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In just a few short years, Asa Ten Pow has made one heck of a dent in the professional kickboxing scene, and now it’s time for MMA.
Big round for Asa Ten Pow as we head into round 3 @GLORY_WS pic.twitter.com/88DFci0g9h
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) November 3, 2018
Titan FC’s Lex McMahon has had his finger on the MMA pulse for decades, and once again it has paid off as one of the hottest names in GLORY kickboxing has landed straight in the Titan cage.
“I have a good relationship with Asa’s manager, which is Brian Butler from Suckerpunch Entertainment,” McMahon explained. “Brian knows that aside from making great fights, I like to cultivate talent that can make and create some awareness right away but also be talent that we can grow organically through Titan FC.”
Bobby Lashley following his Strikeforce run, Talita Alencar, Chase Hooper and many other specialists have found themselves in Titan FC for the same reason.
All three boast a total record of 4-0 in the Titan FC cage and while it isn’t “the goal,” it comes as no surprise to McMahon, who says it would be little surprise if Ten Pow’s highly advanced striking led to a win in his MMA debut.
From what McMahon has seen, Ten Pow is even becoming slightly familiar with his ground game the closer he gets to his first fight.
Message sent.
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) February 2, 2019
"Newcomer of the Year" Asa Ten Pow outscores Nate Richardson in... almost everything to take the decision victory at #GLORY63! pic.twitter.com/Yon3m2ksC6
“Obviously he’s a world class striker, but I think he’s been planning this transition into MMA for a while, and he’s going to look to strike, there’s no question, but I think he will be able to defend takedowns,” McMahon said. “I don’t know about transitioning from one submission to the next or if they’re doing chain wrestling - I don’t think we’re going to see that out of Asa - but I think we will see someone who can defend himself and get back to his strong suit and back to his weapons on his feet.”
While McMahon does have high hopes for the all-around MMA game of Ten Pow, he does joke that despite him being further ahead of most fighters in his position, if Ten Pow lands a twister, McMahon is buying everybody in the arena drinks.
Will one of the biggest stars of GLORY come into a new sport with the same dominance he currently has? There’s only one way to find out! Catch Asa Ten Pow’s MMA debut at Titan FC 72 on Friday, September 17, ONLY on UFC FIGHT PASS!