Let’s catch up on the latest news in MLW.
Round 5 of MLW’s open draft gimmick announced more returning stars for the July 10 season kick-off and a major match booked for the event.
Alicia Atout broke news that Cesar Duran (alias Dario Cueto) brokered a championship fight. King Muertes will challenge Richard Holliday for the Caribbean Championship. There is a Caribbean Rules stipulation for ‘anything goes.’
Atout opined, “Will Holliday still be breathing rarefied air at the end of the night? Or will King Muertes choke the life out of the championship’s title reign? You know what I’m hoping for.” How rude! The way she said it leads me to believe she is pulling for Muertes. Honestly, I do kind of fret for Holliday’s well-being in this match. Muertes is a killer. With the Caribbean Rules in effect, perhaps Holliday can use that to his advantage to make sure Tim Donaghy refs the bout. Whoever wins, it should be fun to watch.
Along with that title bout, MLW separately revealed four more participants to join Alexander Hammerstone in the 40-man Battle Riot match. King Muertes, Richard Holliday, Zenshi, and Lee Moriarty are ready to rumble. The winner will receive a shot at the MLW World Heavyweight Championship.
During the draft video, Atout also reported that TJP and the Violence Is Forever tag team of Dominic Garrini and Kevin Ku will be in the house on July 10 in Philadelphia. TJP is focused on a middleweight title shot against Myron Reed. Violence Is Forever has unfinished business with the Von Erichs. I like the idea of TJP versus Reed. TJP is a unique style matchup for anyone, so Reed will have to bring his A game to keep the belt.
TJP, Garrini, and Ku will join Arez, Calvin Tankman, Mads Krugger, Aramis, Lee Moriarty, Savio Vega, Zenshi, ring announcer Stephen DeAngelis, Alex Kane, Gringo Loco, King Mo, Tom Lawlor, Davey Richards, Marshall Von Erich, Ross Von Erich, Gino Medina, King Muertes, and Cesar Duran (alias Dario Cueto) at the show.
One man who seems unlikely to appear is LA Park. He is having trouble securing a work visa. This presumably applies to Hijo de LA Park and LA Park Jr. as well.
We have had problems with our work visas since with the covid 19 the embassy closed and then the procedures were delayed and we are trying at this time to fix our visas. Thank you to all the people who are asking about us
— adolfo tapia ibarra (@laparktapia) June 11, 2021
Tom Lawlor returned to the MMA cage to compete for PFL. Lawlor swept the scorecards for a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) against Jordan Young.
Put a Filthy pace on 'em! pic.twitter.com/9YFze6Jwhx
— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 18, 2021
That bout may be Lawlor’s last in MMA. After the win, he placed his gloves at the center of the mat upon exiting, which is symbolic for retirement. (Side note: I was not expecting to see Lilian Garcia in the background as ring announcer. What a pleasant surprise.)
.@FilthyTomLawlor removes his gloves and places them at the center of the cage — despite currently sitting in fourth place in the 2021 PFL Light Heavyweight standings, which would qualify him for the Playoffs. Keep an eye on this situation as it develops. #2021PFL5
— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 17, 2021
ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/hY0Gw3ETPU
We’ll close with Hammerstone’s request for assistance in a vote for Muscle and Fitness. If Hammerman does end up appearing in the magazine, then the title will have to change to Muscle and Fitness and Tan.
Guys! Just a reminder you can drop a daily vote herehttps://t.co/nnpSQEfy7H
— Hammerstone (@alexhammerstone) June 17, 2021
To help me win a spot in Muscle and Fitnsss magazine. I just dropped to second and wanna get back to top spot in my group!!! pic.twitter.com/iZan5yp14D
Who are you picking to leave Philadelphia with the Caribbean Championship? Does TJP chasing Myron Reed’s gold intrigue you?