Resurrection Fighting Alliance heads to St. Louis this Friday for the first time for their event RFA 28. The headlining bout will feature a battle in the middleweight division between Andrew ‘El Dirte’ Sanchez (6-2) facing off against John Poppie (6-1). The co-main features a match up in the flyweight division between former RFA champion Matt Manzanares (7-5) and St. Louis standout Ken ‘The Sensational' Porter (8-2). It all goes down inside the Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis, Mo.
RFA has been regarded as one of the top promotions to send talent to the UFC which tends to leave vacancies for their titles. The 185 strap is up for grabs on Friday with two fighters showcasing six wins and a combined three losses in the main event. Sanchez makes a quick turnaround fighting in his home state after a victory over Clinton Williams back in June. This is not his first shot at the gold and he hopes to not duplicate the misfortune of his last attempt. He welcomes RFA newcomer John Poppie who is a well rounded finisher, currently riding a four fight win streak. Don’t blink folks as this fight can be over in a heartbeat.
Ken Porter is a staple in the St. Louis combat scene. The talented fighter who has evolved over time to become a well rounded MMA fighter. His speed and quickness will be put to the test against Manzanares who is looking to rebound from a devastating three fight losing streak. With confirmed dates already booked in the future, he won’t be able to look past a steady Porter, who has the skills to push him to the limit. If Manzanares is to get back on track, it starts with this fight even though many experts don’t think it will happen against the gifted Porter.
One of the feature bouts of the night is a heavyweight bout between the Curtis Blaydes (4-0) and Justin Frazier (7-2). Blaydes is already considered one of the top heavyweight prospects in the nation, after only four fights. He has victories over the likes of Bellator heavyweight prospect Lorenzo Hood and is currently on a nine fight win streak. He looks to take the next step when he faces Frazier. Frazier has also been in battles with some tested heavyweights, including UFC heavyweight Derrick Lewis. This is another fight you don’t want to miss that could end at any moment.
St. Charles MMA product Nick LoBosco (8-1) continues to get back on track in his second fight for RFA. His only loss comes at the hands of WSOF featherweight champion and Team Alpha Male member Lance Palmer. He takes on the undefeated and world traveled Landon Vannata making his RFA debut riding a seven fight win streak. Vannata has a sneaky submission game which should match up well against the finishing ability of LoBosco. This will be a chess match if and when it gets to the ground.
Javon Wright (6-3) cruises into the RFA 28 with a two fight win streak and will go head to head with Brazilian prospect Thiago Moises (5-1). Both fighters know how to finish on the ground as well which could provide for a battle that might go the distance. The opening bout on the main card will see a evenly matched affair between Jake Roberts (4-0) and Chuka Willis (4-1). Willis is making a quick turn around after his loss to WSOF standout prospect Hakeem Dawodu.
Look for a full main card recap of RFA 28: Sanchez - Poppie right here on VAVEL.com following the event.