Siler, O'Connell fight for the big money on New Year's Eve

Just a reminder that the Professional Fighters League tournament finals is in New York City, Monday night, New Year's Eve, aired twice on the NBCSports Network (34 Xfinity), live at 5 pm and repeated at 9 p.m. As we have noted, two Utah MMA pro veterans, Steven Siler and Sean O'Connell, are in the finals.  O'Connell fights Vinny Magalhaes in the 205-pound tourney final and Siler fights Lance Palmer in the featherweight (145 pounds) final. The entire card, featuring six finals, is here.

If Siler and O'Connell win Monday night, they earn a $1 million winner's purse. We salute our two Utahns who have worked to gain this opportunity.

MUNOZ TO MAKE PRO DEBUT

Remember, SteelFist has an MMA card on Saturday, January 5th. Here's an earlier preview. One late addition to the card is Weber County's Eric Munoz, who after an amateir career will be making his pro debut against Andy Witt. It's a heavyweight bout. The main bout features 170 pounders Joe Rodriguez and Hank Weiss. Card is here. It's at the Union Event Center, 235 N. 500 West, in Salt Lake City. Doors open at 6 p.m. Here's our advance story. (Above, Munoz at right seen after a win)

SteelFist kicks off new year with MMA card; pro boxing results

Two veteran professional MMA light-heavyweights will headline SteelFist MMA's first card of 2019 on Saturday, Jan. 25, at The Union Event Center, 235 North, 500 West, in Salt Lake City.

Joe Rodriguez, 7-5, who has logged wins over Damarques Johnson, Eti Palu, and Eric Wahlen, takes on 50-plus fight veteran Hank Weiss, 31-20, who in a long career has notched wins over Jarome Hatch, Sean O'Connell, Mike Crisman, Josh Burkman and Nick Rossborough, among others. Both fighters are 41 years old.

The entire scheduled card is here. A pro women's MMA bout matches Kaytlin Neil versus Andrea Miller and professionals Jared Toothaker and Andy Witt meet as well. Amateur bouts include Thomas Prestriedge and Augustin Valdez competing for a SteelFist title belt and Alonzo Salas meeting Aldyn Ashcraft. Doors open at 6 p.m. in this card for all ages.

Professional boxing results

On Nov. 30 in Salt Lake City local pro boxer Ignacio Chairez remained undefeated with a unanimous decision win over previously undefeated Anthony Curtiss. Chairez is 6-0-1 in his pro career.You can see all results here. Eric Wahlen, also an MMA pro, also won on the card, remaining undefeated as a professional boxer.

On Dec. 6, Salt Lake City professional boxer Christian Aguirre, 8-4 as a pro, traveled to Costa Mesa, Calif. to meet undefeated, former amateur star Andreas Katzourakis. Aguirre was dropped in round one but survived, and fought competitively against his larger opponent through rounds 2 and 3, although Katzourakis kept an edge with strong body shots.

Midway through round, the referee inexplicably stopped the bout, awarding Katzourakis a TKO victory. It deprived the usually resilient Aguirre of an opportunity to rally and perhaps grab a win, something he has done more than once. Results from the entire card can be found here.

Chairez brothers, Raddon, Aguirre have fights on calendar

Some fights news of the past couple of months:

Tonight, at the 801 Event Center in Salt Lake City, there is a boxing card and undefeated professional boxers/brothers Ignacio and Gabriel Chairez are scheduled to meet opponents.

Tomorrow night in Denver, Colo., at the National Western Complex, Kaecy Raddon fights in a 165-pound Sparta Combat League Muy Thai title belt. Raddon, along with Utahn Jarrett Kelton, recently competed internationally for the U.S. Kickboxing team. Kelton, by the way, recently won the pro 170-pound kickboxing belt at the inaugural Mountain Force Kickboxing promotion, in Logan.

This Thursday night, Dec. 6, at The Hangar in Costa Mesa, Calif., super welterweight Christian Aguirre (seen above at left in an earlier bout) meets undefeated pro and former international amateur star Andreas Katzourakis in the top bout of the card. Aguirre, 8-3, scored a KO win over a previously undefeated boxer, Joey Alday Jr., at The Hangar earlier in the fall. The card is scheduled to be streamed on Facebook Live. SoCal Fights is the FB page. According to boxrec.com, Aguirre's last five opponents have met with with combined records of 31-1-1.
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Zac Cavender, a Tooele MMA heavyweight who had a lot of success as an amateur with Steelfist and Fierce Fighting Championships, continued that success in the pro ranks in mid November, scoring a win in his pro debut at a Final Fight Championships card.

Utah amateur MMA fighter Brittany Guillemin traveled to Nevada for a Tuff N Uff card, suffering a defeat.

SteelFist had a fight card on Nov. 16. Here are the results. On the card, local amateur Trevor Mortimer scored a stoppage win over Brandon Lemmings. It was Mortimer's second straight win. Sadly, this past week Mortimer died. He turned 24 on Nov. 27. We express our sadness and prayers for Trevor, his family and friends.

Fierce Fighting Championships had an MMA card on Oct. 27 in Price. Here are the results. In an ongoing 155 pound pro tournament, Thiago Alves and Bobby King won semi-final tournament bouts and will meet in an upcoming championship bout.

Another SteelFist card is scheduled for January 5. Pro bouts include Joe Rodriguez versus Hank Weiss and Kaytlin Neil versus Andrea Miller. Amateur bouts include Alonzo Salas versus Aldyn Ashcraft and an amateur title bout, 135 pounds, between Augustin Valdez and Thomas Prestriedge. Here is the SteelFist Facebook page.

John Valentine, former MMA pro, continues to have success as a grappling competitor. He recently scored a win over Arron Carson in a submission-only grappling competition. You can watch the bout here.

AND I ALMOST FORGET!!! USA Boxing amateur qualifying tournament in Salt Lake City starts Dec. 2. The bouts, which through the next week, are at the Salt Palace. Here is some information. Louie's Boxing Gym, 855 W California in Salt Lake City, is offering free training for credentialed competitors, tomorrow from 10 am to 1 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2 to 8 pm and Tuesday and Thursday from 2 to 6 pm.

Remembering Michelle Maya, national Golden Gloves champ

We note the very sad news that Utah's Michelle Maya, 2018 National Golden Gloves champion, died early Sunday morning, Nov. 11, in a automobile accident near Salt Lake City. Our prayers are with Michelle, only 19, and her friends and family. Her death at such a young age is a tragedy, and there is additional sadness at the loss of a potentially great future for the young woman. Nevertheless, she accomplished a lot in her brief life. She was an aggressive boxer who used pressure, cardio and ring generalship to win the national title. She was scheduled to compete in next month's USA Boxing's amateur boxing championships in Salt Lake City. The photo above of Michelle was posted on Facebook by Louie's Boxing Gym. Below is a post we published on June 1, 2018, noting Michelle Golden Gloves triumph.

A GoFundMe page to help her family with Michelle's funeral expenses is here.

MICHELLE MAYA, NATIONAL GOLDEN GLOVES CHAMP

A big shout out for Northern Utah amateur boxer Michelle Maya, who captured the National open Golden Gloves championship recently. She's the 119 pound champ. In fact, three women boxers from the Rocky Mountain region made it to the finals. Idaho's Kendra Reeves won the 152-pound title. Maryguenn Vellinga took runner up at 112 pounds. The Deseret News' Amy Donaldson covered the recent Golden Gloves well. Here's a story on Maya and others. Top of Utah men at the nationals included Lights Out's Jon Bryant, who lost a split decision in the opening bout, and Los Gallitos' Diego Alvarez, who won in the first round but was decisioned in bout two. Utahns Matt Searle and Milo Gomez also lost decisions.

Amateur boxers tussle in Ogden and Idaho

On Saturday, October 20, at Foley's gym in Ogden, local amateurs competed in a fight that also tagged the gym's 10th anniversary at its current location, 375 31st Street. Brad Davidson was the announcer. Seen above is a bout between 55-pounders James Rutherford, KC Boxing (at left), and Celtic Wright, Foley's gym. Rutherford won a decision.

IN OTHER BOUTS:

Elexies Willett, Palifox Boxing, decisioned Kayden Armstrong, Rodriguez Boxing, 56 pounds

(Seen above) Collin Tolikuva, Provo, (in red) decisioned Elijah Willett, Palifox, 100 pounds. Both fighters have now fought each other several times, all competitive bouts.

Damin Webielhouse, KC Boxing, decisioned James Cox, Horizonte, 65 pounds

Juan Maya, Palifox, decisioned Shane Saunders, PAL, 72 pounds

(Seen above) Joe Gibson, Foley's gym, (in red trunks) decisioned Holden Atwood, Legend's Boxing, 100 pounds

Sami Daybell, Foley's defeated Dulcy Burcham, Rodriguez Boxing, via 3rd round TKO, 119 pounds

Atahuaipa Anarve, Horizonte, decisioned Edgar Tarce, All Heart, 142 pounds

Aamon Hardi, Factum, decisioned Ian Lowry, Destination MMA, 147 pounds

Rene Mendoza, Louie's Boxing, decisioned Giani Madrid, State Street, 128 pounds

Renzo Conti, Foley's decisioned Hayden Magana, Destination MMA, 165 pounds

Kernal Rehobsen, Cache Valley Boxing, decisioned Chris Kennedy, Destination MMA 185 pounds

AND ...

that same day, some Utah amateur boxers scored wins in a card in Twin Falls, Idaho. Winners included Adrian Gamino and Rocky Mountain Golden Gloves champ Jon Bryant, who won a belt match. Other winners included Aliyah Garcia, Geovanni Rodriguez, and Eligio Hernandez Jr.

O'Connell advances in PFL, Aguirre wins boxing match, SteelFist results

We haven't mentioned Utah's Sean O'Connell as much as we have Steven Siler this year in the MMA PFL tournament. But he merits mention now after a remarkable Saturday night in Long Beach, Calif., in which the 205-pounder scored upsets in the quarterfinals and semifinals to advance to his weight division tournament final. Like Siler, a featherweight,O'Connell will fight December 31 for a million-dollar purse, that goes to the winner. Both O'Connell and Siler merit media attention from Utah's daily newspapers and television news stations for these accomplishments. If they don't get it it will speak ill of our state's news sources.

Also Saturday, in a preliminary, non-tournament bout, Utah-based fighter Ramsey Nijem scored a pro win in Long Beach.

STEELFIST -- Results of the SteelFist card on Friday night are in. You can read them at Jeffrey Dutcher's Facebook page Fighting Out of Utah MMA news. In a pro flyweight title bout, Nick Burgos defeated Nicholas Clem, and in another pro bout, Carson Gregory decisioned Kerry Lattimer. In amateur title belts, winners were Hayden Brown, Justin Horsley and Jordan Marshall.

BOXING -- Last Friday in Costa Mesa, Calif., super-welterweight Christian Aguirre, of Salt Lake City, (seen above at left in an earlier fight) scored an upset KO over previously undefeated Joey Alday, Jr., of Odessa Texas. In the fourth round, trailing on points, Aguirre (8-3) flattened Alday Jr., with a left hook. You can see the bout at Facebook here.

I chatted with Christian about the bout. Here is our conversation:

Utah Fight Game: Tell us how the bout came to be and training?

Christian: This bout against Joey Alday was the hardest bout I’ve had in my career. In all my other fights I would try to brawl and turn it into a street fight but I knew I had to really dig inside and change my style into a boxing style. I sparred Jon Bryant, Gary Bailey and worked with Rick Manzanares on my boxing skills. It was an 8 day notice so I had to make it happen.

I thought I was looking all the rounds honestly but I knew my experience of tough fights would kick in, in the later rounds. I was really patient and I told my trainer in one of the rounds that Alday’s power was diminishing. I also told my corners (Jesse Reid and Jason Parillo)  that I was going to set up my left hook and counter Aldays left hook because he was landing it a lot. Alday tried to break me down mentally and physically but my experience helped a lot and in the 4th round he was in the corner and I threw a simple 1,2,3 and he fell face first. It was the hardest fight of my career but I had God on my side that night.

Utah Fight Game: So what are your fight plans for the future?

Christian: My plans for the future are to avenge my losses but first I will be fighting in November. I don’t know with who but I will fight anybody, anywhere, any time. I give my Lord and savior all the glory and I’m thankful for those who have been with me through the good and the bad.

ONE MORE BOXING NOTE: Larry Gomez, undefeated and with a win over Christian on his record, said last week he plans to fight in November. More information coming soon, he added.

Siler advances to final of MMA million-dollar tourney

Last Friday night, in New Orleans, on national television (NBCSports network) Northern Utah MMA professional Steven Siler advanced to the finals of the PFL featherweight tourney that offers $1 million to the winner. Siler, who has been on a major roll this year, outclassed Nazareno Malegarie in the quarterfinals and Alexandre de Almeida in the semifinals (his second win over Almeida in the tourney). The entire card is here.

The first bout, two rounds, was technically a draw, but Siler dominated the most-important round one, flooring Malegarie with a right hand. Because a draw would be decided by the winner of the first round advancing, Siler fought a conservative second and final round, avoiding wild swings by a desperate Malegarie. Siler advances after a draw of 20-18 (Siler) and 19-19 twice.

In the semifinal bout, Siler dominated a round-plus against de Almedia, who the Utah fighter had stopped last summer in a preliminary non-knockout round of the tournament. Early in round two, de Almedia was disqualified when, on the ground, he landed an illegal left upkick to the right side of Siler's face, who was kneeling above him.

On New Year's Eve, in a nationally televised match, Siler will fight Lance Palmer in the finals with the winner earning a $1 million purse. Palmer defeated Andre Harrison in the other semi-final bout. Last year, Palmer scored a decision win over Siler.  ... Also, Saturday night Utahn Sean O'Connell fights -- potentially twice -- in the 205 pound PFL quarter/semifinals in the tournament. One the undercard is often-Utah MMA pro Ramsey Nijem.

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Mountain Force MMA had a fight card last Saturday in Logan. Results are here at Jeffrey "Dutch" Dutcher's Utah Fighting Out of Utah MMA news. In the main bout for an 145-pound amateur belt, Tyson Craig stopped Lee Critchlow. In a pro bout, 170 pounds, Aaron Chambers stopped Andy Pitcher.

-- This Friday night in Salt Lake City SteelFist has a card (here). In pro bouts Nick Clem fights Nick Burgos for the promotion's 125-pound belt, Carson Gregory fights Kerry Lattimer (170 pounds) and Dom Gero fights Tracy Hardy, 185 pounds.

In amateur title bouts, Hayden Brown and Lehi Dominguez meet, 170 pounds, Jordan Marshall meets Robby Minor, 125 pounds, and Thomas Preistridge fight Justin Horsely, 135 pounds.

The card is at the Union Events Center, 235 N. 500 West. Fights start at 7 pm

--- A host of local amateur boxers are in Tennessee fighting in a regional championship. We'll try to get results next week.

Interview with MMA referee Bobby Wombacher; fight results

We have a treat for Utah Fight Game readers today. A chat with a veteran MMA referee who has worked the cage in 26 states more than 2,500 times in the past several years. His name is Bobby Wombacher (seen in several photos) and he'll be the referee in Logan this Saturday night for the Mountain Force MMA card. Bobby has worked with the UFC, Bellator and other top promotions. He has a fascinating, extremely interesting history of hard work and dedication  to share and we're grateful he's taken the time to speak with us.

FIRST, a brief recap of the past week in the Utah fight game ... At the Bellator 205 card last weekend, Ben Moa, SteelFist heavyweight champ, was stopped in round 1 by Steve Mowry via an Anaconda submission. Ben was injured second after the opening bell. Davis County's Sean Powers, 190 pounds, lost a split decision to undefeated Jarod Trice. This was an even bout with Powers hurting Trice just before the final bell. And Bryce Edminister, 145 pounds, stopped Leon Taylor in round 2. Other winners with local ties included Andrew Cruz and Vince Morales. ... In boxing matches Justin Morales, undefeated welterweight, polished off Tyron Settles with a body shot in round one in a bout in Columbia, S.C. And in Joplin Mo., MMA pro Ed Whitmore, of Utah, in a boxing match, suffered an unintentional head butt against Joseph Carriker. Whitmore was stopped prior to the final round due to the severity of the cut. 

NOW, ON TO THE INTERVIEW WITH REFEREE BOBBY WOMBACHER ...

Utah Fight Game: Tell us how you got started in MMA and becoming a referee?

Wombacher: Just like many people I watched the UFC on VHS and Beta tapes in the beginning.  When it become more readily available for me on PPV, I wouldn't miss one.  I planned trips and vacations around being able to see the PPV, I was obsessed with the sport.  I traveled around and always believed I could do it.  

Then, I moved to Utah and had an opportunity to train.  During my training, I had a cyst on my left shoulder blade and they had to remove it.  After the surgery, it became infected and they had to open it back up and leave it open.  I had the pleasure of going back to the doctor every morning to have them pack it.  That was the absolute worst pain I can remember.  The doctor said I couldn't grapple or roll for 6 months because of the open wound.  I grew frustrated, because after all of the years of saying I could do it, I was finally doing it and this happened.  

I remembered a flyer of Herb Dean's Referee Course that I had obtained when I lived in Hollywood, CA.  I thought I would go referee for 6 months and then go back to fighting when my shoulder blade was better.  I mean being a referee was a piece of cake and anyone could do it.  Reality set it real quick when I arrived to Herb's course, this wasn't going to be easy and not everyone could do it.  I failed his course and was devastated.  

When I landed back in Utah, I contacted a fighter from the gym I trained at and asked for some help.  I knew the rules like the back of my hand; however being a referee was so much more than knowing rules.  I had to know what every hold was, how to apply it, and most importantly how to dissemble it.  Being a referee is all about fighter safety.  If you don't know what is happening, where the pressure and pain is, or how to break the hold safely; well then you aren't effective at your job.  If the referee isn't effective at his job, people get hurt.  

That fighter referred me to another fighter.  I went and had 1 x 1's with that fighter for a week and half, then back on a plane to take Kevin McDonald's course in Connecticut.  I passed that course and the rest is history.  In all, I have completed a total of 7 ABC-recognized referee courses, including going back and passing Herb Dean's; the only course I had failed!  After passing the course, it was time to get in the cage, because I had passed the course.  

Again, another rude awakening was in store for this guy.  That just isn't the way it works.  The course gives you a piece of paper of completion and the acknowledgment that you passed the approved course.  However; it does not say you are capable of being a referee.  Now it was time for the sacrifice and the journey to truly begin.  Did the chicken come before the egg or did the egg come before the chicken?  I kept being told as I reached out to many commissions across the country, "You need cage experience".  The problem is without cage experience, people wouldn't give you a chance; however if you don't get the chance, you will never gain the cage experience.  

I passed my first test in May 2012 and couldn't get an opportunity to step foot in the cage.  I started judging to apply the new found skillset of being a referee and judge.  I loved judging, but I knew I wanted to be a referee.  I kept contacting other commissions all over and kept being shot down.  I must have heard 50 - 100 no's.  I'm positive they were tired of me emailing and calling; because I was relentless in my pursuit of what I wanted.  I would make sure I reached out every 30 days or so, just to remind them I was here. 

 Finally, on my way to judge a local Utah promotion, SteelFist, in October of 2012; the Utah Executive Director, Bill Colbert, called my cell phone.  I was heading to the venue in downtown Salt Lake City and was about 15 minutes away.  I will never forget that phone call.  Bill asked me if I wanted to ref a couple of fights that night.  Now reality was setting in and of course I said "heck yeah." In that moment, I begin to think, holy crap am I ready?  Bill then asked if I happened to have my referee attire.  I informed Bill I did, because I took it to every show just in case the time came.  I hung up the phone and started calling everyone I knew.  

This journey wasn't a solo flight, there were so many people taking it with me.  I called the instructors from the ABC courses I took and frantically was searching for the silver bullet and reassurance that I was ready.  I arrived at the venue and was mentally preparing.  About 15 minutes before the show began, I remember going to the restroom and throwing up a few times.  The anticipation of this moment and the nerves were getting me.  I stepped in the cage that night and fell in love with the task at hand.  The fire had officially been lit and I knew I could do this.  I have spent the past 6 years going state to state and getting in the cage on any occasion.  

At this time, this is my full-time job.  I have been honored to be in the cage for over 2,500 fights now.  I have been blessed with stepping foot in the cage/ring in 26 different states.  I have done multiple UFC's, Bellator's, LFA's, RFA's, etc.  I truly love my job and I am blessed to be given the opportunity to do it.  I don't get the opportunity to be in the cage as much as I like in my home state, due to my other commitments.  However; whenever I step into the cage in Utah, it has a different meaning to me.  This is where I started and where my journey began.  So on September 29 in Logan, Utah........I'm home!

Utah Fight Game: You have a connection to Utah. Tell us about that.

Wombacher: I started training for MMA when I moved to Utah.  Utah is where I stepped in the cage for the first time.  Utah is where my kids live.  This is home and the fans are so passionate in Utah.  I love being in the cage in Utah and love talking to as many people as I can when I'm at the venue.  This will always be home and any opportunity I get to get in the cage here, I will cherish it.  

The commission in Utah has seen me grow from infancy to today.  I'm so grateful for their trust and belief in what I do.  They stood behind me in the beginning and still stand behind me.  Their support means more to me than I could ever express.  Without them, there would be no Referee Bobby Wombacher!

Utah Fight Game: What's the most important traits a cage referee needs to know to do a great job?

Wombacher: There is a difference between being a referee and being a good referee.  Passing a course or putting on the attire and stepping in the cage categorizes you as a referee.  There are many of those.  There are many people that think they are a good referee because they used to fight or they go to the gym.  That just isn't a fact, beyond popular belief.  

A good referee knows the rules, knows the holds, knows what is going on in there whether it is standing or on the ground, knows their only job is fighter safety, knows that many people are going to blame them for whatever happens (whether it is warranted or not), knows that if they don't have thick skin they will be consumed and spit out, can make a split second decision, is decisive, knows where he/she is supposed to be during the fight at all times, etc.  

There are so many things that happen in the cage during a fight and if a referee isn't in the proper position ALL the time, they can and will miss things.  Some of those things can cost a fighter a fight.  In this sport, the reality is it can create unnecessary injuries as well.  I believe every fighter, regardless if they are an amateur having their first fight or a pro on their 30th fight, deserves the absolute best officials.  

I take that very serious and I am committed to every fighter, their coach's, the fans, the promoter, the commission, and to myself to be my very best every night I'm in the cage.  An off night can get someone hurt, there is no time to have an off night.

Utah Fight Game: Have you worked for Bellator or UFC? I believe you have. What's it like? Any different than SteelFist or MFMMA?

Wombacher: I have done multiple UFCs and Bellators.  I get asked all the time was I nervous and what it is like.  Before my first UFC, I was very nervous.  Again, you begin to think, "am I ready?"  My first UFC was on July 13, 2016 from Sioux Falls, SD.  I remember arriving at the venue and the other referees that night were Big John, Herb Dean, and Kevin McDonald.  All guys who had mentored me and helped me (to this day those gentleman are on speed dial when needed and always are there for me).  

I was really nervous and I remember Big John passing me in the locker room and asking me if I was ready.  I felt I gave a very credible and stern, heck yeah.  Obviously he could see right through me and knew I was nervous as a son of gun.  He looked me in my eyes and said, "you are here for a reason and you are going to do a great job.  Just don't ** it up!"  He then walked away, I was laughing and the nerves were gone.  

I had done a handful of Bellators up to this point, even being on the card with Big John while doing Bellator.  When the lights went down for the beginning of the broadcast, I was ready.  I had the first fight that night.  The lights came on and it was just a cage in a different city for a different promotion.  I treat every fight I do, like it is in front of millions of people.  This is the greatest sport and it is such an honor to step foot in the cage with these amazing athletes.

Utah Fight Game: What are your future goals as a referee?

Wombacher: My goals remain the same.  I want to be in the cage wherever there is one on any given day.  Being in the cage has given me so many opportunities outside of the cage.  I utilize the notoriety that I have to give back in every community I can.  I love going and talking to kids in the hospital, speaking at the Boys and Girls Clubs across the country, helping the autistic community, having parents send me messages about kids that want to meet me and surprising them when I come to an area near them, and any other opportunity I get to help someone.  This sport has given me so many blessings and I am eternally grateful for all of them.  

You can follow my fan page on Facebook at MMA Referee Bobby Wombacher and on Instagram at referee_bobby_wombacher.  I update where I'm at and what I'm doing there regularly.

Thanks so much Bobby for chatting with us. We have an enormous amount of respect for what you've accomplished. ... Let's talk some about the card you'll be at. The main pro bout at the Mountain Force MMA 5 card matches Anthony Miller and Jaime Hernandez, 135 pounds. Another pro bout matches Andy Pitcher versus Aaron Chambers, 170 pounds. The amateur bouts include an 145-pound promotional belt match between Lee Critchlow and Tyson Craig. It's at the Eccles Ice Arena in Logan at 7 p.m. Saturday. See the poster below.

Interview with boxer Justin Morales; more news

Above (at right) is undefeated pro welterweight Justin Morales, who stopped opponent Anthony Ayala in round 1 in a May bout in Layton. Saturday night in Columbia, S.C., Morales, a Northridge High graduate who lives in Clinton, fights Kelton Davis. We  chatted with Morales a few days before his bout.

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Before we get to the interview I want to mention that Friday in Boise, Idaho there's a Bellator card and three local fighters will be tussling in the preliminary card, which will be streamed at Bellator.com and various other sites. In a fight that's getting a lot of ink, heavyweight Ben Moa, 4-0, of One Hit MMA, will meet another undefeated prospect, Steve Mowry, 4-0. Also, Sean Powers, Fruit Heights, of Power MMA, 9-6,will be in the Bellator cage for the fourth time, and fights 3-0 Jared Trice, 190 pounds. And Bryce Edminister, Layton, who trains at KOA Kingdom, (1-1) meets debuting Leon Taylor, 145 pounds. And Andrew Cruz, who fights out of Idaho and has fought in Utah, is also on the card. Here is the entire Bellator 205 card; main bouts will be televised at 7 on Paramount Network.

Some quick notes: Mountain Force MMA has an MMA card Saturday, Sept. 30 in Logan; Undefeated pro boxer Ignacio Chairez plans to fight Oct. 6 in Wendover; Amateur fighter Kaecy Raddon, who usually fights as a kickboxer and mixed martial artist, has a boxing match in Colorado Saturday at a Sparta Combat League promotion; Both Raddon and Jarrett Kelton plan to compete in international amateur kickboxing competition in October; Ed Whitmore, an MMA professional, has a pro boxing match scheduled Saturday. He fights Joseph Carriker. It's in Joplin, Mo.; MMA pro Thomas Hughes will return to the cage on Dec. 1, I have heard, on a Sparta Combat League card; MMA pro Steven Siler's next bout in the televised PFL 145-pound tourney is Oct. 5. He meets Nazareno Malegerie.

NOW, ON TO THE INTERVIEW WITH JUSTIN MORALES:

Utah Fight Game: Justin, how did the September bout come about? How is training going, where, who is trainer, who are you sparring with?

Morales: My fight Sept 22nd came about because I wanted to stay active fighting and my coach has a good relationship with the promoter of the show so he lined me up. Training has been going great, I can feel myself improving both mentally and physically. I currently live in Las Vegas and train with Hall Of Fame Coach Jesse Reid. If we aren't at our home gym it's likely we are either at Johnny Tacos Boxing or Barry's Boxing sparring with various pros at those gym to get different looks!

Utah Fight Game: When do you think we'll see you in Utah again?

Morales: If all goes well I'd like to fight in Utah before the years end. No later than next summer for sure though.

Utah Fight Game: Where would you like to be a year from now in your pro career?

Morales: In a year from now hopefully my professional career is really starting to take off, I'd like to possibly fight for a Super Lightweight State Title or any opponent that would help boost my ranking!

Good luck this weekend Justin, and thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

Weekend results, O'Connell fights on PFL tonight

Above are several photos, courtesy of fight photographer Justin Hughes, of local boxer Christian Aguirre's bout in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday against undefeated Sagadat Rakhmankul. Christian is in the red trunks. The bout was streamed on ESPN Plus. It was a spirited with the more aggressive Aguirre, 7-3, dropping a decision to counterpunching Rakhmankul (3-0).

In Las Vegas, local MMA amateur Joe Flores (4-1), suffered his first loss to Billy Elekana (4-0-1) via RSC Round 2, in a 205-pound Sparta Combat League amateur title bout on Saturday.

And Kaecy Raddon this past weekend scored an amateur kickboxing win in Augusta, Ga., in a WAKO international event. (Pictures of the bout are here). Raddon, along with Ogden's Jarrett Kelton, will be competing in a WAKO even in October in Mexico.

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Tonight Utah MMA pro Sean O'Connell fights on national TV (NBCSports) against Bazigit Ataev in round 2 of the tournament's light heavyweight division. O'Connell has already qualified to move on in the $1 million tourney but can improve his seed with another win.

Utah amateur Brittany Guillemin, of One Hit MMA, will fight on a Tuff N Uff MMA card in Las Vegas on Nov. 16.

Finally, former UFC fighter Clay Collard of Utah, who has recently picked up a couple of SteelFist title belts, has signed with Final Fight Championships. He will fight for a FFC belt in Las Vegas on Oct. 5.

... One more thing: Louie's Boxing gym tells us that  Deserree Shines Jamison, Maryquen V and Stephanie Clausen will be going to California to fight in Beautiful Brawlers tournament. Coach Manuel Soto will be in their corner. The bouts are on Sept. 1 and title belts go to winners.

Moa to fight on Bellator, Aguirre boxes on Top Rank card

Former football player Ben Moa, who trains out of One Hit MMA in Layton and is 4-0 as a pro, including a SteelFist heavyweight title, has received a big break. He fights on Bellator 205 in Boise in a bout that will be streamed.

