· Carolinas Fight Scene Update

· Article author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Posted on 04/12 at 03:08 PM

April has seen an increased schedule of MMA events in the Carolinas. With several pro/am cards this month and many more scheduled over the summer, there will be plenty of opportunities for fight fans in North Carolina and South Carolina to check out live MMA. This busy schedule is kicked off this week by two good shows: the Scrap Live event in Winston-Salem this Friday and the Fight Lab Pros event in Charlotte this Saturday. If you live in or around the Carolinas, do yourself a favor and check out on of the following shows this month.

This Friday, April 15 at the Lawrence-Joel Veteran Memorial Annex in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Scrap Live offers the following card:

185 lbs. - Rodney Wallace (NC; 10-4) vs. Cale Yarborough (GA; 7-0)

Why area fans should check this out: Rodney Wallace is a UFC veteran that has compiled a really nice resume despite having competed in a higher weight class than he could have. In an age where almost every fighter cuts to the lowest possible weight, it’s admirable that Wallace is game to take on light-heavies, but his move to middleweight makes sense for him. He will get a very solid test in "The Ultimate Fighter" veteran Yarborough, but one that could yield good opportunities should he pass it.

155 lbs. - Sylvain Bynum (NC; 4-1) vs. Cameron Dollar (CO; 9-2)

Why area fans should check this out: Syl Bynum has begun 2011 by showing that he isn’t afraid to test himself against good competition. After a tough fight against an undefeated fighter in Florida recently, Bynum looks to rebound against another high-quality fighter in "The Ultimate Fighter" veteran Cameron Dollar.

145 lbs. - Bill Metts (NC; 2-1) vs. Casey Johnson (NC; 1-0)

Why area fans should check this out: This bout has the potential to be "Fight of the Night." Metts is a durable, skilled fighter out of Team ROC and Casey Johnson spent most of 2010 as one of the top amateur prospects in the Carolinas before turning pro this year. Both fighters are skilled and will be looking to use this opportunity to further create a buzz around their name in this region.

155 lbs. - D’Juan Owens (NC; 0-1) vs. Sebastian Wodjack (NC; 0-0)

Why area fans should check this out: Owens really made a name for himself in the Carolinas as an amateur that would not hesitate to fight the best opposition available and it has definitely made him better for it. Despite losing a close decision in his pro debut, Owens remains poised to be a winning pro fighter. To get his first pro “W”, however, he’ll have to defeat a man who was a successful amateur also and possesses some of the most vicious kicks in this region.

Also of interest:

135 lbs. - Nick Blake (NC; 1-1) vs. Alton Tyler (NC; 0-1) should be an entertaining fight and there are amateur fights scheduled as well.

This Saturday at the Grady Cole Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, Fight Lab Promotions offers the following card:

HWT- Josh Lening (NC; 2-3) vs. Mont McMullens (NC; 0-2)

Why area fans should check this out: Simply put, if you like seeing spectacular knockouts, you’ll want to check this fight out. First of all, both fighters are definitely better than their records would have you believe. Secondly, both have an affinity for standing in the pocket and exchanging. It would be surprising if this fight even goes past the second round.

155 lbs. - Keith Richardson (SC; 2-2) vs. Marc Corum (NC; 1-1)

Why area fans should check this out: This bout is part of the 155 pound tournament that Fight Lab Promotions has undertaken. Richardson has long been a fighter with solid potential. Although he could likely compete at 145 pounds, he has a lot of strength and a tenacious style that makes him one of the top lightweights in the Carolinas. He’ll be looking to make a statement in this fight. To do so, however, he’ll have to overcome a tough fighter in Gastonia’s Marc Corum. This is a great opportunity for Marc and a perfect venue for him to announce his emergence as a real threat in the region’s lightweight division.

155 lbs. - Ronnie Rogers (SC; 5-5) vs. Bryan Keller (NC; 4-5)

Why area fans should check this out: Another of the first round 155 pound tournament fights, this matchup sees one of South Carolina’s more popular fighters, Rogers, taking on a solid veteran in Bryan Keller. Rogers is a tough fighter and is usually involved in exciting fights. Keller has spent the majority of his career at 170 pounds and has faced some impressive opposition so it will be really interesting to see what this fighter can do at his more natural 155 pound weight.

185 lbs. (Amateur) - Ricky Rainey (NC; 4-0) vs. Ben Perry (NC; 4-4)

Why area fans should check this out: Much like the Lening vs. McMullens main event, this bout promises to provide a knockout finish. Rainey is considered one of the better amateur fighters in the region and will be making his 185 pound debut against another fighter that is also coming down from the 205 pound class. Perry is an enormous middleweight (over 6’5”) and is a real threat here.

Also of interest:

135 lbs.(Amateur) - Nick Smith (NC; 4-1) vs. Roy Hughes Jr. (NC; 3-1) for the Fight Lab 170 pound amateur championship and there are other amateur fights scheduled as well.

That wraps up the events for this week. Before month’s end, the following events will be also be taking place. Be sure and check them out if you’re in the area:

April 22 in Fletcher, NC, Black Eye Entertainment offers the following card: