The two combatants who put forth the most shocking moments at Lion Fight 29 can’t wait to come back and do it again.
It might not be as big surprise if they repeat the feats but the feeling of one more fantastic victory would be more than welcome.
Regian Eersel and Travis Clay popped eyes, dropped jaws, and set highlight reels in motion at Lion Fight 29 as they both notched spectacular knockouts. Eersel, a late replacement for the main event, carried the action and then brought it to a screeching halt with a perfectly placed kick that blasted Jo Nattawut and left him staring up at the ceiling. Clay, too, found the finishing touch with a head kick – his putting Julio Pena down and out.
Both fighters were the shining stars of Lion Fight 29 and both were delighted by their accomplishments.
Although highly regarded in pockets throughout Europe, Eersel (40-4) was a quite an unknown commodity despite having registered some notable wins. He left no one wondering about who he was after his thunderous American debut in beating Lion Fight’s super welterweight champion in a non-title bout in the middleweight ranks.
“I knew I could beat Nattawut so I’m not surprised like most people,” said Eersel, who has big expectations upon his return to Lion Fight which is likely to come in the fall.
“My desire is to get a title fight with Lion Fight. It’s a good organization with good promotion. I am an easy-going boy, not a talker, but I will give you a great fight.”
Clay was just as opportunistic in his battle. Like Eersel, Clay was thought to be a significant underdog as he clashed with Pena, who was coming off three electrifying knockouts finishes of his own. But the Chandler, Arizona, product stunned the packed house at Foxwoods Resort Casino when he blasted Pena with a kick flush to the jawline that dealt the Suffolk County deputy sheriff a viciously harsh first loss.
Only two fights into his pro career, Clay has notched impressive wins both times out (defeating former UFC competitor Jared Papazian in his debut) and has fast become one of Lion Fight’s top prospects.
“It was a good fight and I’m happy with my performance. The game plan worked well … on to the next one,” said Clay, who expects to make his return to action in August.
Up next for the organization is Lion Fight 30 taking place on Friday, July 8th at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. Tickets are available at www.foxwoods.com or by calling 800-200-2882 or by visiting the Foxwoods Box Offices.
The lineup for Lion Fight 30 includes the first title defense for lightweight champion Sergio Wielzen, the hotly anticipated return of American star Ky Hollenbeck, and the debut of women’s sensation Antonina Shevchenko. Matchups and the entire Lion Fight 30 lineup will be announced shortly.
The Lion Fight 30 main card will air live on AXS TV Fights with a special start time of 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. with commentary from renowned duo “The Voice” Michael Schiavello and UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich.
