International Fight League Preview

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
May 16, 2008

International Fight League Preview

Heavyweight Title: Roy Nelson vs. Brad Imes

The International Fight League returns to Mohegan Sun on May 16 with a solid set of preliminary fights and three title bouts, including Roy Nelson (pictured) vs. Brad Imes. After his originally scheduled opponent bowed out because of injury, "Big Country" Nelson (12-2) is stuck with, arguably, a tougher opponent in Imes (11-4). Nelson is on a four-fight win streak, three by KO.

Middleweight Title: Ryan McGivern vs. Dan Miller

McGivern (pictured) will have to work hard to keep his belt and improved his 12-5 record. IFL followers know what Miller (7-1) did to Dave Phillips last year, but McGivern's bout against Fabio Leopoldo also showed that the champ can go all day in the ring. Endurance or submission -- which will be worth more?

Lightweight Title: Ryan Schultz vs. Deividas Taurosevicius

Schultz (19-9-1) dominated in 2007 and captured a huge upset victory against Chris Horodecki at the Grand Prix Finals in December, but Taurosevicius (pictured) is 9-2 and probably one of the most underrated fighters out there.

Aaron Stark vs. Lamont Lister

Stark (far left) has a slight advantage in experience with a 5-4 record, but Lister (5-3) is just off the heels of a Yamma victory and seems more than ready for his IFL debut. Count on Lister to show the former Wisconsin wrestler his standup game.

Nick Calandrino vs. John Howard

A flawless record can be meaningless. While undefeated Calandrino (far left) hopes that's not the case as he enters his fifth bout, he faces a tough battle against the 9-3 Howard, whose standup ability can wreak havoc.

Josh Souder vs. Zac George

Let's just hope Souder (6-2-1) doesn't think too much into his move into the big leagues. George (pictured) is experienced (12-2), has a solid takedown defense and could easily give Souder a quick ticket back to the minors.

Joey Guel vs. Matt Horwich

Talk about a mismatch and a tough way to make one's IFL debut. Horwich (pictured) has the experience (21-10-1) that may be the winning ticket against Guel (12-5).

John Franchi vs. Frank Latina

Not much riding on these two as they make their IFL debuts. In what will be more of a booster for both, the inexperienced Franchi (3-0, far left) and Latina (4-1) can use this event as a starting block.

Danillo Villefort vs. Mike Massenzio

Along with the title bouts, this one is definitely worth watching. Massenzio (far left) has an unbelievable 10-1 record, but it doesn't accurately reflect the weight of his victories. Can he add an 11th win against fist-happy and 6-2 Villefort?