But it's a tough assignment. Ben will meet another 4-0 heavyweight, Steve Mowry, who is 6 foot 8 inches tall and considered a top prospect. Here's a story. We wish Ben the best success with this opportunity.

Also on the Bellator card is pro Bryce Edminister, who trains at KOA Kingdom in Layton. He fights  Leon Taylot. And Sean Powers of Sunset, owner and head coach at Power MMA, fights Jared Trice. All will be streamed as part of Bellator 205 preliminary card, There's a lot of local fighters to cheer for that night.

AGUIRRE ON TOP RANK BOXING

As we have mentioned, pro boxer Christian Aguirre has a big fight Saturday in Glendale, Arizona. He meets undefeated Sagadat Rakhmankulov in an 8 round bout.

... Also, undefeated amateur MMA heavyweight Joe Flores, of Brigham City, fights in Las Vegas Satutrday for the Sparta Combat League belt. He meets Billy Elekana. Card is here. (Photo of both competitors is shown above)

... And Kaecy Raddon, who is a world-class amateur kickboxer, fights in a WAKO tournament in Augusta, Ga., Saturday against an Australian team. You can purchase a stream of the card here.

Owens, Munoz MMA winners in Ogden

Here's a quick Utah Fight Game update: Last Friday night at the Weber County Fair in Ogden, Jeremy Horn's Elite Fight Night put on its 30th card. (Above see a photo of amateur Eric Munoz getting his hand raised against opponent Graham McMillan, 185 pounds. Photo is courtesy of Ruben Munoz, originally posted on Facebook)

Card results are here. In the main pro bout, Anthony Miller decisioned Casey Beckstead. In the pro co-main, 150 pounds, and  Ha'va Nathan Owens stopped Steve Chan in round 2, 135 pounds. On the Facebook Utah MMA page Fighting Out of Utah MMA News, Jeffrey "Dutch" Dutcher said it was a great bout, adding "I could watch these two fight every weekend. Great show of sportsmanship as well."

Besides Munoz, another amateur bout saw Juan Alcantar stop Jon Sellers in round three, 150 pounds.

One note; a September MMA bout that was to have matched comebacking pros Mike Crisman and Eric Tillotson has been pushed back after Tillotson injured his hamstring while training.

Chat with Christian Aguirre, Horn MMA card at fair

Let's start with some boxing. Christian Aguirre, (see above at right) who recently lost a tough fight to Larry Gomez in Layton, has been quite active. In fact, a week after his loss to Gomez, he traveled to Connecticut and lost an eight-round decision at Foxwoods Resort to Jimmy Williams, who holds a national welterweight title. And Aguirre, later this month, will fight on a televised Top Rank card Aug. 25 in Phoenix, meeting undefeated Sagadat Rakhamankulov. Aguirre is training with a boxing legend, Jesse Reid. Utah Fight Game chatted with Christian as he prepared for the fight later this month.

UFG: What do you know about Rakhamankulov? Are you excited to fight with Top Rank?

Aguirre: I don't know much about Sagadat but I know I'm going into the ring ready to fight. Yes, I am excited to fight for Top Rank but even more excited for that bell to ring.

UFG: Tell us what it's like to train with Jesse Reid? Who else are you working with in the gym? Are you spending more time out of state?

Aguirre: Jesse Reid is an honest man that only wants the best for me. I've been training in Las Vegas for this upcoming fight. I live with my sparring partner, Tommy Hartshauer, and boxing is all we focus on.

UFG: What are your goals over the next year?

Aguirre: My goals over the next year are to continue to work in the gym and improve on my skills. I'll most likely fight in Mexico in September and then fight in Utah in October.

We wish Christian the best later this month in Phoenix.

MMA

Tomorrow night is the Horn's Elite card at the Weber County Fair in Ogden. I'm intrigued by one pro bout, debuting Ha'va Nathan Owens versus Steve Chan. Both were good amateurs. Chan, in his second bout, lost his pro debut to the very talented Miles Welk. An amateur bout matches Eeric Munoz against Graham McMillan. The entire card is here.

SteelFist results from last Friday are here and here. In pro fights, AJ Garcia stopped Karl Grace very early and and Leo Plaz stopped Joe Rodriguez in 2. .... Mountain Force MMA had a card in Pocatello last Saturday. Kerry Lattimer scored a win in one of the pro bouts.

Lattimer will be facing Carson Gregory in the next SteelFist card. Also fighting opponents on that card are pro Dominic Gero, amateur Hayden Brown, and amateur Xasha Lopez, who recently dropped a decision in Wyoming. In a pro flyweight promotional title fight, Nicky Barz meets Nicholas Clem. The card is Oct. 12 in Salt Lake City.

SteelFist card Friday, interview with Brandon Rease

Tomorrow night SteelFist MMA has a pro/am card in Salt Lake City at the Union Event Center. Interesting pro main event matches Joe Rodriguez, of One Hit MMA, and University of Grappling,, on a comeback, fighting Leo Pla, 205 pounds. Also fighting in a pro bout is AJ Garcia, of One Hit MMA, who meets (I think Karl Grace). Garcia had an opponent pull out recently so this is a late substitute. He recently had an opponent pull out at the Mountain Force MMA Pat Reeves Fight Night.

An intriguing amateur title bout matches Brandon Rease, (seen above at right in a previous bout) who fights at 125 pounds, against Robby Miner. It will be the second bout for the pair. Rease won the first via a stoppage due to strikes. Card starts at 7 p.m. More info on tickets at the SteelFist website. Next week we'll look at the upcoming MMA card at the Weber County Fairgrounds from Jeremy Horn's Elite Fight Night.

Here's an interview Utah Fight News had with Rease as he prepares for the SteelFist title bout with Miner.

Utah Fight Game: Brandon, you just won an amateur belt. How does it feel to go after another?

Rease: Yes I’m very excited to get a chance to win another belt I never thought I would be able to do that in my Ammy career. Utah Fight Game: How has your game improved recently?

