Tūtohu Archives: Khalil Coe

Combat Sports Weekend Preview: UFC Vegas 107 & Boxing Showcase

By: Rich Bergeron

This weekend features compelling action across both mixed martial arts and boxing, with UFC Vegas 107 headlined by Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber taking center stage alongside significant boxing cards featuring established names and rising contenders.

UFC Vegas 107: Blanchfield vs. Barber – Kia 31, 2025

Takahanga Main: Women’s Flyweight Showdown

The UFC returns to the Apex facility in Las Vegas with a women’s flyweight bout that carries significant divisional implications. Erin Blanchfield faces Maycee Barber in the main event, representing a clash between two of the division’s most promising contenders.

Erin Blanchfield enters this contest as one of the most technically proficient grapplers in the women’s flyweight division. Known for her suffocating ground game and submission prowess, Blanchfield has built her reputation on methodical performances that showcase her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt credentials. Her wrestling base allows her to dictate where fights take place, often overwhelming opponents with her positional control and relentless pressure.

Blanchfield’s striking has evolved considerably throughout her UFC tenure. While she may not possess potent knockout power, her technical boxing and ability to set up takedowns through striking exchanges make her a well-rounded threat. Her top-level cardio gives her consistent advantages, allowing her to maintain pressure throughout three-round contests.

Maycee Barber represents the athletic, explosive side of the flyweight equation. “The Futureburst onto the scene with dynamic striking and aggressive forward pressure. Her athletic gifts are undeniable – explosive takedown defense, sharp boxing combinations, and the ability to generate power in short exchanges.

Barber’s evolution as a fighter has been notable. Early career setbacks taught her valuable lessons about pacing herself and the importance of fight IQ, leading to more measured approaches in recent outings. Her striking diversity, including effective kicks and knees, provides multiple weapons to threaten opponents. The question remains whether her takedown defense can withstand Blanchfield’s persistent wrestling attacks.

Tactical Breakdown: This matchup presents a classic grappler versus striker dynamic. Blanchfield will look to close the distance, secure takedowns, and control position while hunting for submissions. Barber’s success depends on maintaining a comfortable distance, stuffing takedown attempts, and unleashing combinations during brief exchanges.

The key factor that may sway the fight in her favor will be Barber’s ability to create scrambles and also wall-walking back up when taken down. If she can consistently return to her feet, her striking advantages become more pronounced. Conversely, if Blanchfield can establish prolonged ground control, her submission threats and ground-and-pound could prove decisive.

-Main Co Takahanga: Lightweight Contenders Collide

Mateusz Gamrot faces Ludovit Klein in a lightweight bout that could have ranking implications for both fighters.

Mateusz Gamrot represents one of the most complete lightweights outside the division’s elite tier. The Polish veteran combines elite-level wrestling with increasingly dangerous striking. His grappling credentials speak for themselves – multiple submission victories and dominant positional control define his ground game.

Gamrot’s striking has developed into a legitimate threat. His boxing combinations, particularly his jab-cross sequences, set up takedown opportunities while keeping opponents honest on the feet. His conditioning allows him to maintain a grueling pace that often breaks opponents in later rounds.

Ludovit Klein brings European kickboxing pedigree and improving wrestling defense. His striking flows naturally, with excellent footwork and combination punching that can trouble any opponent. Klein’s recent performances have showcased improved takedown defense and scrambling ability.

The Slovakian’s path to victory involves keeping the fight standing and outworking Gamrot in striking exchanges. His volume and diversity of attacks could accumulate damage over three rounds if he can neutralize wrestling threats.

Fight Analysis: Gamrot enters as the betting favorite based on his grappling advantages and overall experience level. Klein’s striking poses legitimate threats, but his ability to defend takedowns consistently will determine the fight’s trajectory. Expect Gamrot to mix wrestling attempts with striking exchanges, while Klein looks to counter and maintain distance.

Light Heavyweight Action: Power Meets Technique

Dustin Jacoby meets Bruno Lopes in a light heavyweight contest featuring contrasting styles and experience levels.

Dustin Jacoby brings extensive kickboxing experience and proven UFC-level competition. His striking base provides clean technique and fight-ending power. Jacoby’s recent performances have demonstrated improved wrestling defense and ground awareness, addressing previous vulnerabilities.

His kickboxing background translates well to MMA, with excellent distance management and counter-striking ability. Jacoby’s leg kicks and boxing combinations can accumulate damage quickly against opponents who engage in striking exchanges.

