Josh Neer and Hermes Franca Return To MMA Action In January
Josh Neer is clearly the most successful and popular fighter that has come out of Des Moines. The ten time UFC vets career started at the legendary Toad Holler in 2001 where he built an 89-1 amateur record before going pro, then on to defeat the likes of Joe Stevenson and Mac Danzig in the UFC.
Neer will face Omaha’s heavy-handed Matt Delanoit on the 8th. Neer requested an opponent that is willing to stand and trade with him, and Delanoit’s experience and record provide the perfect match.
In the evening’s other co-main event, Brazilian native Hermes Franca vs. Iowa’s own Eric Wisely for the MaxFightsDM interim lightweight belt. Franca’s UFC experience includes wins over the likes of Spencer Fisher, Jamie Varner, and Nate Diaz, and ultimately earning a shot at the world title against Sean Sherk.
Neer is up against what should be a fairly easy task in 13-8 Delanoit who recently lost to highly touted prospect Ben Askren by submission in under two minutes. Neer shouldn’t take more than one round to get the job done.
Franca clearly should be the favorite but Wisely is a bit more durable, having only lost by decision in the past. However, Franca is much better than the four men who have beat Wisely in the past.
A couple of wins by either guy should be enough to get them a new contract with either the UFC or Strikeforce.