Rease: I’ve change a lot I’ve been working on a lot on my kick boxing and strength and conditioning

Utah Fight Game: Tell us how training is going? Rease: I’ve been training with a lot of (fighters) at KOA Kingdom like Bobby King, Bryce Edminister, Bryce Scanlon, Miles Welk, Edgar Soto, Alonzo Salas and Hector Lopez.

Utah Fight Game: What's up for the future?

Rease: After this fight I plan on defending one of my belts and going pro.

Good luck to Rease, Miner and all the competitors at the card on Friday night. It'll be a great night of fights.

If you are in Pocatello, Idaho, on Saturday night Mountain Force MMA has a card there. One bout matches Kerry Lattimer against Billy Carothers. Here is the promotion's Facebook page.

SOME BOXING

This weekend, Friday and Saturday, there is amateur boxing at South Salt Lake PAL. Here is the Facebook Page for the 2018 Pete Suazo Invitational. ... Both Larry Gomez and Christian Aguirre may have pro bouts soon. Gomez may fight in Washington and Aguirre is slated to fight on a Top Rank card in Arizona. Hopefully both bouts, or others, will develop.

Junior national Golden Gloves, another big win for Siler

We're back after a summer vacation from blogging again. Utah Fight Game was at the National Junior Golden Gloves tournament in Mesquite, Nevada, and we'd like to congratulate Sol Rodriguez, of Louie's Gym in Salt Lake City. She took the championship in the girl's 13-14 114 pounds division. Channel 13 news has since done a well-deserved feature on Sol's triumph. You can see it here.

Other Utahns who made it to the finals include Valentin Sanchez, 9-10, 65 pounds, and Aaron Garcia, 15-16, 90 pounds, both from Unbreakable Gym in Payson. It was a great experience watching these fights. It's literally a look at the future of boxing. Above is a photo of trainer Aaron Garcia of Unbreakable prepping his son, Austin, for a quarterfinal bout. At the end of this post there will be a few other photos.

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Last night in Denver two fighters, one with past ties to Utah, and another from Utah, won Sparta Combat League amateur title belts. Kaecy Raddon, who trains with Bang Muay Thai in Colorado and used to train at One Hit MMA in Layton, is the SCL amateur champ in kickboxing, 165 pounds, earning a split decision over Brandon Taylor. I watched the bout and scored it 30-27 for Kaecy, who was more aggressive. And Hayden Brown, of Centerville is the SCL 190 pound amateur  champ, MMA, after stopping William Vandervier in round one. Watch the entire card here at the promotion's FB page.

Tonight, Xasha Lopez, an amateur MMA fighter from Team Link in Layton, fights in Laramie, Wyo., on a Mountain Force MMA card. She meets Nateece Tovar.

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Also, last week on national television, MMA pro Steven Siler advanced to round three of the Professional Fighters League tournament. Siler stopped former WSOF champ Alexandre Almeida in 34 seconds. He received a referee's submission call shortly after dropping his opponent. Siler leads the competition with 12 points.

Next week we will preview MMA cards from SteelFist and Jeremy Horn's and finally talk some more about pro boxing. I've heard things about some of our leading boxers' plans.

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MORE PHOTOS FROM THE national junior Golden Gloves, some Utah boxers. From Top: 1) Colin Tuilevuka, in red; 2) Joe Gibson, in corner listening to trainer Dave Foley with second Brian Tiffany looking on; 3) Mateo Holt, in blue; 4) Carson Matthews, in blue; and 5) Vinnie Apodaca, in gold.

Siler fights on TV Thursday, SteelFist card announced

Steelfist announced its next MMA card for August 3. Pro bouts include the return of Joe Rodriguez and AJ Garcia meeting opponents. Fighting as an amateur will be Brandon Rease. The entire card is here. The fights are at the Union Event Center in SLC.

MMA pro Steven Siler continues in the nationally televised Professional Fighters League featherweight MMA tournament (round 2) Thursday night. The card is PFL # 4 and Siler's fight against Alexandre de Almeida is on the NBCSN cable TV network telecast (Xfinity 34), which starts at 7 p.m. MST.

MORE NEWS: MMA/kickboxer Kaecy Raddon, originally out of Utah who now fights out of Colorado, will compete for the Sparta Combat League 165-pound kickboxing title on July 27 in Denver.

Fierce Fighting Championship in Price had an MMA card last Saturday that included the beginning matches of a pro lightweight tournament. Results are here at Jeffrey Dutcher's Fighting Out of Utah MMA news Facebook page.

Finally, MMA professional and enthusiast Eric Tillotson is making a comeback, at age 50, in the cage. He'll be competing Sept. 29 on an MMA card, in Logan, promoted by Mountain Force MMA promotions.

ONE MORE THING -- Good luck to Utah amateur boxers competing this week in Mesquite, Nevada, at the Junior National Golden Gloves.

Update on local MMA, boxing action

A short post today from the blog, after returning from vacation. One June 23, Mountain Force MMA had its Pat Reeves Fight Night MMA card in Logan. In a pro bout, Ogden's Dominic Gero scored a win. Another Ogden fighter, Joe Flores, won an amateur title fight and Ogden's Eric Munoz lost via decision in another amateur title bout. Full results are here.

In a SteelFist MMA card in Salt Lake City on June 29, Ben Moa, of One Hit MMA, successfully defended his SteelFist heavyweight professional title, In the co-main pro bout, returning LJ Schulz, of One Hit MMA, scored a win over veteran James Russell Francis, who announced his retirement after the bout. Amateur winners included Hayden Brown and Jordan Marshall. Full results are here.

At a Tuff N Uff card in Las Vegas on June 30, Destiny McCubbin came up short in a strawweight title bout, losing via third-round stoppage to undefeated Mandiau. This was an exciting that can be viewed on TuffNUff's Facebook page. After being rocked in the first round, McCubbin rallied in round 2. The third round was being fought on even term until McCubbin was floored by a shot from Mandiau. The fight was stopped shortly afterward, a decision many fans disagreed with.

Also, Steven Siler's next bout in the Professional Fighters League tournament is set. The pro MMA featherweight will meet Alexandre de Almeida July 19 in Long Island, NY. Card is here.

