RUF Nation introduced the warmth to Superstar Theatre in Phoenix this previous Saturday evening with RUF 66, delivering a stacked card of 12 fights that showcased Arizona’s finest newbie {and professional} MMA expertise. From lightning-fast knockouts to slick submissions, the night was full of motion that stored followers on their ft.
Skilled Division Delivers Explosive Finishes
The skilled ranks set the tone early with a sequence of devastating stoppages that had the Phoenix crowd roaring.
Maybe probably the most surprising second of the evening got here at 125 lbs when Oscar Garcia delivered a thunderous slam knockout over Jhimuel Natividad at simply 0:29 of spherical one. The end despatched shockwaves by way of Superstar Theatre and can undoubtedly be replayed throughout spotlight reels for weeks to come back.
Marcus Nash (@daamnkobe) made equally fast work of his 185 lb bout, touchdown a devastating knockout punch that ended Duane Johnson’s evening at simply 1:19 of the opening spherical. When Nash connects, fights do not go lengthy.
Within the grappling division, Zane Darlington (@zane_d35) showcased his submission expertise with a head and arm triangle end over Luis Jonathan Cruz de la Rosa at 1:35 of the primary spherical within the 175 lb division, whereas Alex Preissing (@alexpreissingmma) secured a rear bare choke over Alexander Carrillo at 2:41 of spherical one at 130 lbs.
Zane Darlington | Alex Preissing
The ladies’s divisions introduced technical excellence to the cage. Nadia Chmil (@nadiachmil) placed on a masterclass within the 135 lb division, incomes a unanimous resolution victory over Julia Frankman with scorecards studying 30-27, 29-27, and 30-27. Chmil managed the tempo throughout all three rounds, showcasing the talents that proceed to raise ladies’s MMA within the Southwest.
Ashley Deen (@ashley.n.deen) secured a hard-fought unanimous resolution over Jenna Williams at 125 lbs, with all three judges scoring it 29-28 in her favor.
Beginner Title Combat Crowns New Champion
The newbie ranks took heart stage when Dominic Rivera (@dominicfighterallday) captured newbie gold within the 125 lb title combat, incomes a unanimous resolution victory over Chasen Stephen. All three judges scored the aggressive bout 29-28, recognizing Rivera’s constant stress and technical execution throughout three hard-fought rounds. The newly topped champion proved he belongs on the high of Arizona’s newbie division.
Beginner Division Showcases Future Stars
RUF Nation’s newbie card proved as soon as once more why this promotion is a proving floor for Arizona’s subsequent era of fighters.
Isaac Zatarain (@zatarain.00) made a press release at 145 lbs, locking in a rear bare choke that pressured Antron Petty to faucet at 2:55 of spherical one. The submission got here after Zatarain showcased superior grappling transitions and again management.
In what could have been probably the most grueling end of the evening, Marcos Encinas (@marcosencinasmma) secured a TKO victory over Paul Alvarado at 125 lbs because of a medical stoppage attributable to a damaged jaw on the finish of spherical two. The harm highlighted the brutal actuality of fight sports activities and Encinas’ highly effective hanging.
Mitchell Wheeler (@mitchell._wheeler) earned a well-deserved unanimous resolution at 165 lbs over Seth Stucker, with judges scoring the bout 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28.
The quickest newbie end belonged to Nam Le, who landed a picture-perfect knockout over Zach Carter at 1:54 of spherical one within the 125 lb division. In the meantime, Denis Pino closed his 145 lb bout with a third-round TKO by way of strikes over Luis Munoz at simply 0:21 into the ultimate body.
View the Full Picture Gallery
We have been cage facet capturing each second of RUF 66, from walkouts to victory celebrations. Take a look at our free photograph gallery that includes unique photographs from all through the evening.
Keep tuned — we’ll be dropping extra photographs and video highlights all through the week as we proceed our protection of this unbelievable occasion.
RUF 66 proved as soon as once more why Phoenix stays one of many hottest MMA markets within the nation. With an ideal mix of newbie prospects and seasoned professionals, RUF Nation continues to ship must-see combat playing cards that showcase the depth of expertise within the Southwest.
Comply with @RUFNation and @MMAStalker on social media for full combat evening protection, behind-the-scenes content material, and updates on upcoming occasions.
