If you weren’t already sold on buying a ticket for the dozen bouts already set for Big Guns 16 – The Summit, then perhaps this one will change your mind.
RFO featherweight champion Rich Cantolina (12-7) is set to defend his title for the first time in two and a half weeks, when the Pittsburgh native takes on Adli Edwards (6-1) in a matchup of perhaps the two best 145-pound amateur fighters in the Ohio Valley.
Cantolina has won four of his last six bouts, all of which have been title fights for various organizations. He made his amateur debut way back in 2008, and now will be competing for the 20th time. His most recent outing was in March, when he submitted Aaron Neighbors in the first round. The 25-year-old has been hinting that a pro debut could be on the horizon, and a win over a tough foe like Edwards would certainly show that he’s ready for the next step.
Edwards is a former collegiate wrestler who made his MMA debut in 2012. He immediately jumped out to a 5-0 start before he was knocked out by Tobiaus Taylor for his first loss. He rebounded nicely, however, with a third round TKO victory over Keith Speed last month to move his record up to 6-1.
This should be an interesting style matchup, as the 6’1″ Cantolina is used to enjoying a substantial height and reach advantage over his opponents, but that advantage is likely to be minimal against the 5’11” Edwards.
Big Guns 16 takes place on Aug. 22 at the Summit County Fairgrounds in Tallmadge, Ohio and will be headlined by a professional featherweight bout featuring Frank Caraballo against Keith Richardson. Fast-rising pro heavyweights Curt Lemmon and Jeff Hughes are also set to throw down.
Check out the full card below, and be sure to stay tuned to BluegrassMMA.com for more on RFO: Big Guns 16 – The Summit as it becomes available.
Official Big Guns 16 – The Summit card
Pro Bouts:
Frank Caraballo vs. Keith Richardson
Curt Lemmon vs. Jeff Hughes
Tony Dipiero vs. Kyle Strong Dunmeyer
Amateur Bouts:
(Champ) Rich Cantolina vs. Adli Edwards – for featherweight title
Ryan Arce vs. Aaron Neighbors
Tom Murfield vs. Mike Seibert
Aaron Bush vs. Ray Hollis
Marlon Baker vs. Kris Maruna
Jason Rine vs. Thomas Good
Nick Adkins vs. Wayne Lauvray
Nic Lute vs. George Murphy
Aaron Bartow vs. Alex Johnston
Tyler Feller vs. Paul Freeland
Desmond Ford vs. Justan Grandison
Tyler Bostick vs. Tony Hodges
Collin Kaplowitz vs. Dib Kaddah