AMATEUR BOXING:

There was a 28-bout amateur card at Clearfield Aquatic Center on June 30. It was organized by Lights Out Gym's Julian Stevens. Channel 13 did a great story on it that is available here. Winners included Jon Bryant of Lights Out, Shakeem Barnwell and Jay Wright, Foley's gym, and Mateo Holt, of Louie's gym. Speaking of Louie's, the gym is having a fundraiser/car show this Saturday. Details are here.

Chats with James Francis, Kelsey Skillman and Destiny McCubbin

This week includes a couple of chats with MMA fighters competing at the Friday June 29 SteelFist MMA card at the Union Event Center in Salt Lake City (Doors open at 6 p.m.). James Russell Francis takes on returning LJ Schulz in the co-main three round event. They’re featherweights. Francis, in his career, holds a pair of wins over Daniel Stratton and fought Steven Siler earlier in his career.

Here’s our chat with Francis:

JAMES RUSSELL FRANCIS

Utah Fight Game: What got you interested in MMA, who are some MMA athletes you admire? Where are you training for the bout. Who are your coaches? What other fighters are training, or sparring with you? What are your strengths, what are your opponent’s strengths and what’s your strategy to come out on top? Where do you hope to be in your career a year from now?

FRANCIS: I’ve been in the fight game for quite a while and I can definitely say why I took my first fight and why I decided to stay fighting are not the same. My next opponent LJ and I go way back. He is a very dangerous and talented opponent, so I look forward to the challenge that he brings to this fight. There is no doubt in my mind we will be fight of the night. Regardless if it ends in round one or round 3, I guarantee it will be the best fight. 

As far as my future, I’m climbing up the hill in age and my goals are to put focus on coaching and improving my coaching skills, along with other skills. I look to open my own MMA school in the next 5-8 years if possible. Nothing is set in stone for my future goals though as far as time frame... except that LJ is going to get a beating on Friday June 29th ha ha ha!! We both come from very high-quality gyms, but I will come out on top for this fight.

Also fighting on the card is Kelsey Skillman, (below) an amateur from KOA Kingdom gym in Davis County. Kelsey is fighting Shandra Sisneros. The bout’s at 135 pounds. Utah Fight Gamde  asked her the same questions.

KELSEY SKILLMAN

Skillman: I am 27, a single mom of two little girls and I own Salon Vibe in West Jordan. I started out just kickboxing to lose weight after dropping 50 pounds and being in the MMA gym consistently I decided I wanted to take a fight and fell in love with MMA and the MMA community. My biggest influences in MMA are my coaches David Castillo and Miles Welk. On an UFC level I like Thug Rose and Holly Holm. 

I train out of KOA Kingdom in Layton. My coaches are David Castillo, Miles Welk, Bobby King, and Anthony Lobato. We have a super strong team right now, I train with- Miles Welk, Bobby King, Bryce Edminster, Hector Lopez, Brandon Rease, Tyler Trantham, Bryce Scanlon, Edgar Sorto, Alonzo Salas, and Sammy Conners. 

 I'm known as a striker but I feel good standing or going to the ground. I don't know much about my opponent besides she's only had one fight. Strategy for the fight is just to stay focused and take it where ever I want it to go. 

This time next year we want to have a couple titles and just keep progressing in the sport.

MCCUBBIN FIGHTS IN LAS VEGAS

Destiny McCubbin, (below training on top) a Top of native who now lives in Las Vegas, is fighting for a Tuff N Uff amateur title in Las Vegas on June 30. Destiny is a popular fighter here who recently won on a Fitcon card. She fights Nadine Mandiau. We asked Destiny the same questions as the others.

DESTINY MCCUBBIN

McCubbin: I started my MMA Journey in 2014. I fought a lot growing up and once I turned 18 I got mixed up with the wrong crowd and was just going down a really ugly path. Once I hit rock bottom I woke up and realized I was not here to live this life I was living and decided to step into a MMA gym. That was summer of 2014 and since that day fighting has been my life. My dad and I would watch a lot of Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture when I was younger. Fighters I admire would be Rose Namajunas, Lomachenko, Triple GGG, Connor McGregor(for his work ethic) All of the fighters I train with are amazing. I admire anybody who works their ass off for a dream nobody can see but them.

I am training in Las Vegas at Xtreme Couture. My Head coach is Dennis Davis. He runs all of my practices and he as amazing fight IQ he can break down any opponent I face. Danny Davis is my strength and conditioning coach as well as my overall coach he is very good at his craft and always coaching me in every aspect of camp. I've been working with Max Rohskopf on my wrestling, He's a very high level wrestler/grappler, also a professional fighter. We just started working together but I plan keeping it going in and out of camp. My main partners for this camp have been a little bit of everybody honestly! Our team is always there for whatever I need. Cheyanne Vlismas is always there for sparring and drilling. Tai Emery has been working a lot of wrestling with me , she's been a huge help. She also is really great at sports massage so she keeps my body healthy! Josh Morales holds pads for me as well. mostly at night for the late night sweats after road work, we also work a lot of hand/eye coordination drills.

My strengths have grown a lot over the last few months. I am a striker but that isn’t all the tricks I have up my sleeve! I am confident wherever this fight goes, My teammates make sure I see every situation in the gym so nothing is unfamiliar in the cage. Nadine is a gritty striker with a purple belt in Jiu Jitsu so I expect a tough fight. The strategy is to just go out there and fight my fight. It can be a first round finish or a 3 round war. Either way I'm ready to play.

A year from now I'd like us to be ready to start taking things to the next level and preparing for the pros.Going to keep grinding In and Out of camp, the future is bright!

We wish all three of these fighters the best of luck, as well as to their opponents and all competitors on the SLC and Las Vegas cards.  ... A COUPLE OF NOTES: It's Pat Reeves Fight Night with Mountain Force MMA in Logan Saturday night. If you can't make it the card will be streamed on the FITE APP. It will cost $14.99 but the App is available free for download. I've used it on my Android often. ... Also, a couple of MMA pros with Utah ties are fighting tonight on national TV as part of a Professional Fighters League tournament. Sean Connell and Ramsey Nijam meet opponents on the card, with is aired on NBCSports (Xfinity 34) starting at 7 p.m.