Nicknames in MMA can be a funny thing sometimes because, you know, they’re not always super-accurate. Take long-time lightweight and all-around great dude Sam Stout, known throughout his career as “Hands of Stone.” The Canadian veteran made 20 appearances in the Octagon, registering nine victories, only one of which came by stoppage due to strikes.
It was gorgeous, but still.
I say all that to now say this: Lingo’s nickname is “Lights Out” and it is completely appropriate.
The 25-year-old featherweight, who trains alongside Johns at Fortis MMA and takes on fellow new arrival Youssef Zalal on Saturday, has won his last three fights by first-round stoppage in a combined 63 seconds. In fact, he’s earned five of his seven career wins (against no losses) before the midway point of the opening round, making it clear that whether it’s strikes or a submission, Lingo is always a threat to end things abruptly.
Though he never reached the championship heights several of his teammates did while competing under the LFA banner, that’s more a function of how quickly he rose through the ranks, as the belt was vacated last April and Lingo’s win in August likely put him in position to challenge for the title this year had the UFC not come calling.
Zalal is another LFA graduate from a great team (Factory X Muay Thai) with a penchant for finishing fights early, which should mean that Saturday’s fight card will get off to an explosive start.
The spotlight will be on both Lingo and Johns as more and more fans are finally starting to realize that Fortis MMA is one of the top gyms in the sport today and turning out elite prospects on the regular. Given how well their teammates have done in the past and their combined track records thus far, something tells me both will be just fine with a little more attention and some elevated expectations this weekend.