Fearsome foursome beefs up Lion Fight roster for 2021
As preparations begin to take shape for an ambitious 2021 schedule, Lion Fight continues to add more talent to its already impressive roster, particularly with an eye on larger weight classes.
Leading off the list of new fighters is Chris “Head Trauma” Tramell, who agreed to a multi-fight exclusive contract that will also see him line up as the first challenger to Joey George’s Lion Fight North American Cruiserweight title. Tramell (9-2) is perhaps best-known for his courageous comeback into combat sports following a horrific 2015 motorcycle accident in Thailand in which he suffered significant injuries to his spine, kidney and ribs. With his life back on track and now living in Austin, Texas, Tramell is gearing up for another big fight – taking the title from the new champion.
Tramell won four of five bouts prior to his accident, capturing multiple Fight of the Night honors, highlighted by a second-round knockout over Lei Wan Huang at a USA vs. China event in Beijing. He also earned the Sparta Combat League’s Muay Thai Fight of the Decade. Following his accident, Tramell picked up a pair of victories in Thailand – a third-round TKO via leg kicks at Chaweng Stadium and a first-round stoppage at Bangla Stadium.
The freshest face in the Lion Fight ranks is that of Scottish sensation Owen Trykowski. The 27-year-old middleweight sports a 13-3-1 record and a British title on his resume.
A native of Aberdeen, Trykowski has won four of his last five outings, including back-to-back first-round knockout wins via elbow strikes and both victories coming in Thailand. His most-recent win came in the prestigious Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok. Trykowski has also bested two of Britain’s best with decision verdicts over both Michael Duzia and Jackson Barkhouse.
Lion Fight’s heavyweight division has received a double-dose of heavy-hitting talent as well with both newcomers fighting out of Atlanta, Georgia.
Warren “Destroyer” Thompson enters the Lion Fight den with notable career wins over Brian Douwes, Mike Lemaire, and Chidi Njokuani. Thompson (10-8) has fought previously in China and Thailand, honing his craft under well-regarded coaches Manu Ntoh and Khunpon.
“Thank you to Lion Fight for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting in there,” said Thompson, who stands 6-foot-4 and now fights at 240 lbs.
“I’m a pressure guy. I go out on my shield or I punish my opponent. I can’t promise a KO, but I’m coming for their ass.”
The second heavyweight joining the Lion Fight stable is Terrance “Jefe” Hodges. Despite a relatively short tenure in combat sports, Hodges is gaining steam with a stylish combination of power, explosiveness, and athleticism.
“I feel I’m definitely one of the most exciting heavyweights in world to watch with long combinations and flying knees,” said Hodges, who is coming off a K-1 style tournament win that was spotlighted by two finishes, including a decisive TKO over veteran Chris Barnett.
