CES 53 takes place at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island today (Friday, Nov. 2, 2018) at 7pm ET live on AXS TV. UFC bantamweight Andre Ewell’s vacant 135-pound title is up for grabs as Kody Nordby faces Tony Gravely.
The event originally was going to feature Dinis Paiva (11-7), who was searching for a chance at redemption as he was submitted by Ewell at CES 50 in their CES title fight in June. Unfortunately, weight cut issues forced hin out of the title bout at the last minute. “Sweetbread” had won four of his last five fights. Gravely (15-5) makes his CES debut and has gone on a 7-1 run in his last eight fights.The 27-year-old has fought some exceptional competition including Ricky Bandejas, Merab Dvalishvili and Manny Bermudez.
Here’s my interview with Dinis Paiva (fight cancelled)
The co-main event is a flyweight showdown as Richie Santiago faces Billy Giovanella.
Santiago (6-1) is coming off the first loss of his career as Matt Almy finished him in 55-seconds at CES 49 in April. Prior to the setback, the 26-opening oddsyear-old had finished all six of his previous opponents. Giovanella (9-8) hasn’t won a fight since Oct. 2015 and heads into this fight on a four-fight win streak. “Wolverine” does hold a win over former CES title challlenger Kodby Nordby at CES 25.
MMAOddsmaker Nick Kalikas opened the betting lines for CES 53 moments ago via Several Bookmakers:
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CES MMA 53: Paiva vs. Gravely
NOVEMBER 2, 2018
Twin River Casino | Lincoln, Rhode Island
Fight Card – AXS TV, 9 p.m. ET
Bantamweight Title
Kody Nordby +165
Tony Gravely -215
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Flyweight
Billy Giovanella +400
Richie Santiago -600
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Flyweight
John Lopez +135
Josh Ricci -175
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Bantamweight
James Quigg +160
Kris Moutinho -210
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CLICK BELOW TO BET ON CES 53
