For the first time in Utah history, the Ultimate Fighting Championship will hold a fight night at Vivint Arena on Saturday with 12 matches.
"Mixed martial arts is the fastest-growing combat sport in the world, and UFC is the home of MMA's best competitors," Greg Hughes, speaker of the Utah House of Representatives, said in a press release. "Utah has produced many elite fighters, and Utahns are big fight fans.”
The main card will feature featherweights Yair Rodriguez and Alex Caceres. Rodriguez has won six straight fights and is a perfect 4-0 inside the UFC octagon. Caceres is 2-0 since returning to the featherweight division in January. His last two opponents were Masio Fullen and Cole Miller.
The fight, however, that has many local fans excited is the welterweight bout with Utah native Court McGee. McGee, also known as “The Crusher,” is from Ogden and was a standout wrestler at Layton High. In 2007, McGee began his professional career in the UFC. His record is 18-5 and he is coming off a loss on April 16 to Santiago Ponzinibbio. McGee will face Dominique Steele, who is also coming off a loss, Saturday.
Other fighters will include Dennis Bermudez vs. Rony Jason; Zak Cummings vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio; Jason Novelli vs. David Teymur; Justin Ledet vs. Chase Sherman; Chris Camozzi vs. Thales Leites; Joseph Gigliotti vs. Trevor Smith; Justine Kish vs. Maryna Moroz; Marcin Tybura vs. Viktor Pesta; Horacio Gutierrez vs. Teruto Ishihara; and Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Cub Swanson.
Tickets can be purchased at vivintsmarthomearena.ticketoffices.com. Weigh-ins are open to the public and will take place from 4-5:30 p.m. Doors will open to the public at 3:30 p.m., and the first bout is at 4:30 p.m.
Carra McManamon is a native of Washington state and is attending the University of Utah. Contact her at c_mac22@hotmail.com or follow her on Twitter: @curramac22