MISSOULA — Stepping into the octagon at Ogren-Allegiance Park with over 1,000 fans watching takes courage.
Missoula and Polson mixed martial arts athletes will be competing in the Fusion Fight League’s Fights Under the Lights event on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Ten bouts are scheduled for the event.
Five of the Zootown competitors are from the local Dogpound Fight Team.
“We all love Missoula and showcasing our skills in front of our hometown is special,” said Matthew Powers, coach of the Dogpound team.
“These guys are hard workers with an old-school mindset. They are tough and I can’t wait to see them perform.”
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The amateur fighters from Missoula include Aemon Dottson-Kemp (125), Cameron Mason (135), Austin Sanders (145), Holden Kettenring (155), and Bodyn Graham (155).
Kettenring and Graham both won in the March event at the Adams Center. Kettenring’s record is now 3-1 after a unanimous decision win over Tyler Burton from Boise, Idaho. Graham improved to 2-0 after defeating Jacob Gatch of SBG Polson.
Most of the Missoula fighters will face opponents from Straight Blast Gym of Polson. The rivalry could attract an even larger crowd than the last event, which had around 1,200 fans.
“Missoula has been getting better turnouts. We may not have as many fans as Great Falls or Butte, but the ones who come are dedicated and knowledgeable about fighting,” noted Matthew Powers. “They understand the ground game and the energy from the crowd is exciting.”
The main title event on Saturday will feature middleweights Nate “The Northman” Lowe from Bigfork and AJ Hotchkins from Texas. The winner will receive a Fusion Fight League belt.
Tickets can be purchased at the Ogren-Allegiance Park entrance or online at: events.eventgroove.com/event/Fights-Under-The-Lights-Missoula-3-94385.
Bill Speltz is Missoulian Sports Editor. Email Bill at bill.speltz@406mtsports.com.
