Lebanon’s brand new full-contact combat sport promotion “Cedar Fighting Championship” is set to host its first event “Cedar FC 1” this April 28 at the the Platea Resort, in Sahel Alma, Lebanon.
Cedar FC 1 fight card features 3 professional fights pitting notable Lebanese professionals who will square off against opponents from France, Egypt and India. The under-card will boast 10 amateur fights with some of the best local amateur talents.
ArabsMMA has you covered with the results and highlights of this event. If you’re scratching your head over this one, here are four reasons to tune in!
BARDAWIL ALERT
If you spot the Bardawil name on a fight card, that name should, at least, make any Arab fight fan do a double-take. George Bardawil (2-0 MMA,) competes in his third professional MMA fight at Cedar Fighting Championship 1, and it should come as no surprise that this well-rounded fighter will look to impress in front of his home crowd. Cedar FC 1 has Bardawil fighting on the main card, and the bantamweight prospect will surely deliver. At Cedar Fighting Championship 1, Bardawil faces his most experienced opponent when he matches up against India’s Dhruv Chaudhary (7-3 MMA).
KNOCKING AT THE DOOR
If Imad Hoayek ( 5-3 Amateur) is not on your radar; Cedar Fighting championship is a good time to become acquainted with the former IMMAF Worlds bronze medalist.
Hoayek’s style is, not surprisingly, is grappling heavy, but he does have striking power which he displayed in his international performances.This fight is a perfect opportunity for Hoayek to test his new improved skills as he gets ready for the IMMAF World Championships 2017.
EXPECT HEAVY LEATHER
With Georges Eid (Lebanon) Vs Akram Benali from France at welterweight and Mark Tanios (Lebanon) Vs Mahmoud Tantawy (Egypt) at heavyweight, some heavy leather exchange is guaranteed. Eid, known for his Sanda striking style and aggressive mental approach will definitely look for a much anticipated finish, but his opponent Benali (5-5) will surely not welcome that with open arms. This fight will not go the distance, mark my words.
Tanios on the other hand, one of the best heavyweights to represent Lebanon is coming off a loss in his latest appearance at Lion FC. As this opportunity unfolds, it’s only a matter of time before he gives it his all and erases this memory as he moves forward in his career.
THOSE AMATEURS THOUGH
Scanning through the amateur card, some familiar names cannot be ignored especially when it comes to the local Lebanese scene. Richard Saliba, the former Lebanese welterweight champion, will undoubtedly deliver a warrior’s performance as witnessed in his previous battles as he fights in the lightweight division this time.
Roland Yaacoubian is yet another prospect to keep an eye on. A little flyweight with much power, Yaacoubian currently rides a 3 fight win streak and will certainly look to entertain and finish this fight on home soil.
Two other amateur talents to also look out for at Cedar FC 1 are the Bassem brothers from Jordan, Issa Bassem and Mohammad Bassem who train with the renowned team Narmouq under Coach Tymour. Their wrestling skills and mental toughness will be undeniable in there first international performance as amateurs.
Stay tuned on ArabsMMA.com for all on Cedar Fighting Championship’s first installment, Cedar FC 1!
