Undefeated British prospect, Louis Lee Scott, crosses the English Channel this Friday to challenge Demarte Pena for his bantamweight title at Ares FC 19. France’s premier MMA promotion features several domestic talents across the eight-fight card, but it is the main event duo that find themselves one step away from the UFC.
Strap yourself in for our Pintsized Predictions ahead of Ares FC 19, as we preview the main card match-ups and offer predictions for every fight taking place at the ARES Studio in Aubervilliers, France.
Demarte Pena vs Louis Lee Scott
It has been a long road back to redemption for Demarte Pena since his four-year suspension for doping back in 2018. The Wolf had been making a name for himself in South Africa beforehand, clinching the EFC bantamweight belt and flirting with a move to a global MMA promotion. After serving four years on the sidelines, Pena returned to a title fight at Ares FC 5 but would be unceremoniously stopped in 153-seconds by Taylor Lapilus. Just over a year later, Pena claimed the title against Elias Bourdegzdame with a comfortable points victory.
The 34-year-old is patient back-foot striker but his bread and butter remains his stifling top control. As seen in his last title defence against Mehdi Saadi, Pena is happy to lay in half guard and occasionally posture up for strikes. Considering Louis Lee Scott’s frequent stance switches, Pena will find ample opportunity to time takedowns as his opponent squares his hips.
Of course, that isn’t to write off Scott’s advantages on the feet. The Leeds-based prospect is a scrappy striker who keeps his combinations short on the feet – preferring to dive in and out rather than stand in the pocket. While Scott’s 7-0 professional record has largely been the result of heavy padding, the 24-year-old’s extensive amateur background explains his polished skillset. The Brit carries genuine knockout power, belying his youthful age, and should be tipped ahead of an ageing foe.
Pena vs Scott Prediction: Scott Decision
Jordan Zebo vs Carlos Graca
Jordan Zebo is best known for being the fall guy for Cedric Doumbe’s PFL debut last September. The 23-year-old is a fearsome physical prospect, however, he was severely overmatched on the feet against the former Glory welterweight champion. Le Fauve is an energetic striker, but tends to throw naked kicks – a habit that Doumbe was able to brutally punish in nine seconds.
The Frenchman will have to be careful of the length that Carlos Graca possesses on fight night. Graca struggled with Michael Tchamou’s early pressure during their contest in Newcastle last November, however, showcased his adaptability on the mat. Graca used an array of submissions off his back to transition to more dominant positions before bludgeoning a late finish with ground and pound.
Zebo vs Graca Prediction: Zebo TKO Round 1
Azize Hlali vs Mossab El Marzkioui
MMA debutant, Azize Hlali, enters the sport after an extensive Muay Thai career that saw him pick up two world championships. The Frenchman has fought a who’s who of Muay Thai, including Saenchai, Buakaw Banchamek, and Sangmanee Sor Tienpo, despite losing them all.
If Ares is hoping to build Hlali’s profile, they may have been advised to avoid a submission specialist in Mossab El Marzkioui. The 25-year-old has won four of his five professional fights via submission, although his level of competition has largely been journeymen. Amusingly enough, the Ares production team had El Marzkioui listed as a ‘striker’ in their tale of the tape – but rest assured, he is a grappling-first fighter. I expect Hlali to walk headfirst into a standing guillotine choke, a submission frequently attempted by El Marzkioui.
Hlali vs Marzkioui Prediction: El Marzkioui Submission Round 1
Ilian Bouafia vs Carlos Cainan
Pintsized’s prospect to watch on Friday lies in the freakish range of Ilian Bouafia. The Gorilla is a tall, sniping striker who assumes total dominance in the centre of the octagon. Key to Bouafia’s success is his liquid footwork, who is capable of maintaining his stance no matter if he is pressing, retreating or cutting off the cage.
It will be a necessary foundation when facing the takedown threat of Brazilian opponent Carlos Cainan. Although Cainan carries decent power in his hands, exhibited by his two career KO stoppage wins, he tends to panic wrestle against better strikers. His takedowns, unfortunately, are often frantic and uncoordinated, leaving him vulnerable to Bouafia’s counters.
Bouafia vs Cainan Prediction: Bouafia TKO Round 2
Ale Joseph vs Ourouzmag Magkeyev
It is a headscratcher how this fight has snuck onto the main card. Ale Joseph has fought just twice since starting his professional MMA career in 2021, a win and a loss alongside six cancelled fights. Meanwhile, French judoka champion Ourouzmag Magkeyev is making his professional debut. Expect a dull as dishwater affair.
Joseph vs Magkeyev Prediction: Magkeyev Decision
Preliminary Card
Cherif Drame vs Angelo de Jesus Prediction: Drame TKO Round 3
Joana Chevreuil vs Melissa Hurtado Prediction: Hurtado Decision
John Caseneuil vs Gaetan Dambo Prediction: Dambo TKO Round 3
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