The weekend is finally here without a big event in sight, but don't be so sure that you won't be entertained. The “minor leagues” series known as ShoXC is holding an event on Friday night that will feature one of the better up-and-coming fighters in Muay Thai specialist Malapeit (3-1). Although he's strictly a standup striker at this point in his career, he does have knockout power, devastating leg kicks, and the ability to chop down standup specialists with his excellent Muay Thai skill. He'll be taking on King of the Cage veteran Thomas Denny. It should be a good test for Malapeit's sprawl. Also featured on the card will be former champion Aaron Rosa and former IFL fighter Conor Heun.  Here's our brief preview and predictions for Friday night:

Main Event: Malapeit vs. Thomas Denny

A fight that is actually pretty interesting when you look at both fighters on paper. Thomas Denny is a submission fighter with 14 total wins by submission in his 25 wins. Although Denny has a weak submission defense, Malapeit won't be a submission threat as he is a champion Muay Thai fighter. Another factor is that Denny has only been TKO/KO'd twice in 41 total fights. The simple stylistic matchup should be interesting to see because of Malapeit's strong standup vs. Denny's ability to put him to the floor. In fact, both fighters are near a -115 in the betting game. Malapeit has over 180 Muay Thai fights and world championship titles, so it'll be interesting if Denny can get through Malapeit's standup.

So, what's going to happen in this battle? Will Malapeit have some type of defense against Denny's takedowns and subsequent submission attempts? Can his sprawl be effective? That's the biggest question in this battle, but as always, I'll rely on Denny's ground tactics to push Malapeit to the floor for the submission win. This will be Malapeit's first major test, and I don't think he can overcome Denny's experience or submission ability. Denny may have 16 losses to his credit, but Malapeit hasn't faced stiff competition until now.

Leland's Prediction: Thomas Denny via submission, Round 2

Marlon Matias vs. Conor Heun

Matias hasn't fought in over a year with his last fight being a losing effort to Carlo Prater in Brazil. He does however boast a 5-1 record with some quick knockout victories over novice competition. Conor Heun is mainly a submission fighter, but has stated in some interviews that he has been improving his Muay Thai skills significantly. Heun may try to trade with Mathias, but he should have the advantage on the ground in this fight. Heun is fairly elusive in taking big blows, so I believe if he does get in trouble, he'll have enough sense to put this to the ground and defeat Matias.

Leland's Prediction: Conor Heun via submission, Round 1

Aaron Rosa vs. Jaime Fletcher

Rosa is looking to redeem himself after a loss to Jared Hamman in October of last year. A member of Team Punishment, Rosa has some skills in all areas of the game, but he's primarily a ground and pounder much like Team Punishment's founder Tito Ortiz.

Fletcher is most notable for being knocked out at Pancrase: Rising 6 by Ryo Kawamura. At 5-3, he's not the strongest opponent for Rosa on paper, but he does have some submission abilities on the ground. Rosa will likely be able to counter those skills, and he should be able to put Fletcher away.

Leland's Prediction: Aaron Rosa via TKO, Round 2

Quick Hits
Shane Del Rosario vs. Analu Brash: Shane is green to the mixed martial arts, but has an undefeated record at 3-0 and trains with Team Oyama (Razor Rob, Ian McCall, Hector Ramirez). Brash (1-1) looks to be a submission fighter, so he could be a problem for Rosario, but Rosario will have a decent sprawl if he's been training at Oyama. Rosario via TKO, Round 1

Mark Oshiro vs. Chris Cariaso: On paper, the fight looks fairly even. Oshiro is sitting at 9-1 while Cariaso remains undefeated at 6-0. Both guys have fought low echelon talent as they moved their way up to bigger fights, and it looks like this will be a good test for both fighters. My pick is Oshiro for the mere fact that he has finished most of his fights. Cariaso has only finished one of his six battles. Oshiro via TKO, Round 1

Lyle “Fancy Pants” Beerbohm vs. Vince Guzman: You can't make this stuff up. Fancy Pants impressed us at the Strikeforce at the Dome card by defeating Ray Perales. Okay, maybe it wasn't that impressive, but his “fancy pants” that he wears in the cage and the fact that his last name resembles “beer bong” has me wanting to pick Beerbohm. Beerbohm via decision

Brandon Tarn vs. Jason Williams: Pick'em fight with Tarn at 0-1 and Williams at 0-2. I'll take Tarns. Tarns via submission, Round 2

David Howard vs. Mark Kempthorne: Another pick'em fight. Howard is a newcomer, but Kempthorne is 1-4 with a lot of losses via TKO. Kempthorne has been fed to better talent, so I'll take him against a guy making his debut. Kempthorne via TKO, Round 1