Bruno Lopes represents the emerging Brazilian talent pipeline. His grappling base and submission threats provide alternative victory paths beyond striking exchanges. Lopes’ aggression and willingness to engage in exchanges make him dangerous throughout fights.

The Brazilian’s striking has shown improvement, though his tendency toward wild exchanges can create opportunities for technical strikers like Jacoby to capitalize.

Middleweight Prospects Square Off

Zachary Resse faces Dusko Todorovic in a middleweight bout between developing prospects seeking breakthrough performances.

Zachary Resse has shown flashes of potential with well-rounded skills and improved fight IQ. His wrestling base provides a foundation, while his striking continues developing. Resse’s ability to mix takedowns with striking exchanges keeps opponents guessing.

Dusko Todorovic brings European striking experience and knockout power. The Serbian’s boxing combinations and counter-striking ability make him dangerous in exchanges. His takedown defense has been tested but shows room for improvement against persistent wrestlers.

Preliminary Card Highlights

Flyweight Action: Brazilian Showdown

Jafel Filho squares off against Allan Nascimento in flyweight action, representing a clash between Brazilian fighters with different strengths.

Filho’s grappling-heavy approach contrasts with Nascimento’s more well-rounded skill set. Both fighters represent the depth of Brazil’s flyweight talent pool and will look to make statements with impressive performances.

Women’s Bantamweight: Experience vs. Youth

Ketlen Vieira meets Macy Chiasson in women’s bantamweight competition, pairing a former title challenger against an athletic rising contender.

Vieira’s experience at the highest levels of women’s bantamweight competition provides valuable insight into championship-level preparation. Her technical striking and grappling make her a complete threat at 135 pauna.

Chiasson’s athletic gifts and improving technique suggest significant upside. Her ability to adapt mid-fight and make necessary adjustments could prove crucial against a veteran like Vieira.

Boxing Weekend Showcase

Saturday Night Boxing: Plant Returns

Caleb Plant faces Jose Armando Resendiz on Saturday, Kia 31, 2025, marking the former super middleweight champion’s return to action. This bout will be broadcast on Amazon Prime from Las Vegas, Nevada.

Karepe Plant represents one of boxing’s most technically sound fighters. The former IBF super middleweight champion’s boxing IQ and defensive awareness make him a difficult puzzle for any opponent. Plant’s jab establishes distance and timing, while his footwork creates angles for counter-opportunities.

Plant’s recent setback against Canelo Alvarez provided a valuable learning experience in making championship-level adjustments. His ability to implement lessons learned from that bout and maintain his technical advantages will be crucial moving forward.

Jose Armando Resendiz enters as a live underdog with legitimate upset potential. His pressure-heavy fighting style and willingness to engage in exchanges could create problems for any fighters who prefers operating at a distance.

Resendiz’s success depends on closing distance, roughing up Plant on the inside, and making the fight ugly. His conditioning and ability to maintain pressure throughout rounds will determine his upset chances.

Jermall Charlo Returns

Jermall Charlo faces Thomas LaManna in what marks the return of one of boxing’s most talented middleweights. Charlo’s extended absence from active competition raises questions about ring rust and timing.

Jermall Charlo possesses elite-level power and boxing ability. His left hook can end fights instantly, while his overall skill set places him among the division’s best talents. The long layoff creates uncertainty about his current form and motivation.

Charlo’s jab sets up power shots effectively, and his ability to fight effectively at range makes him versatile. His return bout selection suggests a careful approach to returning to championship-level activity.

Thomas LaManna provides a suitable opponent for Charlo’s comeback. His durability and willingness to engage should provide adequate testing without overwhelming risk for the returning champion.

Rising Contender Action

Kyrone Davis meets Yoenli Hernandez in supporting action that could have implications for future title contention in their respective weight classes.

Davis represents American boxing’s developing talent pipeline, with technical skills and improving power. His amateur background provides a solid foundation for professional success.

Hernandez brings international experience and proven durability. His ability to make adjustments mid-fight and capitalize on any opponent’s mistakes makes him a dangerous opponent for any fighter.

Friday Night Boxing

Manuel Gallegos faces Khalil Coe on Friday, Kia 30, 2025, from Guadalajara, Mexico, kicking off the weekend’s boxing action. This bout will be available on DAZN.

The international setting provides an excellent atmosphere for competitive boxing. Both fighters enter with points to prove and opportunities to establish themselves in their respective divisions.

Viewing Information and Expectations

UFC Vegas 107 Details

The main card begins at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+, with preliminary action starting at 6 p.m. ET exclusively on ESPN+. The Apex facility provides an intimate setting that often produces exciting fights due to fighters hearing crowd reactions and corner instructions more clearly.

