While Johnny Eblen and Impa Kasanganay's rematch is PFL Austin's main event, UK fight fans will be anticipating Lewis McGrillen's latest appearance inside the SmartCage.
The Manchester fighter will be looking to put on a show against Rafael do Nascimento, with the Brazilian stepping in as a late replacement for the injured Sergio Pettis.
Lewis McGrillen v Rafael do Nascimento Tips Preview
McGrillen (12-1-0) was due to face former UFC fighter Pettis on his US debut here, with a win against the PFL's third-ranked Bantamweight likely to have put him in serious world title contention.
Instead, the 25-year-old looks to introduce himself to the American audience against Do Nascimento (12-2-0, 1 NC), a short-notice replacement and BJJ specialist from the North American regional scene.
McGrillen brings exceptional power for the weight class, boasting 10 KO/TKO wins from his 12 professional fights, including some stunning viral knockouts.
Inside the PFL the Manchester Top team fighter has four KO/TKO wins, including a second-round European title win against Alexander Luster and a round three finish in a Fight of the Year contender with Dean Garnett.
Last time out, "McGrizzla" added a first PFL submission to his ledger, locking-up a second-round rear-naked-choke win over the experienced Alan Philpott.
Expect fireworks with McGrillen both inside and outside of the cage, with these two already having a heated first face-off with Dan Hardy earlier in the fight week.
As well as introducing himself to the US fans, McGrillen is likely to come face-to-face with rival Caolán Loughran.
The pair were scheduled to fight last October before the Manchester man withdrew due to illness and could set up another future bout if both men win and get hold of the microphone here.
Lewis McGrillen v Rafael do Nascimento Tale of the Tape
Lewis McGrillen | Rafael do Nascimento | |
Record: | 12-1 | 12-2 1 NC |
Age: | 25 | 34 |
Birthplace: | Manchester, England | Brazil |
Height: | 5' 6" | 5' 6" |
Stance: | Southpaw | Orthodox |
Last Fight: | Won (Sub) v Alan Philpott (PFL) (May 25) | Win (UD) v Shuya Kamikubo (LFA) (Feb 26) |
KO%: | 83% (of wins) | 8% (of wins) |
Alias: | McGrizzla | Mulisha |
Lewis McGrillen v Rafael do Nascimento Top Tip
Lewis McGrillen to win via KO, TKO or DQ & Under 2.5 rounds @ Evens
It's hard not to see McGrillen looking good and getting a knockout win here. The 25-year-old has been fighting and dealing with a higher calibre of opponent and could end this one comfortably within the distance.
McGrillen will bring aggressive forward pressure and willingness to exchange from the opening bell, as he looks to land his trademark left hook and heavy ground-and-pound.
Occasionally, his eagerness to scrap leaves his neck exposed, which usually would be a prime opportunity for someone like Do Nascimento to add a ninth career submission to his record.
However, McGrillen has shown increasing confidence in grappling situations and can nullify Do Nascimento's threat.
Overall, McGrillen's combination of aggression, speed and one-shot power should allow him to find an opening to be able to get this one done inside the distance.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
