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 5, Blake Sigvaldason has stepped in to provide his predictions and analysis for the nine MMA bouts on the card.
Sigvaldason holds a professional record of 3-2 with his most notable win coming over Michael Imperato, en-route to capturing the XFFC bantamweight title. Sigvaldason was originally scheduled to face Craig Maclean at Rise FC 5, but was forced out due to injury.
Here are Sigvaldason’s predictions for Rise FC 5:
Chad Anheliger (9-5) vs Brady Hiestand (4-0): PRO Bantamweight Title Bout** FIGHT PREVIEW
“This is another fight I’m interested in, being that my last fight was against Jamie Siraj, who was originally slated to fight Anheliger. Hiestand is new to the Canadian scene but has a decorated amateur record and is undefeated as a pro. Hiestand is a legit threat to Anheliger, but I think Anheliger’s tenacity and work output will secure him the victory.”
Prediction: Anheliger wins by TKO in the fourth round.
John Nguyen (2-0) vs Radley Da Silva (1-1): PRO Featherweight Title Bout** FIGHT PREVIEW
“This is a fight I will be watching closely, as I hope to challenge for that same featherweight title. Both guys are quality fighters, but ultimately I believe Da Silva’s six-year layoff and Nguyen’s experience will make the difference.”
Prediction: Nguyen wins by TKO in the second round.
Josh Kwiatkowski (3-2) vs Randy Mahon (4-5): PRO Featherweight
“This will be an exciting fight between two game fighters. Although I’m predicting Kwiatkowski will win, I hope Mahon can pull off a win in his retirement bout.”
Prediction: Kwiatkowski wins by TKO in the third round.
James Foster (2-2) vs Alex Branom (1-0) : PRO Middleweight
“Foster has the experience advantage in this fight, but I believe Branom is a higher-caliber fighter, and will pull off the win.”
Prediction: Branom wins by submission in the first round.
Raphael Ouellet (2-1) vs Damon Marlow (2-1): AMATEUR Lightweight Title Bout** FIGHT PREVIEW
“This is a tie-breaker fight between these two guys. Ouellet has a slick ground game, and I believe it will be the decider in this fight.”
Prediction: Ouellet wins by split decision.
Pola Sahota (1-0) vs Kieran Davies (0-0): AMATEUR 225 pounds
“Another amateur fight between two new-comers. I believe Sahota will have the superior wrestling, which will ultimately win the fight.”
Prediction: Sahota wins by unanimous decision.
Maria Djukic (0-0-1) vs Joanne Ready (0-0): AMATEUR Women’s Bantamweight
“Djukic is a fellow Toshido fighter and has been looking like a beast for this training camp. Her opponent comes from a great gym in FKP, and I’m sure will bring a great fight.”
Prediction: Djukic wins by TKO in the second round.
Vicente Mabanta (1-0) vs Josh Chow (0-1): AMATEUR Lightweight
“This is a fight that fell together last minute, and is an interesting matchup. Given Chow’s lay off and both fighters records, I’m leaning towards Mabanta.”
Prediction: Mabanta wins by split decision.
Jason Bakes (0-0) vs Satjit Uppal (0-0): AMATEUR Heavyweight
“Both fighters are making their amateur debut in this heavyweight matchup. Based off what little I could dig up on these guys, I’m going to give the edge to Uppal.”
Prediction: Uppal wins by knockout in the first round.
