AXS TV returns with another MMA offering this Friday, as CES MMA 38 goes down at the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. The promotion has steadily been improving its product since being picked up by AXS, and this Friday’s main event is one of the best fights they’ve put on. Normally when two UFC veterans face off in the main event of a regional show, it tends to be fighters on the back side of their career. That’s not the case as Levan Makashvili and Sean Soriano vie for a shot at featherweight champion Matt Bessette, or perhaps an invite back to the UFC. Makashvili (27) and Soriano (26) both still have time to develop beyond their current positions, although Makashvili seems the more likely candidate to do so as he’s been competitive at a higher level already. CES MMA 38 also features a featherweight contenders match between local products Calvin Kattar and Chris Foster. In April, “The Boston Finisher” Kattar picked up a split decision win in his return to MMA after a three year hiatus. However, he hasn’t really lived up to his nickname since dropping to 145 back in 2011. He’s gone 4-0 in the division, but all of his wins have come by decision. Foster has been much more active recently, and over the past five years has only lost to current UFC fighter Rob Font and solid veteran Saul Almeida. These two were originally supposed to fight back in 2012, but the bout never took place, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out with each man at a very different stage in his career. The other notables competing on CES MMA 38 are UFC veteran Patrick Walsh, who was a participant in one of the least memorable fights in recent UFC history, AXS TV regular John Poppie, and undefeated prospect Rico DiSciullo, who may provide the next challenge for current bantamweight champion Andre Soukhamthath. MMA oddsmaker Nick Kalikas opened the betting odds for CES MMA 38 today at Several Bookmakers. Check them out below: ——————– MAIN CARD (AXS TV, 9pm ET) Sean Soriano +195 Levan Makashvili -275 Chris Foster +220 Calvin Kattar -300 ——————– Brad’s Analysis: Sean Soriano seems like he should be better than he is. His striking is sharp, and he has technically good takedown defense. Unfortunately for him, he’s prone to mental lapses in fights which cause him to get taken down where his defensive grappling has holes. If he ends up underneath Makashvili early in this bout he may lose confidence and shut down on the feet, making it easier for the Georgian to gain entry on later takedown attempts. Makashvili was able to take down better wrestlers like Hacran Dias during his UFC run, so I expect him to get Soriano down as well and likely take a decision here. While a capable striker as well, Makashvili is at a disadvantage against Soriano when this fight is on the feet, so if he plays around at all, this will be more competitive than most seem to expect. Makashvili also missed weight for this bout. Kattar wasn’t particularly impressive in his return, but that’s somewhat expected after three years out of action. He still managed to defeat a fighter who had beaten Chris Foster earlier in his career, but this is a completely different matchup. Foster is a better striker than Kattar, but is susceptible if this turns into a grappling match. Foster also has a tendency to not throw quite enough against grappling threats, which could allow Kattar to get settled and find a spot to get inside. I think Kattar has to be favored, but until I see more from him during this comeback, I’m more tempted to throw a bet on Foster at a big number. If you’d like to learn more about the event, James Lynch interviewed several of tonight’s fighters: Rico DiSculio talks David Garcia match-up Calvin Kattar talks Chris Foster fight Carlos Candelario: ‘I know it’ll be a finish’
