Tonight marks the debut of the newest AXS TV Fights promotion as the New England area will get some representation on the channel in the form of Classic Entertainment and Sports MMA. The promotion has held all but two of its shows in Rhode Island. The most notable of those shows, and what would bring back some recollection of CES MMA to most fans is their October 2012 event which featured the MMA debut of WWE wrestler/actor Dave Bautista. Even though this event is numbered as CES MMA 25, it is actually the 26th event the organization has held since its inception in 2010, and the deal with AXS is surely a step in the right direction for the company to produce many more events and attract bigger talent. The term “regional” gets used a lot in MMA for promotions which have surpassed it in many senses of the word, and most of the AXS TV properties aren’t really regional promotions in the strictest sense. However, CES’ first foray onto cable still feels very much like a regional show. Julian Lane (7-3-1) is the most well-known fighter on the card, and his recognition in the MMA world is more infamy than fame. Lane was of course responsible for one of the funnier moments in Ultimate Fighter history, when he uttered the words “Let me bang, bro” in so many different ways that they took on an entirely new meaning to the MMA universe. His run in the TUF house was short-lived — he lost in the opening round to Bristol Marunde — and has only gone 3-3-1 since, but he has won two consecutive fights and captured the CES MMA welterweight title in his most recent appearance, and looks to capture the vacant CES MMA lightweight title here. Lane’s opponent is Luis Felix (11-7), who has won his last four fights in the CES cage. His most recent outing was a first-round head kick knockout over UFC veteran Drew Fickett in March. Early in his career Felix was stopped in his first five defeats, but has gone 7-2 since as his confidence in the cage has seemingly grown along with his experience. While Lane is the most notable fighter on the card, that could change soon as featherweight Charles Rosa (8-0) is undoubtedly the best prospect. Rosa has earned stoppages in all eight of his pro MMA fights. His best attribute is his slick submission game which is effective from top position or guard, and he has a decent kicking arsenal on the feet as well. In his last bout, he won by submission and then suffered a separated shoulder when referee Dan Miragliotta pulled him off of his opponent. That was nearly five months ago however, so the American Top Team product should be back to 100% now. His opponent is Jake Constant (5-4) who has alternated wins and losses for almost his entire MMA career… and is currently coming off a win. The final bout with odds available will be back in the lightweight division, as Gil de Freitas (16-5) takes on George Sheppard (15-8). De Freitas holds victories over UFC veterans Chuck O’Neil and Edilberto ‘Crocota’ but has struggled when facing some of the top fighters on the Brazilian scene. Sheppard doesn’t have wins against any UFC veterans, but he has shared the cage with the likes of Charlie Brenneman and Jim Hettes, so he does have some high-level experience. This bout will come down to de Freitas’ grappling game and Sheppard’s striking. MMA oddsmaker Nick Kalikas opened the betting lines for CES MMA 25 today at Several Bookmakers: ——————– MAIN CARD (AXS TV, 10pm ET) CES MMA Lightweight Title Luis Felix -210 Julian Lane +160 Gil de Freitas -350 George Sheppard +250 Charles Rosa -705 Jake Constant +435 ——————– Brad’s Analysis: I haven’t had time to familiarize myself with the CES roster too much, but these fights don’t seem overly difficult to break down. Luis Felix and Julian Lane definitely make up the most competitive bout on the card, and it’s the only one where I might consider a play on the dog. Felix seems to be getting a bit too comfortable on the feet given his skill level there, and Lane is the faster striker and has better movement overall, so he could win if the fight remains standing. Gil de Freitas has a big advantage in the grappling department over George Sheppard, but even if he chooses to keep things on the feet he should do alright. That would definitely be the more difficult route for him to take, as Sheppard has decent striking and power, but it’s a winnable fight for de Freitas wherever it takes place. Charles Rosa is a good featherweight prospect fighting a bantamweight journeyman. In addition to his massive grappling advantages, Rosa will also be significantly bigger than Constant, which should allow him to get that grappling game working early and likely pick up a quick finish.
