World Series of Fighting 5 Preview

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Featherweights

Georgi Karakhanyan (21-3-1, 0-0 WSOF) vs. Waylon Lowe (14-4, 1-0 WSOF)

The Matchup: A four-time UFC veteran, Lowe enters this bout riding a four-fight winning streak in which all of his triumphs have come via knockout or technical knockout. Lowe’s combination of heavy hands and wrestling aptitude -- he was a three-time Div. II national champion -- have allowed him to quietly fashion a successful career. Since 2008, only Melvin Guillard and Nik Lentz have beaten the American Top Team representative.

While Karakhanyan might not be able to starch Lowe on the feet the way Guillard once did, the former Tachi Palace Fights featherweight king is versatile enough offensively to give the Philadelphia native problems by mixing up his attacks. Additionally, if he can time Lowe’s takedowns, as Lentz did, it only increases the likelihood that “Insane” can expose Lowe’s mediocre submission defense. Karakhanyan owns 11 victories by way of tapout.

Lowe is an able counterpuncher with good boxing in close quarters, but his arsenal is not as varied as his opponent’s. Karakhanyan can attack from distance with kicks, land shots in the clinch or land takedowns and work from top position. If the latter fails against Lowe, Karakhanyan is adept at scrambling into dominant positions and threatening with submissions.

While Lowe might be able to get his share of takedowns, he must be wary of leaving openings for Karakhanyan to create space and escape when he postures up to land strikes in guard.

The Pick: Karakhanyan will be forced to respect Lowe’s power on the feet, but he has more than enough tools with which to win the fight if he avoids the kill shot. Karakhanyan captures a decision.

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