Luthando Biko was the only winner from last week’s alumni who competed over the week. Raul Rosas Jr. went the distance in the UFC 287 opener with Christian Rodriguez. The 2019 youth gold medalist had a promising start, almost securing the submission in the opening round before dropping two rounds to Rodriguez, who handed the 18-year-old his first professional loss.
Looking ahead, there are four IMMAF medalists set to compete this week. 2019 Africa Championships gold medalist Peace Nguphane will be the first of the four to make the walk when he competes at EFC 102 on Thursday, April 13.
Two-time world silver medalist Alex Martinez returns to the PFL lightweight division the following day. This will be his third appearance in a PFL regular season, where he could win a million dollars if he goes all the way. His first bout of 2023 will serve as the second bout of the main card, and across from him on the night will be Raush Manifo.
One of the main stories involving an IMMAF medalist will take place on Saturday at Cage Warriors 152 when Yann Liasse challenges George Hardwick for the Cage Warriors lightweight belt. Liasse represented Luxembourg at three IMMAF events, earning bronze on one occasion. Since turning pro, he has been on an incredible run of form, most recently going undefeated in KSW.
His upcoming bout will be his promotional debut in Cage Warriors, and a win could be his ticket to the UFC.
On the same night in the Czech Republic, Peter Gabal will make his second appearance of the year at OKTAGON 41. Currently 4-2 as a pro, Gabal has won his last two bouts and is looking to climb the lightweight ranks again following a tough time in the featherweight division.
The 2018 junior world silver medalist was a standout for his nation in the amateur ranks and at 24 years of age, has plenty of time to go far in the pro ranks.