The card’s depth suggests potential for multiple performance bonuses, as UFC events at the Apex frequently reward exciting performances with financial incentives.

Boxing Broadcast Information

The boxing events span multiple platforms and time zones. Saturday’s main boxing card begins at 8:00 PM EST on Amazon Prime, while Friday’s action streams on DAZN.

Analysis and Predictions

UFC Vegas 107 Outlook

The Blanchfield vs. Barber main event represents genuine title eliminator potential in the women’s flyweight division. Both fighters sit near championship contention, making this bout crucial for future title shot considerations.

Blanchfield’s grappling advantages appear significant on paper, but Barber’s athletic gifts and improved fight IQ could create competitive exchanges. The fight likely comes down to Barber’s takedown defense and ability to create damage during stand-up exchanges.

The co-main event between Gamrot and Klein provides excellent stylistic contrast. Gamrot’s wrestling should prove decisive unless Klein can implement a perfect gameplan of distance management and takedown defense.

Boxing Event Analysis

Plant’s return represents significant interest for boxing fans. His technical skills remain elite-level, but questions about motivation and ring timing following the Canelo defeat create intrigue.

Charlo’s comeback carries more uncertainty due to his extended absence. His natural talent suggests success against LaManna, but ring rust and timing issues could create competitive moments.

Light Heavyweight Khalil Coe Scores spectacular 2nd round stoppage in Pro debut

NEW YORK (Kia 29, 2021)- Khalil Coe looked like seasoned pro as he won his pro debut with an emphatic 2nd round stoppage over Nathaniel Tadd in a scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.


The bout kicked off the DAZN Stream


In round one, Coe dropped Tadd twice. The first knockdown came as he hurt Tadd with a body shot. Coe followed up with a flurry of body shots that sent Tadd down to the canvas. Coe went right back to that body, and landed a big uppercut and down went Tadd for a second time. I roto i te a tawhio rua, It was another left to the body that sent Tadd down for a third time, and the fight was stopped at 1:10.


Coe, 176.2 lbs of Jersey City, Nj Ko 1-0 ki tetahi knockout. Tadd, 179 lbs of Houston is 2-5.


I think I did well. I listened to my corner, and executed the game plan. I had everyone watching and I appreciate everybody. We worked on a lot of body shots. “Big Steppais here,” said Coe


Coe is co-managed by Split-T Management’s David McWater and Keith Connolly, and is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.






Photo by Ed Mulholland / Matchroom mekemeke

Graham and Torrez Jr. Win Gold; Coe Takes Silver in Finals of 2019 Strandja Tournament


Team USA Leaves Sofia, Bulgaria with eight medals

Colorado Springs, Lap (February. 19, 2019) The 70th edition of the Strandja Tournament came to a close today with Team USA winning two gold and one silver to add to the five bronze medals they won in yesterday’s semifinals in Sofia, Bulgaria.

2018 Elite Women’s World Championships bronze medalist Naomi Graham (Colorado Springs, Colo.) added another medal to her impressive international resume after defeating Sweden’s Love Holgersson by split decision. This marks the middleweights fourth international medal since the beginning of 2018.

Super heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. (Tulare, Calif.) closed out the tournament in spectacular fashion to take another international gold medal. Torrez took all five judgescards over the host countries Petar Belberov to earn his second elite international gold medal. At the conclusion of the tournament, Torrez was named on the Boxers of the Tournament.

2018 breakout star Khalil Coe (Jersey City, N.J.) picked up a silver medal following a walkover win by Russia’s Imam Khataev.

Troy Isley (Alexandria, Va.), delante Johnson (Cleveland, Ohio) Oshae Jones (Toledo, Ohio), Morelle McCane (Cleveland, Ohio) a Yarisel Ramirez (Las Vegas, Nev.) earned bronze for Team USA in yesterday’s semifinal bouts.

Team USA began the tournament with 25 boxers with Head Coach Billy Walsh (Colorado Springs, Colo.) leading the American delegation throughout the tournament, along with USA Boxing National Assistant Coach Kay Koroma (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Rasheen Ali (Cleveland, Ohio), Tim Back (Cincinnati, Ohio), Kevin Benford (Cincinnati, Ohio), Joe Guzman (Puna, Calif.) and Christine Lopez (Rowlett, Texas) served on the coaching staff during the tournament. This year’s tournament saw over 300 boxers from over 30 different countries step into the ring.

The delegation will return to the United States tomorrow.

