Decorated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, Vinny ‘Pezao’ Magalhaes (6-5) walks into his bout against undefeated Jake Doerr (6-0) at M-1 Challenge: Damkovsky vs. Figueroa riding a momentous wave and a win puts him in light heavyweight title contention. Fans can capture the submission specialist in action LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, March 25 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
With back-to-back wins and victorious in four of his last five outings it seems the three time BJJ world champion has a re-invented himself as a mixed martial artist and looking to achieve superstar status in the sport. Magalhaes’ impressive inverted triangle submission victory over Alihan Magomedov, earned him a six-fight contract with Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion and the battle with Doerr marks the slick submission specialist’s first trip into the ring under the new 2-year deal.
A recognizable figure to the North American fan base from his time spent on The Ultimate Fighter, the world-class BJJ expert has been evolving his skills in Wrestling, Muay Thai and Boxing at the TapouT Training Center in Las Vegas, Nevada to become a more versatile fighter with a devastating arsenal. Looking for an opportunity to showcase his re-vamped stand-up game, Magalhaes will likely test the waters with his opponent; should trouble ensue, Magalhaes will hit the canvas without hesitation and look to introduce Doerr to a whole new joint-jacking and tendon-tearing world of hurt.
Ready to continue making his impact felt within the 205-pound division and secure a future corner under the championship spotlights, Magalhaes is primed to make the most of his opportunity on one of the United States’ most prestigious, premium television networks, Showtime; a win places him atop the LHW food chain and directly into title contention.
Undefeated MMA prospect Jake Doerr will look to impede Magalhaes’ path to the belt by stunning the crowd in the toughest test in his career.
Doerr has yet to require the judges’ services to decide an outcome; in fact he’s finished every one of his opponents inside the first round utilizing his well-rounded and aggressive fighting style. Facing Magalhaes, it’s clear he’ll have no advantage should the bout hit the canvass; this prospect’s best chances for victory come standing up. With the edge in striking abilities, Doerr possess one-punch knock-out power and is effective working in his opponent’s guard where he can throw down a relentless ground and pound.
Having not seen action in 13 months, Doerr best shake off any ‘ring rust’ quickly and work a game plan that leverages his edge in striking, whether it be standing up or on the mat with a furious G&P. If he can stun Magalhaes from his feet and engage a lightning quick barrage, Doerr could shock the critics who have classed him as the significant underdog and walk away with his undefeated record intact.
M-1 Challenge: Damkovsky vs. Figueroa airs LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, March 25 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
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