5 Oz. Exclusive: Wilson Reis to fight Brian Caraway at EliteXC’s “Unfinished Business”
July 3, 2008 by Sam Caplan
(Pictured: Wilson Reis)
A featherweight (140 lbs.) bout between Wilson Reis and Brian Caraway is the latest fight to be added to EliteXC’s upcoming “Unfinished Business” card on July 26 in Stockton, Calif.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com learned of the news after contacting EliteXC Vice President Jared Shaw.
According to Shaw, the Reis vs. Caraway matchup will be the opener of SHOWTIME’s telecast at 8 p.m. ET, which will feature two fights and lead into CBS’ second-ever telecast of “Saturday Night Fights” at 9 p.m. ET.
Shaw also revealed to Five Ounces of Pain that light heavyweight sensation Rafael Feijao could be added to the card if a proper opponent can be secured.
A title will not be at stake when Reis and Caraway fight. Shaw indicated that it could be until next year until a title at 140 pounds is instituted by the promotion.
Reis, one of the fasting rising stars in the lighter weight ranks, is 2-0 in EliteXC and 4-0 lifetime as a pro. He made his EliteXC debut during the promotion’s ShoXC event this past January in Atlantic City, N.J., where he submitted former Division I wrestler Zach Makovsky with a rear naked choke in round 2. He followed up the win by submitting Justin Robbins with another rear naked choke, this time in round 1, during the undercard of EliteXC’s debut on CBS’ “Saturday Night Fights” in Newark, N.J. this past May.
Caraway fought and won on last Friday’s Strikeforce show that featured Josh Thomson winning the Strikeforce lightweight title from Gilbert Melendez. Fighting Alvin Cacdac, Caraway won via a rear naked choke submission at 1:39 of round 1. The victory was his seventh straight and improved his overall record to 9-2.
Training under Dennis Hallman, Caraway is undefeated at fights contested at 145 lbs. or lower.
WOO HOO!!!
WILSON!! RULES!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/allelbows/2556742045/
cant wait!!
EliteXC confuses me with their weight classes …. 140?
Yeah, Wilson!!!!! BJJ United/Daddis FC represent.
Killer. I hope Wilson Subs him.
Anyone familiar with Caraway’s style?
Wasn’t Gary Shaw’s reasoning behind all the different weight classes was so fighters didn’t have to cut as much weight to compete? So I guess if your undersized at 160 you have to shed 20 POUNDS? Reis, Feijao seem like the real deal, but do they have anyone to compete against? Besides maybe one or two guys?
it’s bryan, not brian
he’s a young wrestler with a decent sub game. won at strikeforce last week and at sportfight last year. he’s a tough enough dude but not a very entertaining fighter. a win vs. reis would definitely be the biggest of his career.
Not so familiar but somethin rang my bell with name “Caraway”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ysdqfnAe_Q
i remember his last fight on Strikeforce was the first fight to for the airing. catchweight 140lbs and 3mins round.
I didnt get impressed so much like i have gotten shocked to see Reis or Torres for the very first time, but yes seems hes a good grappler. Not easy one.
His all 9 winnings were by submisssion holds. Must be a good mach-up.
Good luck to Reis!
Sounds like this one’s going to the ground.
Can’t wait.
Cant wait to see Reis put another win on his record!
Brian trained at Yakima MMA with Rich Guerin for a few years and has recently returned to Halman. He was a collegiate wrestler and has been working the last few years learning stand up and BJJ.
In the year I trained in the same gym, I saw 1 person submit him. He was 185lbs of muscle, a black belt at some stand up form of Karate and training ground for about 4 years. Brian is a natural 45er.
Everyone kept saying, once he got his chance, he would explode. This looks like his chance. Go Caraway!