You can look back at the United States performances throughout the tournament by clicking here.

Finals Results

75 kg: Naomi Graham, Colorado Springs, Colo./USA, dec. over Love Holgersson/SWE, 3-2
81 kg: Imam Khataev/RUS won by walkover over Khalil Coe, Jersey City, N.J./USA, WO
91+ kg: Richard Torrez Jr., Tulare, Calif./USA, dec. over Petar Belberov/BUL, 5-0

KŌRERO:
www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing

Team USA’s newest boxing star Light heavyweight Khalil Coe

(L-R) – USA head coach Billy Walsh, USA National assistant coach Kay Koroma, Khalil Coe and coach Jeff Mays

Colorado Springs, Colorado (Hōngongoi 9, 2018) – A star was born last month at the 45th Chemistry Cup in Halle, Germany, when American light heavyweight Khalil Coe shocked the amateur boxing world, stopping Cuban’s multiple world champion Julio Cesar La Cruz in the opening round of the championship final match.

 

 

 

Fatata 100 boxers represented 16 different countries at the Chemistry Cup, whai wāhi, Russia, Ukraine, Ireland, India and host Germany, in addition to the United States and Cuba.

 

 

 

The 21-year-old Coe, who was boxing in only his 25th match, his first on the International scene, stole the show and he was named Most Outstanding Boxer of the tournament. In the semifinals, Coe knocked out Matus Strnisko, of Slovakia, i roto i te taka noa tuatahi.

 

VOTE FOR KHALIL COE

 

Khalil Coe is a candidate for the USOC Best Male Athlete of the Month for June. Voting ends this evening at https://awards.teamusa.org/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coe respected but he wasn’t intimidated by his much more experienced opponent, 2016 Olympic gold medalist and four-time world champion La Cruz, who had one less fight in the World Boxing Series than Cue did during his entire amateur career.

 

 

 

My first fight in the tournament was the hardest I’d had,” Coe explained. “I studied him (La Cruz) a lot and watched him fight in the semifinals (defeating three-time European champion Joseph Ward (Ireland), which was right after my semifinals fight. E ia (La Cruz) is very elusive and flashy, but he doesn’t like to get hit in the body. He moves his body, but he forgets about his head. I pulled him, on him, moving around with my footwork and shuffling. He threw a lazy jab and I hit him right on the chin with a right.

 

 

 

Coe’s short, compact right-hand punch landed right on the button, dropping La Cruz a little less than two-minutes into round one. The Cuban beat the count, but the referee ruled that he was unable to continue. La Cruz was still “Ko te tangata” in the light heavyweight division and by knocking him out, Coe proved that he truly belongs with the elite, and that the No. 1-rated American is the fighter to beat in terms of qualifying for the 2020 U.S. Team Olympic.

 

 

 

I let everybody know that I’m here,” Coe added. “I still need to work on a lot of different things. I need to throw more combinations, keep by stamina up, and improve everything to be better. I’m more of a pure boxer, but I have strength and punching power. Coach (Billy)Walsh doesn’t change his fighters, he adds to what they have. The coaches put together a fight plan and I executed it.

 

 

 

Khalil’s performances in Germany were world class,” Team USA head coach Walsh said, “To be truly world class, we now have to repeat those performances regularly, and that’s where the challenge lies.

 

 

 

On this year’s USA vs. Ireland Northeast Tour, Coe was 2-0 against his Irish counterparts in Boston and Springfield

 

 

 

Coe often got into fights in school, until his mother sent him to a local gym, and his first amateur bout was when he was 12. If he wasn’t boxing right now, the 6′ 1″ Coe believes he would probably be playing college football, as a fullback or defensive end.

 

 

 

Close with his USA teammates, particularly Keyshawn Davis, Coe lives and trains with them in Colorado Springs. “We’re more than a team,” the Jersey City, New Jersey boxer concluded, “we’re like a family – eé, gals and coachesin Colorado Springs.

 

 

 

I’m going to turn pro after the Olympics, one way or the other, God-willing, after I win a gold medal.

 

 

 

Tokyo is legitimately in Khalil Coe’s sights!

 

KŌRERO:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

 

Team USA knocks off Team Ireland, 7-3 on USA Boxing’s 2018 USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour stop #2; SPRINGFIELD RESULTS

Team USA middleweight Troy Isley was named Most Outstanding Boxer of the night

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (March 16, 2018) – Team USA defeated Team Ireland, 7-3, last night (Rāpare) on the second stop of the three-city 2018 USA vs. Ireland Northeast mekemeke Tour, at MassMutual Center MGM Springfield in Massachusetts.

