Combate Global returns tonight to Paramount Plus to host its third event of 2022 at Cisneros Studios in Miami, Florida.
In the card’s main event, two of Combate Global’s notable prospects square off as Sanford MMA’s Landry Ward (5-0) takes on Alliance MMA and Lions Alpha Team’s Jair Perez (6-2). Texas’s Ward is a quality lightweight prospect on the Florida regional scene. The 25-year-old has made a name for himself with Combate Global earning two victories in his two promotional appearances, the latest coming at Combate Global 23. Ward is a striker who mixes up his kicks and punches considerably well. In his five pro bouts, he scored two knockouts and holds quite a few convincing victories. Doing his training at Sanford MMA, he gets reps with some of the best fighters in the world and is coached by some of the most high-class instructors. Ward also gets work in with his head coach Dietter Navarro and teammates Richie Lewis, Angel Alvarez, and Jose Malespin at Peter Roque Boxing Academy when the group is not at Sanford MMA. Despite this being his featherweight debut, Ward’s size, reach, and precision striking could play to his advantage. However, he is in for one of his toughest tests to date in Jair Perez.
Monterrey, Mexico’s Perez had the best 2021 he could possibly have. The 24-year-old scored three straight wins over the likes of Shaheen Santana, Gabe Barletta, and Rodolfo Reseck. Like Ward, Perez will also make his third appearance for Combate Global this weekend, his latest being the victory over Santana at Combate Global 21. Splitting his camp between Monterrey and San Diego, Perez gets the best of both worlds by training with the likes of Jeremy Stephens and Erik Perez as well as training in his hometown. Perez has that classic Mexican style; he throws every strike with fight-ending intentions, he always comes forward and he’s as tough as they come. An aspect of his game that is quite underappreciated is his low kicks. Despite being around four inches shorter than Ward and having a reach disadvantage, expect him to use those low kicks as he is coming forward in hopes to limit his opponent’s mobility. Overall, this is a banger of a fight between two quality prospects taking a step up in competition.
In the co-headliner, California’s Maritza Sanchez (2-1) goes toe-to-toe with Spain’s Aitana Alvarez (1-2). Sanchez is set for her fourth walk to Combate’s patented “La Jaula”, the only place she has made a pro appearance. The submission specialist does her training at Team Alpha Male, AB’s Dragon House, and Felipe Bragiao Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In her three pro bouts, she’s been out of the first round just once, the outlier being a decision win at Combate Global 20. Despite just having three pro bouts, Sanchez is a veteran of martial arts training and competing in Jiu-Jitsu competitions for a tenured period of time as well as making a name in an 11-fight amateur career that spanned from 2016 to 2019. With that being said, it is safe to say she will have an experience advantage over Alvarez.
As the known striker out of the two, Alvarez will likely look to keep her American debut on the feet. In her first walk for Combate Global, the Spaniard brings solid boxing and notable power in her hands. She excels in the clinch and is a considerably durable fighter. As a KSW veteran, she’s fought on a relatively big stage and proved she belongs there. The 22-year-old did her training all the world-class Allstars Training Center with the likes of Mandy Bohm, Piera Rodriguez, and Camila Rivarola. It will be interesting to see how she approaches the grappler considering she has a disadvantage in height and reach. As someone who has yet to be finished in her pro and amateur career, expect fireworks from Alvarez. In a showcase between two durable, entertaining females, fight fans are in for a treat in the co-main event.
Also on the card are notable up-and-comer Andrea Meneses (2-0), undefeated prospect Ivan Tena (3-0), and a bantamweight war between Combate veterans Carlos Puente Jr. (6-6) and Joey Ruquet (7-4).
Combate Global 33 Fight Card
Live on Paramount Plus at 10:30pm ET/7:30pm PT
Landry Ward (5-0) vs. Jair Perez (6-2)
Maritza Sanchez (2-1) vs. Aitana Alvarez (1-2)
Carlos Puente Jr. (6-6) vs. Joey Ruquet (7-4)
Rodrigo Garcia (3-1) vs. Michael Reyes (6-5)
Andrea Menesesa (2-0) vs. Stephanie Irurzo (0-3-1)
Ivan Tena (3-0) vs. Geraldo Almonte (3-3)
