By KEVIN JAKAHI
By KEVIN JAKAHI
Tribune-Herald sports writer
Chad Thomas has run out of big fish to fight in the small pond that is the local amateur mixed martial arts scene, so he’s taking his talents to the pro ranks and Maui.
Thomas will make his pro debut against former Strikeforce employee Lolohea Mahe in the heavyweight main event of a Just Scrap card Friday on the Valley Isle.
Mahe (5-2-1) last fought a year ago, beating Henry Bell at the X-1 Champions 3 event by TKO on punches, after he was released by Strikeforce — MMA’s Triple A to the UFC’s big leagues.
“He’s the No. 1 heavyweight in the state of Hawaii,” Thomas said. “For the past four or five years, he’s the man to beat. He lost two fights in Strikeforce and lost his contract.”
There are only two pro heavyweights in Hawaii: Thomas and Mahe, who lost to Shane del Rosario and Lavar Johnson in a pair of Strikeforce bouts by TKO in 2010.
Thomas concluded his amateur tenure with a 10-3 record, walloping four-belt holder Paea Paongo by first-round TKO on punches in a Just Scrap event in January at Hilo Civic.
“Paea was the unofficial but official No. 1 ranked amateur heavyweight in Hawaii,” Thomas said. “He had the 808 Battleground, Destiny, Up-and-Up, and Las Vegas vs. Hawaii belts.
“There was nothing else to do except turn pro and Lolohea is the only other pro guy. Nobody else came up pro when I got my license. He’s officially the toughest guy and has never lost in the state of Hawaii.”
Thomas lost to Joey Palemia in a ProElite bout by decision last August on Oahu. He also beat Palemia earlier in his career. He lost to Dylan Rush in 2010 in Just Scrap.
Chris Palea beat Thomas in 2009. But that was early in Thomas’ career and he considers Palea a good friend, so going for revenge was not a consideration.
“I didn’t want to complete a circle,” Thomas said. “There’s nothing to gain to fight them again. Being an amateur is like preseason football. It’s for training and to learn.
“Your amateur record turns to dust when you turn pro. I’m 0-0 and you want to keep your pro record clean as possible to attract the attention of the big organizations. It’s better to fight a big name like Lolohea than five guys who are no-names.”
On a good day, Thomas, a former football player at Waiakea, stands 6 feet and 255 pounds. Mahe’s profile page on Sherdog.com lists him at 6-2 and 264 pounds, just under the 265-pound heavyweight limit.
With his chiseled build, Mahe looks like he eats nails and concrete pillars for breakfast. And of his five wins, four are by TKO. He’s also got an 81-inch reach, handy for punching opponents in the face while standing.
Of course, Thomas knows all that.
In fact, there are no secrets between the two. Both fighters are featured in a BJPenn.com video entitled, “Road to Just Scrap Maui.”
“Watching his interview, Lolohea said, ‘Chad Thomas is the No. 1 man to beat and to be the best you have to beat the best.’ It was flattering,” Thomas said. “In my mind, he’s the best. No matter if it’s pro or amateur in the state of Hawaii we’re in the same category, the only two heavyweight pros in Hawaii.”
Thomas also knows he can’t go running through red lights, trying to throw haymakers and looking for an early evening with a knockout. His resume is at stake. Pro fighters are experts at countering and capitalizing on openings.
As he has advanced his career, Thomas has added more ground elements to his game. He’s tackling skills from football have been helpful in take-downs. He used his speed to bull-rush Paongo and usher him to the floor, setting up his TKO.
Mahe, whose trainer is former UFC fighter Kendall Grove, is fighting in his back yard. He’ll have the hometown pressure. For once, Thomas goes in as the underdog, but with much at stake.
“It can’t go to a decision. That can’t happen. I have to finish between the first and third round,” said Thomas, the ProElite decision still stinging.
He expanded his stamina for the pro’s three five-minute rounds, hitting cardio workouts and explosion runs, and sparring with fresh partners. It’s three three-minute rounds for amateurs.
It’s more than a first pro fight for Thomas, who admires Mahe but still wants to flatten him.
“Everything stands out about him,” Thomas said. “He’s no joke. He’s the real deal. I’m still a fan of him. When he went to Strikeforce I watched on pay-per-view. He’s a big dude and my hugest and biggest test.
“He’s definitely a striker. I’m hoping I can get him on the ground and finish him off. If one of my overhand rights lands on the button and I get that one lucky shot, then good luck for me.”