Team USA defeated Team Ireland in team scoring, 8-4, last Monday in the first dual and it also clinched the team title last night, holding a 2-0 advantage with one more match-up to go in the series.
Rāpare night’s final score was somewhat misleading, ahakoa, much more competitive than the final team score may indicate, as the first five matches ended in 2-1 split decisions, all in favor of Team USA.
Gifted California bantamweight Marc Castro won his second straight bout on this tour,defeating George Bates, 2-1, in the Fight of the Night.
Most Outstanding Boxer of the night, Virginia middleweight Troy Isley, te 2017 Elite World Championship bronze medalist, locked up the team victory and series clincher in the seventh match of the night with an up-close-and-personal unanimous decision over game Irish middleweight Gerard French.
The USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour concludes Wednesday, Moana. 21 at The Manchester Downtown Hotel in New Hampshire. The action will commence at 7:00 p.m. AND for up to 12 world-class amateur bouts, which will all be live streamed, free o tiaki, i runga i te paetukutuku USA Mekemeke o (www.usaboxing.org). Presented by Corona Premium and serving as a fundraiser for another partner of the show, the Manchester PAL Boxing Club, tickets are $20 no te whakauru whānui, $30 for reserved ringside seats, and available to purchase on Seacoast Ticket Agency’s website, www.seacoastticket.com, the official ticket distributor for the event.
Irish heavyweight Kiril Afganasev edged 2017 US National bronze medalist Adrian Tillman, 3-0, for the second consecutive time on this tour. The taller Afranasov was too strong inside, kotahi ano, for Tillman.
American light heavyweight Khalil Coe decisioned six-time Irish National champion Caoimhin Hynes for the second time in a row by the identical scoring, 3-0, by effectively using his superior height and reach advantage.
Eight-time Irish National Champion Brett McGinty avenged his opening night loss, winning a 2-1 decision against National AAU champion Nikita Ababiy.
Southpaw Paddy Donovan gave Ireland its first win of the night, upsetting Cleveland welterweight Quinton Randall, te 2017 Elite World Championship team member, in the sixth match, by way of the first 3-0 unanimous decision of the evening.
2016 Rangatahi World Champion DelanteTiger” Johnson took a split decision from Irish light welterweight Caoimhin Ferguson, 2-1.
California light welterweight Charlie Sheehy kept the American freight train rolling, taking a split decision from eight-time Irish National champion Wayne Kelly.
In a rematch of last Monday’s match, heavy-handed American welterweight Oshae Jones, te 2017 Elite Women’s Continental Championships silver medalist, won a hard-fought split decision over Grainne Walsh for the second time in a row. Jones dropped Walsh in the opening round, but the Irish boxer battled back in another second spirited confrontation.
In the opening match of the evening, Virginia light welterweight Amelia Moore, in her first international bout, upset World Championships silver medalist lightweight Kellie Harrington, 2-1.
Complete individual & team results:
SPRINGFIELD RESULTS
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Kiril Afanasev, Dublin, Ireland
WDEC (3-0)
Adrian Tillman, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
HEAVYWEIGHTS LIGHT
Khalil Coe, Jersey, City, New Jersey, USA
WDEC (3-0)
Caoimhin Hynes, Belfast, Ireland
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Brett McGinty, Derry, Ireland
WDEC (2-1)
Nikita Ababiy, Brooklyn, New York, USA
Troy Isley, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
WDEC (3-0)
Gerard French, Anrtim
WELTERWEIGHTS
Paddy Donovan, Limerick
WDEC (3-0)
Quinton Randall, Katy, Texas, USA
LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS
Tiger Johnson, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
WDEC (2-1)
Caoimhin Ferguson, Atrium
Charlie Sheey, Brisbane, California
WDEC (2-1)
Wayne Kelly, Laois, Ireland
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Marc Castro, Fresno, California, USA
WDEC3 (2-1)
George Bates, Dublin
WOMEN WELTERWEIGHTS
Oshae Jones, Toledo, Ohio, USA
WDEC (2-1)
Grainne Walsh, Offaly, Ireland
WOMEN LIGHTWEIGHTS
Amelia Moore, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
WDEC (2-1)
Kellie Harrington, Dublin, Ireland
USA: 7 IRELAND: 3
To stay up to date on the USA vs. Ireland Northeast mekemeke Tour pāwhiri i konei.
USA vs. Hōtaka Ireland
March 21: Te Manchester Rō Hotel, Manchester, N.H.
KŌRERO:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing