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The Fight Team
March 24, 2023
Welcome to this week’s edition of The Fight With Teddy Atlas Newsletter, your one stop shop for all things combat sports related, brought to you by Teddy and The Fight team.
Every Friday We Bring You:
A combat sports news digest with all the headlines you need to know from Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts.
Highlights from the podcast and across the fight world.
Fight times and information you need to know ahead of time.
How to’s and tips for Boxing from Teddy himself.
Fight News From Around The 🌍
Bad Blood At Super Middleweight
The term "grudge match" is somewhat overused in boxing circles. Saturday night, when former champions David Benavidez and Caleb Plant face off for the interim WBC title, it'll be very much appropriate.
The beef between the two dates back all the way to 2017, before they would go on to have their respective title reigns at 168 pounds. As the two gained notoriety within the sport, various incidents and words in the media have snowballed into a fierce rivalry.
Aside from the personal animosity, there's a lot riding on the contest in boxing terms as well. The interim WBC belt all but guarantees a shot at the full version, held by none other than Canelo Alvarez. Should the Mexican pound for pound star refuse to fight the interim holder, they will most likely be elevated to full champion.
A win for either man puts them right into that #1 contender spot. A loss for Plant might be slightly more severe, as he will have to wait longer for another shot at all the marbles following his competitive but ultimately decisive loss to Canelo back in 2021. Benavidez won't want to have to join the back of the line again for another shot but a loss for him is less consequential and would most likely see him move up to light-heavyweight.
Either way, it makes for a great stylistic matchup and is one of the fights that many boxing fans had on their 2023 wish list. Benavidez hasn't heard the final bell since 2018 and Plant is coming off a Knockout of the Year against a shared opponent in Anthony Dirrell, giving us a recipe for a really great fight.
It's happening at just the right time for both men, and we're surely in for a treat when they face off to settle their differences in the ring.
What to look for in the fight:
Power. Benavidez is touted by many as having the power advantage, but don't be surprised if Plant gives him some trouble in that department. Benavidez hasn't really faced a puncher since he fought Ronald Gavril back in 2017 (where he was dropped late).
Jab. Benavidez has a stubborn and stiff jab that often gets overlooked in why he is so effective at stopping his opponents. How Plant deals with it will be key to his chances of success in taking the fight into the championship rounds.
Bodywork. Caleb Plant is one of boxing's best movers and has great ring awareness. If Benavidez is able to slow him down with a sustained body attack, it'll help slow him down and line him up for a stoppage.
Bantamweight Fireworks
This weekend sees #3 ranked Marlon "Chito" Vera take on #5 Cory "The Sandman" Sandhagen in a battle of highly talented and motivated contenders.
Vera enters this bout on a four-fight winning streak, having secured two wins in each of the past two years. He got a unanimous decision victory over Rob Font in the spring of last year, followed by a highlight reel knockout over Dominick Cruz in August. At 30 years old, Vera is regarded as one of the most impressive success stories in UFC history and aims to move one step closer to championship gold with a victory here.
Meanwhile, Sandhagen is looking to climb the rankings by defeating Vera on Saturday night. After suffering close losses to TJ Dillashaw and Petr Yan, he returned to the win column with a fourth-round stoppage victory over Song Yadong in his only fight of 2022. Sandhagen has only lost to fighters who have held or gone on to hold the bantamweight title during his UFC tenure, which is a testament to just how good of a fighter he is.
This highly-anticipated matchup features two skilled fighters with contrasting styles. Sandhagen's dynamic, fluid striking and combination throws will be countered by Vera's relentless pursuit of causing damage. While a win may not guarantee an immediate title shot, it will undoubtedly keep the victor in the conversation as we move into the second quarter of 2023. The fight promises to be captivating and competitive, with both fighters eager to prove themselves in the octagon.
What to look for in the fight:
Movement. Sandhagen's lateral movement and angles could cause Chito some problems. Cruz was having good success until he was caught, and Sandhagen presents a much sturdier problem to solve for the Ecuadorian.
Chins. Vera has one of the sturdier set of whiskers in the division and will fancy his chances against Sandhagen, who is has more volume in his locker than power. Chito's ability to walk through Cory's attacks might give him an edge.
The Real Life Rocky
Congratulations to former guest of the show Leon "Rocky" Edwards on retaining his title against Kamaru Usman in London this past weekend.
We had the pleasure of chatting to him before his title win and are glad to see him finally getting the plaudits he's been deserving of all these years. Check out the episode below if you have the time.
Fight ⏰ for this weekend
Boxing: Benavidez vs Plant (Saturday 25th/Sunday 26th)
🇺🇸 Full Card: 10pm Eastern/ 7pm Pacific | Main Event: 11pm Eastern/ 8pm Pacific
🇬🇧 Full Card: 2am | Main Event: 5am
🇦🇺 Full Card: 2pm Eastern/ 12pm Western | Main event: 3pm Eastern/ 1pm Western
MMA: Vera vs Sandhagen (Saturday 25th/Sunday 26th)
🇺🇸 Full Card: 10pm Eastern/ 7pm Pacific | Main Event: 11pm Eastern/ 8pm Pacific
🇬🇧 Full Card: 11pm | Main Event: 1am
🇦🇺 Full Card: 2pm Eastern/ 12pm Western | Main event: 3pm Eastern/ 1pm Western