The Revelation Fight Organization has navigated the muddled water that is the tumultuous Ohio MMA scene, becoming one of the longest-running promotions in the state and consistently putting on solid cards. Up next for the Mid-Ohio organization is Mansfield Mayhem 14, which goes down this Saturday at the Richland County Fairgrounds.
As a preview for the event, we’ll take a look at the biggest storylines heading into the night:
Fight Farm teammates headline
They may no longer fight out of an actual farmhouse after their move to the beautiful Fitness Factory facility in downtown Mansfield, but Josh Longood (6-1) and John Gunther (8-2) are still two of the best amateur prospects in the state. As stated in this cool little video put up by local news outlet WFMD, the two fighters will headline the card in separate bouts.
Longood is set to take on veteran Drew Scottenheimer (5-4-1) in the featherweight main event. Competing since 2008, Schottenheimer is a former RFO champion. Longood is the current champion, and could be ready to jump to the pro ranks with a win here.
Gunther looks to bounced back from a loss in his last outing, as he dropped a bout to top-ranked welterweight A.J. Dobson at the last RFO show in August. Gunther faces unbeaten Chris Tripi (7-0), who has competed just once since 2008.
Canadian invasion
The fighters from Team Ascension at Vision Mixed Martial Arts in Ontario have always seemed to come into Ohio and not only hold their own, but to win more than they lose against some of the best fighters in the state. The Mansfield Mayhem 14 card features two of the best fighters from the team, as both welterweight Xavier Nash (6-2) and bantamweight Vladimir Kazbekov (3-0) will compete.
Nash, who is ranked in the top ten at welterweight in Ohio, has competed for titles in multiple organizations in the state and is a good wrestler who imposes his will. He’ll take on New York’s Joe Goyette (8-5) in one of the night’s featured bouts.
After training at Xtreme Couture in the past, the Russian-born fighter has been dominant through three bouts thus far, finishing all three inside the first round. The 21-year-old is set to take on Tanner Murat (2-1), who has also finished both of his wins via TKO in the first round.
Team Ascension fighter and rising featherweight star Amir Niknazar (2-0) will also be in action on the night.
Girls just wanna have fun
No matter where you go, female fights always seem to be the most anticipated and always seem to steal the show. RFO will put on the first female fight in its history, as Nichole Usko (1-0) takes on Nichole Dodson (0-1). Usko earned her first win last August, while Dodson is a Wisconsin native who looks to pick up her first victory.
Veteran flyweights
With many of the state’s top flyweights recently turning pro, two of the more experienced amateurs remaining will square off at Mansfield Mayhem 14. New York native Victor Guarriello (5-6) will look to bounce back from a loss to Davey Crockett in November, as he takes on Adam Roll (5-8) at 125 pounds. Both fighters have been around for awhile, and are looking for a signature win to put on their resume.
Vitals
RFO: Mansfield Mayhem 14
Richland County Fairgrounds – Fairhaven Hall
750 N. Home Rd.
Mansifled, Ohio
February 8, 2014
Doors: 6pm
First fight: 7pm