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STRIKEFORCE CHALLENGERS 15 PRELIMINARY CARD PREVIEW

Strikeforce returns to try and do what the UFC had done in 2010, run an event on the same weekend as WWE Wrestlemania. Although they are running a much weaker card in retrospect, headlined by an interesting battle between Justin Wilcox and Rodrigo Damm. However, before the big five fights on the televised card take place, there are four preliminary fights that will happen first.

Kicking off the card is a pair of bantamweights as Adam Antolin (3-2-0) will go to battle with Ronald Carillo (1-1-0). Adam Antolin recently returned after a two year absence, suffering a defeat to Adam Rothweiler at a MEZ Sports MMA event. Ronald Carillo is coming off a victory over Edgar Diaz, which occurred at a Capitol Fighting Championships event in 2010. This fight is really a pick ‘em kind off battle, but I feel that the more experienced Adam Antolin will win the fight.

Lightweight fighters will take the cage next as Tristan Arenal (2-1-0) will be doing battle with Tommy Peterson (2-2-0). Tristan Arenal enters the fight riding a two fight winning streak, which began at a Phantom Promotions event in 2010. Tommy Peterson is coming off a loss to Bobby stack, who is a veteran of Strikeforce competition in recent years. Tristan Arenal will be picking up his third victory on a row, as Tommy Peterson will be suffering his third straight loss.

Another set of bantamweights are competing next as Robert Escalante (1-2-0) takes on Raul “Raw” Sandoval (0-0-0). Despite having the losing record, Robert Escalante has competed in the highly touted Gladiator Challenge promotion. Raul Sandoval will be making his professional MMA debut in this fight, but has competed in amateur MMA fights. Despite the lack of experience when compared to his foe, Raul Sandoval will be making a successful MMA debut.

Headlining the preliminary card is a featherweight encounter as Anthony Avila (3-1-0) takes on Rafael “El Lobo” Rios (3-1-0). Anthony Avila is entering this fight riding a two fight winning streak, most recently defeating Evan Esguerra. Rafael Rios won the first three fights of his professional MMA career, but suffered a setback against Mike Christensen in November 2010. This is a classic wrestler versus fighter encounter and it will be the grappler in Rafael Rios winning the fight.

You can contact David Tees at bigteesps3@yahoo.com

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