Thursday, 21 January 2010

Lemoore, Calif. – Michael McDonald has a way with words.

The 18-year-old mixed martial artist from Oakdale, Calif. doesn’t pull any punches when talking about his up coming bout with former World Extreme Cagefighting bantamweight star Manny Tapia.

“I really don’t think that (Tapia) wants to stand and strike with me,” said McDonald (8-1). “We all know he is going to try and take me down. He is very consistent in his game plans even when they’re not right.”

According to McDonald this is the second big fight in his career and will take place at Tachi Palace Fights 3 “Champions Collide” on Thursday, February 4 at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, Calif.

“He’s just going to take me down,” McDonald continued, noting he had been through a similar situation in his first career loss to Fresno, Calif.’s Cole Escovedo (14-4), who competes in the main event of the night against Duluth, Ga.’s Jeff Bedard (12-2) for the Tachi Palace Fights World Bantamweight title.

“It’s my second big chance the first was against Cole and I failed. But I think I can still say this is the biggest fight, because of Manny’s name. I honestly think that Cole was a much tougher style matchup for me than Manny is.”

Tapia (10-3-1) makes his highly anticipated return after three straight losses in the WEC. The Chico, Calif. fighter is still regarded as one of the World’s most exciting bantamweights, though.

“I’m good and ready to rock. I wish I could fight already. I’ve seen some video on (McDonald). I don’t watch too much, though. I just learn a little about the fighter. I’ve seen more on his interviews with him talking,” Tapia said.

“Honestly, I don’t see this going past the first round. I’m going to beat him up… ground and pound or knock him out on the feet. My sub game is also improving and back to where it used to be.”

The battle of the old veteran and the up-and-coming young star is certainly being billed as one of the most exciting on a card that’s packed full of action.

Tickets can be purchased at www.tachipalace.com or charge by phone at 1-800-225-2277. Tickets may also be purchased at the Tachi Palace Gift Shop and start at a low price of just $30 for general admission seating.

In the co-main event, the Tachi Palace Fights World Featherweight title will be on the line with Fresno, Calif.’s Isaac DeJesus (8-1) and Westminister, Calif.’s Nam Phan (15-6) clash.

Tachi Palace Fights will be the site for the return Norwalk, Calif. middleweight Hector Ramirez (8-3-1). Ramirez will meet a seasoned veteran from Coarsegold, Calif. Anthony Ruiz (23-13).

Also, in action is David Bollea the nephew of professional wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan. Bollea (1-0), much like his uncle, is a grappling standout and trains in Las Vegas, Nev. at Cobra Kai. Bollea takes on a local striker from Hanford, Calif. Tim Denham (0-1).

Staying with the pro wrestling theme, Portland, Ore.’s Colton Toombs will make his professional debut. Toombs is the son of Rowdy Roddy Piper and will take on Fresno, Calif.’s Art Becerra (0-1).

In other bouts;

-Oakland, Calif. lightweight Dominique Robinson (4-3) vs. Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.’s Gabe Ruediger (15-5).

-Fresno, Calif. bantamweight Zoila Frausto (4-0) vs. Las Vegas, Nev.’s Jessica Rakoczy (0-1).

-Lemoore, Calif. featherweight Sergio Quinones (3-5) vs. Turlock, Calif.’s Gabby Solorio (3-2).

-Fresno, Calif. bantamweight Phil Perez (7-5) vs. Gilroy, Calif.’s Anthony Figueroa (4-4).

-Fresno, Calif. heavyweight Mike Guidry (1-0) vs. Tulare, Calif.’s Rafael Del Real (6-14).

-Merced, Calif. welterweight Phil Collins (7-5) vs. San Bernardino, Calif.’s Mike Arellano (5-2).

-Santa Rosa, Calif. middleweight Nader Maghribi (0-0) vs. Sacramento, Calif.’s Matthew Jones (0-1).

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