The Score Fighting Series: The Road Back to the Promise Land

While most Canadians' hearts are on loan to the city of Vancouver in a bid to see the Stanley Cup return to Canada, other Canucks are starring in off-ice action. Outside of hockey, sports fans are also being treated to an exciting night of MMA fights—without biting. 

An intense showcase of world-class competitors that promises to spiral careers upwards and downwards. The UFC, or The Promise Land in MMA lexicon, will be keeping a close eye on the performances of the combatants as many are one good outing from a life-changing phone call and one bad loss from being forever forgotten.

The television network The Score, which has been a staunch supporter of MMA and helped legalize MMA in the province in Ontario, is broadcasting the event for free at 7:30 p.m.(EST).

They have brought the world's best from various organizations and from across the world to perform at The Hershey Center in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, On a deep card, with many familiar names, the headliner is Canada's Jordan Mein against Lithiania's Marius Zaromskis. 

For those outside of Canada, one can watch their old favourites and discover new favourites by viewing the live, free, broadcast on their website: http://www.thescore.com/

THE CARD

Jordan Mein (21-7) vs. Marius Zaromskis (14-5)
Rameau Sokoudjou (11-8) vs. Roy Boughton (5-1)
Joe Doerksen (46-15) vs. Luigi Fioravanti (22-9)
Antonio Carvalho (12-4) vs. Douglas Evans (13-8)
Adrian Wooley (7-1) vs. Nick Mamalis (16-7)
Jorge Britto (12-7-1) vs Kurt Southern (8-3)
William Romero (5-2) vs. Tristan Johnson (5-2)
Josh Hill (5-0) vs. Darin Cooley (3-0)*
Denis Puric (3-1) vs. Syd Barnier (2-3)
Tyler Hardcastle (1-0) vs. Mike Reilly (1-0)
Alex Ricci (1-0) vs. Mike Sledzion (2-0)

On a card with many former UFC stars and hopefuls, there is one name spoken with bated breath that will garner the most attention: Lethbridge, Alberta's Jordan Mein. The 21-year-old with a 21-7 record has been dubbed the "Future of Canadian MMA" by many pundits. His test on Friday will demonstrate how worthy he is of that title.

Jordan not only oozes talent, he is equally as charismatic. Sincere humility, infectious enthusiasm and an affable disposition aligned with striking, wrestling and submission skills make this a potential blue chip stock to be excited about. While Jordan has impressed people with his well-rounded skills that have earned him this unofficial title, he has backed up the hype.
 
His past two fights were against former UFC fighters: Joe Riggs and Josh Burkman. Riggs once contested Matt Hughes for the UFC welterweight title and defeated G.S.P.'s next title challenger Nick Diaz: Mein dispatched him in the second round via TKO. He then won a convincing, unanimous decision over Burkman.

Jordan on the pressure, "Pressure is what one needs in life. High pressure fights and competing at the highest level is what I want. The pressure is awesome because I know I can achieve the expectations."

Marius Zaromskis is an important challenge. The Lithuanian won the Dream Welterweight Grand Prix and has one of the most devastating leg kicks in the game. He lost back to back fights in Strikeforce to Nick Diaz and Cyborg but rebounded with a big win over Japanese legend (albeit an aged version) Kazushi Sakuraba.

Joe Doerksen vs. Luigi Fioravanti is a clash between two former UFC fighters who have collectively amassed 92 pro fights. Joe has competed in the UFC nine times and with 33 submission wins has tapped-out over 70 percent of his opponents.

At 33, Joe feels this is as Joe Doerksen he has ever been. He expects to have many more fights. "I still feel I am improving and as long as I am having a good time and learning I will keep fighting."

Conversely, the "Italian Tank" carries with him a 40 percent knockout ratio and usually looks for his hands to end the night for him. His training partner, Tom Lawlor, was submitted by "El Dirte" at UFC 113, so he is aware of how slick the veteran is. Luigi has already fought Dave Menne, Jon Fitch, Diego Sanchez, and Anthony Johnson in the UFC, so the American Top Team member should be ready for everything.

His gameplan is to " Go in there and take his head off. I want to keep it on my feet. I am a BJJ brown belt, so I will take him down and beat him up on the ground if I have to, but I'm not going to be looking for a submission." A win here does a lot for either fighter.

Thierry Sokoudjou vs Roy Boughton is also an exciting match-up. Roy recently retired Murilo Rua and is looking to add this Pride veteran and former UFC fighter to his list of reasons why he should be in the UFC.

The 27-year-old Sokoudjou is well known for his big wins (Nogueira, Arona) in Pride, and despite his misleading overall record, he is dangerous everywhere. A Judoka with knockout power is as dangerous as an opponent can be.

In his own words, "I look like crap on paper and guys that do not have half of my skills have a better record." He states he has assessed himself and has addressed his weaknesses. He further states he is having fun and attributes past problems to "having too many captains in the boat."

When his cardio is sufficient, the African Assassin can be competitive with any fighter in MMA. While Boughton looks to buoy his own career by sinking that of his famous foe, the vet is looking to stay relevant. We will see where the boat is set to sail next after his important encounter on Friday.

Keep a close eye on Antonio Carvalho and Adrian Wooley. These are two G.T.A. (Greater Toronto Area) fighters who will have the hometown advantage and the awareness of how important a short winning streak could be to their fighting future.

These are two guys on the cusp of breaking out from the pack and arriving at the Octagon door.  Expect them to give a memorable announcement that they are ready for the next level. Fighting in a province that once staunchly banned the sport, fighting at home in itself is a dream come true.

However, these two have bigger dreams. This night could be the apex of their careers or the impetus of unimagined glory.

This is a card that holds many traditional narratives. Up-and-comers making it to the top, veterans fighting their way back, strikers versus grapplers, flash contrasting substance and even local fighters realizing a simpler dream of fighting in front of their friends and families.

It is loaded with people who have succeed in nearly every major fight organization on the planet. There are clearly perilous dreams on the line, so expect a good show this Friday, June 10th at 7:30 (EST) either live on air or online from The Score.