It was great to get some thoughts from Stephane Patry on TKO 48. The show will be broadcast on UFC Fight Pass/ The Fight Network and goes Friday, May 24th in Gatineau, Quebec.
Bowks Talking Bouts
Stephane recapped TKO 47 as we began things. The promoter outlined the key differences with TKO 47 in terms of scale and ability to adapt. Last minute injuries caused the event to be held in a smaller venue. However, things went off well despite those issues.
Three title fights are going down at TKO 48. Firstly, the TKO Heavyweight title is up for grabs when Cyril Gane takes on Roggers Souza.
“Cyril Gane…. our Heavyweight Champion, I believe, could beat anyone in the UFC at Heavyweight”
Stephane Patry on the Muay Thai berserker that holds his promotion’s Heavyweight belt
Both men have flawless finishing rates. Certainly the Brazilian challenger is looking to maintain that streak and halt the Muay Thai killer’s rapid MMA progress. I do not think the judges will be needed in this main event prize fight at TKO 48.
Brawl for the Bantamweight Belt
Secondly, Nate Maness defends his TKO Bantamweight belt against Taylor Lapilus. Lapilus has a winning UFC record and is coming off a victory over top ranked 135er Josh Hill.
“Nate Maness is, according to everybody, the number one prospect in North America at 135”
Stephane Patry on the present TKO Bantamweight Champion
An Inaugural Championship Prize Fight
Finally, the Vacant TKO Women’s Flyweight Championship is on the line. Jade Masson-Wong fights well regarded European fighter Mandy Bohm.
“Jade is by far the best woman in Canada as far as MMA goes…..I believe Mandy Bohm is going to be her most serious opponent to date…..This is by far the best women’s fight in Canadian history”
Stephane Patry previewing the Women’s Flyweight Title fight a TKO 48
The People’s Main Event
Despite having three great title fights, Patry described Hill vs Ronson as the unofficial main event. Jesse Arnett and Josh Hill are competing for the distinction of being the best Bantamweight in Canada.
Patry is proud to promote this long awaited tilt that will decide who the top 135er is in the great white north.
A favorable spotlight is shining onto the promotion’s 135lb ranks throughout the event. Stephane sees Mateo Vogel as Canada’s top Bantamweight prospect. Vogel fights against Khurshed Kakhorov at TKO 48.
TKO in Ontario news
Patry also mentioned plans to promote shows in Ontario. Patry let me know that London would be the most logical, appropriate place for a TKO foray into Ontario.
As an Ontario resident, the news about a London card selfishly excites me. The main focus here though is TKO 48. A trifecta of title fights, a myriad of top contender bouts, and it can all be seen Friday, May 24th. Check out the pugilistic proceedings at The Fight Network and UFC Fight Pass.
Bowks Talking Bouts/ Dylan James Bowker is available on Spotify, Google Play Music, Podbean, and Stitcher.
Peep a prior Stephane Patry BTB appearance + more LM2/ TKO content by clicking the links below: