UFC ‘Singapore’ – New Blood!

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

UFC’s upcoming Singapore show this tomorrow morning (Sat., Oct. 26, 2019) features a whole heap of international mixed martial arts (MMA) talent, but surprisingly few newcomers. On this edition of New Blood, the series where I get progressively angrier at ESPN+ keeping fight archives off of Fight Pass, we look at a Heavyweight bruiser and a small — but incredibly deadly — Strawweight striker.

Don’Tale “Kong” Mayes

Weight Class: Heavyweight
Age: 27
Record: 7-2 (4 KO, 1 SUB)
Notable Victories: Ricardo Prasel, Mitchell Sipe

Mayes — the only fighter to compete three times on “Contender Series” — got off to a rough start on the program when he gassed out against Allen Crowder and subsequently succumbed to ground-and-pound. He did better the next time, pounding out the favored Mitchell Sipe after a stuffed takedown, and finally got the highlight-reel finish he’d been chasing a year later at the expense of Ricardo Prasel.

His only other professional defeat came due to disqualification for an illegal elbow.

“Kong” is definitely an appropriate nickname. The 6’6”, 250-pound Mayes is absolutely a natural Heavyweight and looks to pack the sort of switch-hitting power you’d expect out of a frame like that. He doesn’t need much space to deliver that power, either, unleashing damaging punches from the clinch or while defending takedowns. Said takedown defense is also quite stout, as is his ability to get off of his back, giving him freer rein to dish out heavy blows.

The “pros” end there, unfortunately, and the “cons” list has it dwarfed. Despite how hard he hits, he badly overcommits to his punches, leaving them slow and looping. He doesn’t check low kicks, has a bad habit of turning his back while retreating in order to attempt spinning back fists, and will throw unsafe fancy moves without set up.

The biggest concern, however, is the gas tank. He was dead on his feet less than a round into the Crowder fight and looked labored three minutes into his bout with Sipe. He did seem to do a better job of fighting while drained against Sipe, though, throwing one-two combinations instead of his customary bombs. He also looked more spry against Prasel, so maybe he’s making progress.

Mayes doesn’t look like he’ll be challenging for a title anytime soon, but he could get into the Top 25 or so with careful matchmaking.

Opponent: Ciryl Gane is not “careful matchmaking.” Gane is one of the most interesting prospects in the sport, a shockingly mobile and fluid striker whom I can see finding his way into the elite in just a handful of fights. Mayes has the puncher’s chance and not much else.

Tape: His last two “Contender Series” bouts are on ESPN+ and Fight Pass, respectively.

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Loma Lookboonmee

Weight Class: Strawweight
Age: 23
Record: 3-1 (1 KO)
Notable Victories: None

A Muay Thai prodigy with more than 300 fights under her belt, Lookboonmee picked up wins in her first two MMA bouts last year before running into countrywoman Suwanan “Amp the Rocket” Boonsorn, who caught her in an armbar partway through the first round. Seven months later, Lookboonmee returned to the first promotion she’d fought in, Invicta, and took a dominant decision over Monique Azevedo.

She’ll be making her Strawweight debut after a career spent at 105 pounds.

Lookboonmee’s Muay Thai is as legit as that gaudy record would suggest. She’s an absolute monster in the clinch, sporting slick foot sweeps and a brutal arsenal of strikes that she always seems to find just enough space to throw. She can get more leverage on her point-blank knees to the body than most and those elbows are some of the cleverest and nastiest you’ll see out of anyone … male or female.

Things are a little shakier on the outside, though she throws every technique well. The key problem is that she likes to lead with naked kicks while still in punching range, and considering that she’s 5’1,” most UFC Flyweights will have the reach to punish that. Her right body kick is especially a liability, as I’ve watched three of her pro opponents catch it. Boonsorn used it to counter with her own kick and kick off a fight-ending scramble, and Azevedo kept her on her back for a while after using it to take her down.

Luckily for Lookboonmee, she’s developed remarkably crisp wrestling at Tiger Muay Thai. Beyond the sweeps and throws her Muay Thai provides, her takedown defense is solid, her double-legs are lovely, and her elbow prowess extends to doing damage with them from top position. She’s an amazingly complete package at a young age, and if the UFC had an Atomweight division, she’d be an immediate title contender.

As is, she’ll have to deal with physically larger foes in practically every fight, The technique’s there, but her success at the higher levels will come down to her ability to manage the strength discrepancy.

Opponent: Aleksandra Albu is kind of a perfect litmus test for the size issue. “Stitch” has terrible technique, but makes up for it by being heinously strong and persistent. Lookboonmee is a far superior fighter in practically every aspect besides size and strength, so unless Albu can (wo)manhandle her, the Thai should come out on top in her Octagon debut.

Tape: Her Invicta bouts are on Fight Pass.

Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC Fight Night 162 fight card this weekend right HERE, starting with the ESPN+“Prelims” that are scheduled to begin at 5 a.m. ET, then the main card portion that will also stream on ESPN+ at 8 a.m. ET.

To check out the latest and greatest UFC Fight Night 162: “Askren vs. Maia” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.