FLA 5 was initially scheduled for last month, but organizers pushed the event to tomorrow night because of a hurricane watch along the east coast. The good news is that the full card survived without any changes — including the main event, where rising prospect Jerico MacPhee steps up to face Blake Oswald in his professional debut. Below, you'll find my picks for every matchup on the card.
Jerico MacPhee (2-1) vs. Blake Oswald (0-0): PRO Lightweight FIGHT PREVIEW
Not a lot is known about what Oswald brings to the table beyond the fact that he trains out of a reputable camp. On the other hand, MacPhee stands out as one of Canada's most promising young fighters, and he carries a substantial experience advantage into this matchup.
Prediction: MacPhee wins via TKO.
Luc De Ste Croix (3-0) vs. Josh LeBlanc (2-1): AMATEUR Lightweight DE STE CROIX PREVIEW, LEBLANC PREVIEW
De Ste Croix has been nearly untouchable throughout his amateur run, though LeBlanc could present his steepest challenge to date. Even though I expect LeBlanc to push hard and keep things close, De Ste Croix should walk away still unbeaten.
Prediction: De Ste Croix wins via decision.
Cam Nelson (2-0) vs. Michael William Adams (0-0): AMATEUR Welterweight
Adams is making his amateur debut tonight, which makes him an unpredictable opponent. I'm leaning toward Nelson, largely because he's already competed inside the cage on two separate occasions.
Prediction: Nelson wins via submission.
Rory Gillis (1-0) vs. Colton Grant-Hose (0-2): AMATEUR Middleweight
Grant-Hose hasn't stepped between the ropes in more than a decade, so the question is whether he'll show up sharper than ever or be weighed down by serious ring rust. I'm backing the fresher fighter in Gillis.
Prediction: Gillis wins via decision.
Brady MacDonald (2-2) vs. Gavin Costa (1-1): AMATEUR Bantamweight
This should be a fun contest — both competitors appear eager to shoot for takedowns and work off their backs. I'm giving Costa the edge thanks to his wrestling, which should carry him to the win.
Prediction: Costa wins via submission.
Abdel Abdelaziz (0-1) vs. Connor Sorensen (1-0): AMATEUR Featherweight
Both competitors have only fought once so far, so there's limited material to work with. Still, I'm backing Sorensen given that he appears to have trained at a stronger camp.
Prediction: Sorensen wins via submission.
Connor Crosby (1-0) vs. Jimmy Pineault (0-1): AMATEUR Lightweight
Once again, we're working with just a single bout per man, but I expect Crosby's grappling to separate him from the pack.
Prediction: Crosby wins via submission.
Thomas Johnson (0-1) vs. Mike Macleod (0-1): AMATEUR Middleweight
Not a lot of history to draw on here either, though both men survived tough first outings. I'm leaning toward Johnson to secure his maiden victory.
Prediction: Johnson wins via TKO.
Khari Wood (0-0) vs. Zach Raymond (1-0): AMATEUR Featherweight
Wood is stepping into the cage for the very first time, which makes him an unpredictable element. That said, Raymond has shown flashes of promise and looks ready to advance, so I'm picking him to get the win.
Prediction: Raymond wins via TKO.
Kyle Sutherland (1-0) vs. Travis McGilligan (0-0): AMATEUR Welterweight
McGilligan is fighting in his debut, so predicting his game plan is difficult. I'll take Sutherland in this matchup.
Prediction: Sutherland wins via decision.
Chris Boyd (0-0) vs. Vraj Brahmbatt (0-0): AMATEUR Lightweight
A dual debut makes this a toss-up in my book. Going with Brahmbatt.
Prediction: Brahmbatt wins via TKO.
