Miami, FL-Combate Global kicks off the 2023 season with an packed fight card featuring Justin “Slick J” Vazquez (9-2) vs Alejandro Gavidia (4-2) in a catchweight fight at 152 pounds in the main event and in the co-main event the returning Irene Cabello Rivera (9-6) faces Jade Jorand (2-2) in 110 lbs bout.

Vazquez vs Gavidia

Vazquez is undefeated in Combate Global defeating Gego Kelly by submission, and Mauricio Fernandez and Jair Perez by unanimous decision in August.

Out of Miami, he trains with the Freedom Fighters led by coaches Manuel Lopez and Ray Fundora.

Look forward to his flashy kicks, strong over right hand and takedown defense.

On the other hand, Alejandro Gavidia has been waiting for an opportunity to compete inside la jaula and he took advantage of it when he got the call days before the fight.

He made his professional debut back in 2019 with Combate Global. His last fight was in August where he won by technical knockout in the first round.

He has evolved as a fighter and has a great ability on the ground.

Gavidia is a calm fighter waiting to find an opportunity to streak while Vazquez can set the pace of the fight from the start.

Footwork and cutting corners will be essential for Gavidia since Vazquez will look for a quick finish. As for Vazquez, being on the offense may benefit him and he should use his takedown defense to maintain the fight on the feet.

Jorand vs Rivera

Jorand is in search of his third consecutive victory inside la jaula. She went undefeated last year. The Werdum Training Center had a career as a kickboxer winning championships in Europe.

As for Rivera, she returns to acion since last competing in 2019. The Spaniard is now training out of the Lobo Gym in Guadalajara, Mexico. She has a purple belt in jiu jitsu but has a strong striking style.

The chances of the fight going to the ground are slim. Most of the fight should remain on the feet in a strike fast considering both of their styles are evenly matched.

But, whoever goes for the takedown could have the upper edge.