Sean Alexander | 08:10 AM 17 May, 2020
With only another work week—I use that term loosely for some of us—between us and Global Fight Night 9: Galanos versus Amauri. The billboard fighters are going to be looking to win at all cost. Amauri has a golden opportunity to move her name up into the title talk with a victory over a strong foe. Despite Jessica House being the next to fight Misty DeMeans, Gaia Galanos is still the #1 contender in the Featherweight Division. She touts the title proudly too. That’s just as well because Alexia Amauri is one proud Colombian who would be happy to take a win off of her team’s apparent captain.
Tale of the Tape
Galanos boasts a 7-inch reach advantage and a 4-inch height advantage. Both fighters are pretty youthful, Alexia being younger at 21 versus Galanos at 28. Galanos is 3-1 while Amauri is undefeated at 2-0. Despite her loss, Galanos still boast a very strong list of fighters she’s beaten. Gaia’s list of vanquished foes has a combined record of 8-4 compared to an unfortunate 0-6 record on Alexia’s foes behalf. With that said, Alexia has shown she can go 3 rounds without getting gassed out. This will be her first time stepping into the spotlight for a main event slot, pitting her against Gaia Galanos for five rounds.
The Unproven undefeated?
Alexia Amauri is certainly looking to send a message at GFN 9. Gaia Galanos is the proverbial big fish, and Amauri doesn’t need to be told that. She understands the gravity of the situation. Gaia Galanos is the former champion, and she wants to make a huge statement with the fight. And, if she can defeat the #1 Featherweight Contender in the world, she will undoubtedly do just that. It is very possible Alexia Amauri would skip a few fighters on the contender’s list.
One of the concerns for Alexia Amauri headed into this fight though is that she’s fairly unproven. She has performed well against opponents well below her skill level. She will find herself truly tested for the first time against Gaia Galanos as she also finds herself in the main event for the first time. Sounds like a lot of pressure for a 21-year-old, but Alexia Amauri is one 21-year-old who can handle the pressure, I think.
Alexia Amauri is very talented in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but if she can help it she will be looking to keep this fight standing up. She is one of the best strikers in the Featherweight Division, and guess who just lost to a striker!
The Proven former champ.
Gaia Galanos is undoubtedly a huge fight for Alexia Amauri, but rebounded from a loss is just as important for Gaia Galanos. She opted not to take a break from fighting after losing her GCC Featherweight Championship, but rather jumping right back in and laying down a challenge to what is only one fight away from still being her division. It’s very easy to see the respect much of the GCC roster not just her own gym has for the former champion. Galanos is known for her work ethic preparing for fights.
While Galanos lost to another heavy striker, she is still one of the biggest threats in the Featherweight Division and one of the best fighters in the world man or woman. I think it’s safe to say that Galanos may also be the best wrestler in GCC. If Galanos can rebound with a victory here, she may very well find herself back in the conversation of challenging for the coveted Featherweight Championship. And, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to see Galanos versus DeMeans II.
Based on a few tweets, Gaia has made it quite clear she is still hungry for a rematch at Misty DeMeans (or whoever has the title at that point). Remaining the number one contender is the only way to ensure that happens.
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