The Triangle Choke: Shine Fights Genesis Preview & Predictions

Shine Fights kicks off with Genesis in MMA hotbed Columbus, Ohio on Saturday May 9th. The event features a diverse group of fighters who have competed at the highest levels of the sport. Teams such as Extreme Couture, 808 Fight Factory, Buckeye MMA, Renzo Gracie Academy, American Top Team and HIT Squad will be represented. Genesis promises to be an entertaining and competitive event.

Shine Fights Genesis Breakdown:

Kris McCray vs. Brian Rogers- Rogers is a powerful-explosive athlete who brings a lot of excitement to the cage. McCray has both competitive wrestling and kickboxing experience.

Prediction: This fight will be full of action and energy. McCray’s overall game will prove to be too much. McCray adds to his undefeated record via a 2nd round stoppage due to strikes.

Brad Harris vs. Marcus Reynolds- Harris brings an undefeated record of 3-0 to the cage. Reynolds is 5-4 but very dangerous as he is always pushing the pace; another entertaining matchup.

Prediction: There should be plenty of fireworks. Look for Harris to extend his winning streak via tap out due to a RNC in the 3rd round.

Ed “The Nature Boy” Newalu vs. Billy Vaughan- The Nature Boy brings a wealth of experience to the cage. He has fought in several organizations compiling a 13-11 record with losses to the likes of Manny Tapia. Vaughan holds a career record of 7-3. Vaughan was a Division 1 wrestler. His goal will be to slow the pace and get the fight to the ground.

Prediction: The fight is held at 145 lbs which usually means a lot of excitement. Newalu’s experience will no doubt be a factor but look for Vaughan’s wrestling skills to be too much. Vaughan thrills his home state fans with a victory via UD.

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Kyle “The Alley Cat” Baker vs. Brian Foster- Foster holds a professional record of 13-3. He hails from the H.I.T. (Hughes Intensive Training) Squad in Illinois. Baker holds an extensive amateur wrestling background.

Prediction: This is a great matchup between two highly skilled fighters. A close matchup, Foster’s day to day training with some of the best Mixed Martial Artists in the world will prove to be the difference. Foster wins via a Split Decision.

Beau “BlackJack” Baker vs. Jason “Niko” Nickoson- Beau Baker, brother of Kyle Baker, brings a 7-2 record to the cage. Nickoson holds a record of 5-4. Baker was a division 1 wrestler with skills in all facets of the game. Nickoson started training while in the US Navy in Hawaii with the esteemed 808 Fight Factory. Nickoson is now training with Buckeye MMA in Columbus.

Prediction: Despite the home crowd advantage, Baker’s take downs will be too much. Baker is victorious via UD.

Bryan Vetell vs. Phil Friedman- As a former IFL fighter, Vetell is very familiar with the big stage. He has competed against the likes of Roy “Big Country” Nelson and Ben Rothwell. Vetell holds a purple belt under one of the most famous names in MMA, Renzo Gracie. Friedman started is MMA career as a training partner to Randy Couture. Friedman trains at Extreme Couture.

Prediction: Both fighters are huge weighing in over 250 lbs. Each will try to gain control in the clinch then take the fight to the ground. Vetell’s experience will be the difference as he controls the fight resulting in a UD.

Harris “The Hitman” Sarmiento vs. Mario “Serious” Stapel- The Hitman, fighting out of the famed 808 Fight Factory, holds an unfathomable resume for someone his age. Sarmiento is only 25 years old but has competed in 45 professional fights. He has competed against the likes of Rob McCullough, Josh Thomson, Gilbert Melendez, Nick Diaz and KJ Noons to name a few. Harris has fought for Strikeforce and the IFL. He is diverse in all styles willing to stand up or take the fight to the mat. Sarmiento is still on the upward swing of his career which is scary for all in his weight division. Stapel holds a career record of 16-12. Stapel has an extensive Muay Thai background. He currently trains with Matt Hughes at H.I.T. Squad.

Prediction: A compelling matchup between two experienced fighters. Stapel will certainly be an improved fighter by training with Hughes. Mario just started training with the H.I.T. squad recently so little is known about the new Stapel. Sarmiento is a patient fighter who will let the fight come to him. A great fight ends with Sarmiento winning via tap out due to a leg lock in the 3rd round.

Shine Fights Genesis Main Event:

Antonio “The Samurai” Mendes vs. Antwain “The Juggernaut” Britt- The Samurai brings a career record of 15-4 to the cage. He held a 12 fight winning streak before losing to Thiago Silva at UFC 84 and Eric Schafer at UFC 93. Mendes looked very good against Silva before he slipped. Silva then gained the top position and ended the fight due to strikes. Mendes is an elite fighter, who trains with possibly the best team on the planet, American Top Team. He is looking to make his mark against former Ultimate Fighter participant Antwain Britt. Britt made TUF’s house but broke his hand getting there. Britt holds a career record of 8-2. The Juggernaut is a physical specimen who will almost always hold a significant strength advantage when fighting at 205lbs. Prediction: A great main event with conflicting fight styles. Mendes is lethal standing up with very good submission skills on the ground. Britt will try to control the distance keeping the fight close to him. He will attempt to use his size and strength advantage. Mendes wins a tough fight via tap out due to a RNC in round 3.

Article & Photos by Scott Dryden
ProFighting-fans.com Staff Writer & Director of MMA Content

Photographs courtesy of Shine Fights