Nearly two years since his last bout, Jerrell Hodge (5-3) is set to return to action, as he’ll face Mike Johnson (4-4) in the main event at Ohio Combat League 9 on Jan. 30 in Newark, Ohio.
Hodge looks to rebound from back-to-back losses, as he came up short against Tony Gravely and Said Yokub via decision. Gravely is now under UFC contract.
Prior to the two losses, Hodge posted a 5-1 record, including five straight wins after dropping his pro debut. His most recent win was in 2017, when he submitted Alfred Leisure at IT Fight Series 73.
Johnson comes from Michigan, where he represents Stars and Strikes MMA in Detroit. Three of his four wins are via stoppage, and he’s spent the majority of his career competing under the WXC banner. His most recent bout was a TKO over Calvin Harbaugh at Lights Out Championship 6 in December 2019.
The co-main event at OCL 9 also features and Ohio vs. Michigan bout, as unbeaten lightweight Jesse Smith (3-0) makes the trek south to face TJ Rigel (3-1).
Smith looks for his second OCL win in as many months, as he submitted Corey Dulaney with a heel hook in the first round at OCL 8 in December. Rigel fights for the first time in just over a year, as he looks to rebound from his first career loss at the hands of Damonte Robinson.
A total of six pro bouts are slated for the 17-bout card, including heavyweights Justin Richwine (1-5) vs. Ryan Shough (0-2), atomweights Chelsea LaGrasse (1-3) vs. Anna Sommers (0-0), a 175-pound catchweight between Ravon Baxter (1-2) and Trenton Zdarko (1-1), and a 140-pound catchweight between Yohe Rojas (1-1) and Andre Small (1-1).
In the amateur main event, Elijah Humes (5-1) and Nick Walls (4-2) will square off for the promotion’s lightweight title.
OCL 9 takes place on Jan. 30 at the Ohio Event Center in Newark, Ohio, and the event will be streamed live via iPPV.