Each event, there will be a “guest predictor” who will offer their insight into the event and provide their predictions for each MMA bout.
For Rise FC 4, Craig Maclean has stepped in to provide his predictions and analysis for the seven MMA bouts on the card.
Maclean (5-3) has fought in the Rise FC cage twice, a first round knockout win at Rise FC 2 to win the Rise FC bantamweight title and, most recently, a third round TKO loss to new Rise FC bantamweight champion Chad Anheliger at Rise FC 3. Maclean also holds notable wins over Blake Sigvaldason and Dylan Atkinson.
Here are Maclean’s predictions for Rise FC 4:
Tristan Connelly (12-6) vs D’Juan Owens (18-13-1): PRO Lightweight Title Bout** FIGHT PREVIEW
“Connelly has been on quite a run since 2016, winning seven of his last eight bouts against stiff competition, with his lone blemish to a UFC veteran. Meanwhile, Owens has impressed in his last two bouts, taking home a razor-thin split decision to RISE FC promoter, Sabah Fadai, and grinding out TUF veteran, Joe Giannetti. Connelly trains with the best B.C. has to offer and will be too much for Owens.”
Prediction: Connelly wins by TKO in the third round.
Saeid Mirzaei (1-0-1) vs Nicolae Cury (9-6, 1 NC): PRO 175-pound Title Bout** FIGHT PREVIEW
“Don’t let his 1-0-1 record fool you; Mirzaei is a veteran, having compiled a 15-3 amateur record, including taking home gold at the IMMAF 2015 World Championships. There is a reason he was called up on short notice to take on a 15-fight veteran in his third professional bout.
Prediction: Mirzaei wins by submission in the first round.
Jamie Siraj (7-2) vs Blake Sigvaldason (3-1): PRO Featherweight FIGHT PREVIEW
“Obviously the fight I’m most interested in, having trained with Siraj for many years and defeating Sigvaldason in his pro debut in 2017. Since then, Sigvaldason has moved his training to Kelowna’s Toshido MMA and looked impressive by finishing his last three opponents within two rounds. On the same note, Siraj has looked very impressive defeating his last four opponents while also claiming the Unified MMA bantamweight title. I think Siraj is simply ready for the next level and will be a few steps ahead wherever the bout takes place.”
Prediction: Siraj wins by unanimous decision.
Josh Kwiatkowski (1-2) vs Grant Gorsegner (0-0): PRO Lightweight
Anytime Kwiatkowski straps on the gloves, you know you’re in for an exciting fight. I haven’t seen much on Gorsegner, but he’s clearly looking to right the ship in enemy territory after a sub-500 amateur career. But I don’t see him getting the job done against the improving Kwiatkowski.
Prediction: Kwiatkowski wins by unanimous decision.
Keanan Kellar (0-0) vs James Foster (2-1): PRO Middleweight
“Make no mistake about it, Kellar is the clear favourite here and comes with a lot of hype behind him, and for good reason. Foster recently made the move to Revolution Martial Arts and has tightened some holes in his game. I’ll play devil’s advocate and pick Foster to play spoiler.”
Prediction: Foster wins by unanimous decision.
Bryce Gougeon (0-1) vs Jayden Martin (0-0): PRO Welterweight
“Great fight scheduled, pitting a local veteran against a young, up-and-comer. Gougeon spent part of his camp training with some of Canada’s best at Tristar Montreal. Martin was an impressive 4-0 as an amateur and has shown great skills in all of his bouts. However, he hasn’t fought since 2016, so we’ll see if cage rust is a factor. Gougeon seems hungry to claim his first win as a professional.”
Prediction: Gougeon wins by unanimous decision.
Walter Barrios (3-2) vs Mitch Strazzella (2-2): AMATEUR Bantamweight
“Solid bout in the amateur bantamweight division. I think Strazzella has faced better competition and will take home the W.”
Prediction: Strazzella wins by unanimous decision.
