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“Rage in the Cage,” a mixed martial arts (MMA) show where matches take place inside a steel cage, returns to New Mexico at Santa Ana Star Casino on August 15. The event will pit fighters from Arizona against those from New Mexico, including 145-pound Adrian Cruse and 140-pound Steve Garcia of Rio Rancho,
in a rematch of last year’s contest where New Mexico fighters won the competition and were named “Best of the Southwest.”
Fighters from Arizona will once again challenge fighters from New Mexico who will defend their title. “We expect New Mexico fighters to put up another tough competition, but Arizona fighters will be out for retribution. They will be looking to redeem themselves on behalf of their state, in the eyes of their fans, and for regional bragging rights,” said Roland Sarria, founder of “Rage in the Cage.”
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The other half of the two-fight main event will feature Edwin Dewees, a three-time UFC veteran, participant in UFC’s “The Ultimate Fighter” on Spike TV, and a former “Affliction” title contender. Dewees, who has participated in 48 previous fights and will be representing Arizona, is making his MMA debut in New Mexico against Albuquerque’s Eric McElroy who fights out of Jackson's Gaidojutsu Academy. To date, 18 matches have been arranged featuring 12 New Mexico vs. Arizona bouts.
Main Event
New Mexico Fighter (175 lbs.) vs. Drew Fickett (175 lbs.)
Eric McElroy (Albuquerque, 215 lbs.) vs. Edwin Dewees (215 lbs.)
Semi-Main Event
Brad Nordquist (Alamogordo, 180 lbs.) vs. Dellan Langellier (180 lbs.)
Philip Luceras (Albuquerque, 290 lbs.) vs. JoJo Thompson (290 lbs.)
Freddy Sandoval, Jr. (Albuquerque, 190 lbs.) vs. Kelvin Davis (190 lbs.)
Featured New Mexico vs. Arizona bouts
Joe Torrez (Las Cruces, 155 lbs.) vs. Michael King (155 lbs.)
Jimmy Melek (Albuquerque, 145 lbs.) vs. Lucas Stark (145 lbs.)
Oneseno Mirival (Belen, 205 lbs.) vs. Mike Moritz (205 lbs.)
Robbie Gutierrez (Las Cruces, 160 lbs.) vs. Dock Phelps (160 lbs.)
Derek Hess (Socorro, 160 lbs.) vs. Ruben Gonzales (160)
Joe Valenzuela (Belen, 145 lbs.) vs. Eric Rios (145 lbs.)
Norman Martinez (Las Vegas, 155 lbs.) vs. Eddie Jacobs (155 lbs.)
Manny Aguilar (Las Cruces, NM 185 lbs.) vs. Robert Montiel (Albuquerque, 185 lbs.)
Christian Loera (Albuquerque, NM 145 lbs.) vs. Matt Goff (Alamogordo, 145 lbs.)
James Barerras (Albuquerque, NM 185 lbs.) vs. Chris Harding (Albuquerque, 185 lbs.)
Adrian Cruse (Rio Rancho, 145 lbs.) vs. Freddy Crosby (Albuquerque, 145 lbs.)
Steve Garcia (Rio Rancho, 140 lbs.) vs. Freddie Crosby (Albuquerque, 140 lbs.)
Jeremy Montaño (Albuquerque, 145 lbs.) vs. Victor Masayesva (Jemez Pueblo/Norfolk, VA 145 lbs.)
Derek Hess (NM 160 lbs.) vs. Ruben Gonzales (NM 160 lbs.)
Russell Wilson (NM 145 lbs.) vs. Jesse Jallamio (NM 145 lbs.)
Steve Garcia (140 lbs.) vs. Jesse Long (Albuquerque, 140 lbs.)
The fight card is subject to change.
“Santa Ana Star Casino is proud to welcome ‘Rage in the Cage’ back to New Mexico. MMA is one of the fastest growing sports in New Mexico and we are excited to present a great night of sports entertainment to our guests,” said Scott Eldredge, general manager of Santa Ana Star Casino.
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, “Rage in the Cage” has been producing MMA shows for more than 10 years and will be holding its second event in New Mexico. Founded by Sarria, “Rage in the Cage” is a battle arena in which fighters use jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, submission, grappling, muay thai, and many other forms of martial arts. Sarria is also the founder of other MMA events including “Rage in the Ring,” “Desert Quest Champion,” and three “Rage in the Cage Training Centers” in Arizona. Sarria was the first MMA promoter to be sanctioned by the Arizona Boxing Commission. He has also trained hundreds of “Rage in the Cage” veterans, and developed three Ultimate Fighting Championship veterans.
The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. in the casino’s Bosque Event Center.
Tickets can be purchased through the Santa Ana Star Casino Player’s Club or at www.starticketsplus.com and cost between $30 and $50 if purchased in advance. Tickets are also available the day of the event and will cost between $35 and $55.
The weigh-in, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Friday, August 14, at 2 p.m. at the casino.
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