HD Net

Former WWE superstar Bobby Lashley dips his foot back into the MMA pool this Friday night versus 7-3 veteran Mike Cook. The heavyweight contest is the co main event for Canada’s leading promotion the Maximum Fighting Championship and will be broadcast here in the U.S live on HD Net at 7:00 PM PST.

Heading into his 3^rd professional MMA fight Lashley is a sure fire 5 Star prospect. His combination of amateur wrestling pedigree and WWE name recognition gives him a built-in advantage over other heavyweights fighting their way through the minors.

With 2 fights in a 6 week time period, the question I ask is taking a fight with a 3 year pro a wise decision for Lashley at this point in his career? If, Lashley blows Cook out of the water it would be a nice win, but if he loses to a journeymen fighter his Pay Per View fight with former NFL player Bob Sapp on June 27^th takes another blow to its already shaky credibility.

Looking to redeem himself after his lackluster performance against Jason Guida I look for Lashley to take the fight to the mat early and win in impressive fashion via 1^st round ground n’ pound. A loss would cause Lashley’s stock to drop and be a reason to reevaluate is long term potential as a MMA fighter.

Three MMA cards will keep local and international fans of the sport occupied.

Sengoku Seventh Battle-Friday March 20th

Hey you could be doing worse things Friday morning at midnight.

Live from Tokyo catch Japan’s second biggest MMA promotion broadcast their card live on HD Net Midnight PST and with a replay at 7:00 PM.

The event features the start of the company’s 16 man feather weight tournament. In the biggest non tournament bout 5 star light heavyweight prospect Mo Lawel faces his toughest test to date in the form of veteran Ryo Kawamura.

March Badness- Saturday March 21st

In these tough economic times why not spend $29.99 on Roy Jones Jr. promoted hybrid boxing and MMA pay per view?

Roy Jones Jr. 52-5 faces off with Omar Sheika 27-8 in the main event of the boxing portion of the card. While former WWE superstar Bobby Lashley competes in his second professional MMA bout. Standing across the ring from Lashley is MMA journeyman Jason Guida, who fans may remember from his short stint on season 7 of Spike TV’s The Ultimate Fighter.

Rage in the Cage 123-Saturday March 21st

A great local card takes place Saturday night at Gila River Casino’s Wild Horse Pass. Doors open at 5:00 PM, fights start at 7:00 PM.

2 fighters on the fast track for the big show are RITC HW Richard Hale 9-2 and RITC 145 pound championship contender Ruben Salazar 3-1.

Hale is an athletic heavyweight who is riding a 5 fight winning streak. In February he avenged his last loss with a submission win over Elite XC vet Matt Lucas.

Salazar has found a home in the featherweight division. A win on Saturday gives Salazar a RITC title belt around his waist which will look good on his resume when the WEC gives him a call.

Also, UFC fighter and Ultimate Fighter Season 8 winner Efrain Escudero 11-0 will be on hand to sign autographs.