While Shooto ends the strong weekend of MMA action on Sunday morning, Palace Fighting Championships starts off the strong weekend with there 13th edition out of Lemoore. The fight I am most excited about is the return of Cole Escovedo as he fights undefeated young prospect Michael McDonald. Escovedo is returning to the ring after a 33 months layoff which was a result of a severe staff infection that left Cole fighting for his life. I have always been a fan of Cole, he was the second or third fighter I ever interviewed for sherdog.com back before he fought Christian Allen in the summer of 2002. It is great to see Cole back in action and he certainly didn't pick an easy opponent to get back in the cage against. With that said, win or lose, Cole has achieved a huge victory in just fighting again.
Doug Marshall is taking on Jamie Jara in the main event in a battle of tattoos. Marshall is trying to get back on track after being cut from WEC last year. Jara is certainly a tough opponent. Both guys are in the same boat, very solid fighters but two fighters who will never be world champions, and probably not ever make the UFC unless it's as a last minute replacement. I don't want to use the term journeymen cause both have solid records, but they are local fighters first and foremost.
Casey Olsen, one of my favorite California prospects is taking on Eddie Yagin. Olsen I think will definitely be in the UFC someday, probably sooner rather than later. Phil Collins and Leopoldo Serao for the vacant Middleweight Title. Olaf Alfonso, who won the Welterweight Title in a huge upset against Jeremiah Metcalf, is defending against Kyle Pimental. Dominique Robinson and Carlo Prater should be an excellent fight. Pat Runez, Gabe Ruediger, John Gunderson, and Erin Toughill are all also on the card. Going to be a great night of fights. Everyone should definitely check it out as the live stream will be on sherdog.com Friday night.
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