IFL Atlanta Preview, Part 2

By Ben Fowlkes

The second installment of our IFL Atlanta preview focuses on the team match-up between the Portland Wolfpack and the lone Canadian squad, the Toronto Dragons, as well as the evening’s superfight between “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler and Brazilian kickboxer Eduardo Pamplona.

When this team contest was announced it seemed like an obvious mismatch, with Matt Lindland’s Wolfpack coming off a nearly successful championship run in 2006 and the Dragons finishing a very forgettable 1-1.

But several key injuries have forced the ‘Pack to put IFL rookies into starting spots this time around, and Carlos Newton’s boys will be looking to capitalize on that inexperience.

But several key injuries have forced the ‘Pack to put IFL rookies into starting spots this time around, and Carlos Newton’s boys will be looking to capitalize on that inexperience.

Superfight: Robbie Lawler (185 lbs.) vs. Eduardo Pamplona (185 lbs.)

Lawler didn’t exactly show Pamplona the utmost respect when he scheduled a fight just two weeks before this one, even though he eventually had to pull off that card due to illness. Perhaps he’s thinking that his hard-charging, hard-hitting style will make the Brazilian striker a custom made opponent for him.

Pamplona likely wants to stand and band so he can put his Muay Thai training to work, but after preparing at Renzo Gracie’s academy he should be ready to go to the ground as well. Pamplona has to watch out for Lawler’s powerful hands and pick his spots on the attack.

For his part, Lawler wants to stay aggressive and exploit Pamplona’s lack of big time experience. If the Brazilian has stars in his eyes it won’t take Lawler long to put the heat on him. Look for this one to produce big fireworks, but don’t look for it to make it more than two rounds.


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