friday.

If there ever was a main event which would guarantee a finish, I think we’re looking at it right here. Two big guys who are KO specialists throwing down in 4 ounce gloves. I mean you can never be certain of course, but this isn’t one you want to miss.

Eagle FC 44 goes down on Friday, January 28th and is free to watch on FLX cast.

See the full card for Eagle FC 44 below:

Tyrone Spong vs Sergei Kharitonov

Rashad Evans vs Gabriel Checco

Ray Borg vs Cody Gibson

Ramazan Kuramagomedov vs John Howard

Raimond Magomedaliev vs Anthony Njokuani

Arman Ospanov vs Dylan Salvador

Yorgan De Castro vs Shaun Asher

Miles Hunsinger vs Demarques Jackson

Shawn Bunch vs Adi Alic

Loik Radzhabov vs Zach Zane