This week Los Angeles, CA plays host to the biggest weekend in professional wrestling. With forty plus wrestling events, there is a little something for everyone. Josh Barnett’s BloodSport 9 caters to not only the fans of professional wrestling, but also to the fans of mixed martial arts. If you’re not familiar with the showings of BloodSport, it can best described as a homage to “Fight Club”; the only difference is everyone talks about this show. This in mind, let us take a look at the card as it currently stands just days out from the Thursday March 30th, 7pm ET bell time on FITE +.
BloodSport 9: Full Card and Preview
YUYU UEMURA vs. BAD DUDE TITO
YuYu Uemura has been recent featured in IMPACT Wrestling as well as numerous indie promotions throughout the United States over the past month. He is looking to showcase his great grappling skills against Bad Dude Tito. While YuYu may be becoming a more recognizable figure in the United States, his opponent, Bad Dude Tito, has not been slacking. As another IMPACT Wrestling contributor, Tito enters BloodSport with an equal understanding of what’s needed to win in an unorthodox environment. This matchup could be the sleeper of the night as both talents showcase their ability to think outside the box.
JON MOXLEY vs. ALEX COUGHLIN
Given Jon Moxley’s previous appearance in the BloodSport stage, a worthy opponent was needed to fill the shoes of Davey Richards. Richards had been previously scheduled but retired from competition on the heels of several allegations made against his personal life. Enter Alex Coughlin. Coughlin comes prepared via his time spent with the hard hitting styles of Japanese Puroresu and his excellent grappling techniques. The question at hand is, will Moxley’s tolerance for pain outlast the conditioning and strength of a younger Coughlin.
JOSH BARNETT vs. TIMOTHY THATCHER
In the world of grappling, Josh Barnett, and Timothy Thatcher rank among the best. Barnett enters BloodSport once again to display his MMA background and prove why he still can hold his own against anyone. Thatcher is coming off recent appearances in AEW and ROH. His track record speaks for itself which includes wins in the squared circle against the likes of WALTER, Wheeler Yuta, and Darby Allin. This matchup will certainly create new fans for both and stir emotions among current fans of each talent.
KOTA IBUSHI vs. MIKE BAILEY
If you are looking for an opportunity to see two of the absolute best in the world combat against each other, this is it. Kota Ibushi and Speedball Mile Bailey will meet for the first time ever at BloodSport 9. Speedball, coming off of recent GCW and IMPACT showcases, is sure to bring out the best in Ibushi. Both men practice their arts like a religion and have phenomenal agility and strength. If there is one match that is a must-see this week, look no further!
ERIK HAMMER vs. CALVIN TANKMAN
If a hoss fight you want, a hoss fight you will get. Erik Hammer and Calvin Tankman are both brutes looking to stake their claims at BloodSport 9. Tankman, an Indianapolis, IN native, enters combat seeking a potential career push and to take a “W.” Hammer enters combat looking for a fight. This one will get ugly as both men have shown they will tear a building down before either hits the mat. This will be a spectacle to watch!
The BloodSport 9 showing will also include veteran Davey Boy Smith Jr. as he returns to take a win against whoever his opponent is. His showing in earlier BloodSport competition proves he can go the distance with nearly any talent he’s up against.
The final combatant to enter BloodSport is Johnny BloodSport. He returns this year looking to present his strength and agility, while also showing why he can hang with the toughest. Whomever his opponent maybe, they will need to react with slightly more speed than Mr. BloodSport.
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. Bloodsport 9 is set to air Thursday at 4 PM Pacific on FITE+. Tickets are also available via Eventbrite.
