Grand Ronde, OR – Spirit Mountain Casino presents “Sport Fight XXVI – Domination” on October 2, 2009, an exciting, action-packed night of mixed martial arts featuring an 11-bout card with two title fights.
In the main event, Chad “The Show Stopper” Nelson (12-2-1), a fast-striking all around fighter from Eugene, takes on the reigning Sport Fight featherweight champion Enoch “The Animal” Wilson (15-6-1) in a five-round title fight.
In the evening’s co-main event, Josh “The Machine” Queen (12-0 amateur, 2-1 professional), a fast-striking freestyle fighter from Idaho takes on Mike “300” Hayes (6-2-1), a stand-up Muay Thai fighter from Kirkland, WA in a 5-round heavyweight title fight.
Tickets for the MMA event at the Spirit Mountain Casino Events Center are on sale now for $15, $30, $50 and $75 through Star Tickets Plus. Tickets can be purchased online at www.starticketsplus.com or by calling (800) 585-3737. With a seating capacity of 1,744, excellent seats can also be purchased at www.spiritmountain.com or at the casino Coyote Club desk. The first bout is scheduled for 8 p.m.; the doors open at 7 p.m. The previous event, SPORTFIGHT 25, at Spirit Mountain Casino sold out, so get your tickets now.
Chad Nelson, who started out as a kick boxer, is prepared to go the distance with Wilson. “I’ve seen Enoch over the years and I know that he’s a tough guy, so I’m coming ready to go all five,” said Nelson. “The only prediction I have for the fight is that it will be fast paced and exciting.”
Enoch Wilson, a Team Quest instructor in Tualatin who began his career fighting multiple styles in No Holds Barred matches, is looking for the KO. “Chad is a very well rounded mixed martial artist. He is a dangerous striker and has a good submission game,” said Wilson. “With that said, I have only one primary focus and function when I get in the ring with Chad and that is to wreck shop by any and all means necessary. As usual, I will be searching for the KO; however, I am an opportunist and I will take the win wherever it presents itself.”
Josh Queen made his MMA professional debut in a heavyweight title fight against Jeremiah Constant, which he won by submission with a rear naked choke just six seconds prior to the end of the first round. Six months later, he defended that title against Josh Bennett, a freestyle fighter from Washington. Queen defeated Bennett 2 minutes, 16 seconds into the first round with what has become his signature move, the rear naked choke.
Mike Hayes started training for MMA two years ago and quickly established a strong amateur record. He went pro last February on the first Strikeforce show with a win over multiple belt holder Matt Kovacs. Hayes prefers to stand and bang, and has attracted a rapidly growing fan base due to his aggressive and exciting fight style.
Hayes says he is excited about his title fight with Josh Queen at Spirit Mountain Casino, and hopes that Queen will stand toe-to-toe and give the fans a true battle of big men.
SPORTFIGHT, founded in 2003 by Matt Lindland and Randy Couture, is the leading mixed martial arts promotion in the northwest and has produced a number of fighters for major MMA organizations including the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Pride FC, K-1, the International Fight League, BodogFIGHT and Elite XC.
About Spirit Mountain Casino:
Spirit Mountain Casino is the Northwest’s Premier Entertainment Destination. SMC opened its doors in October 1995. Named as Oregon’s #1 visitor destination for over a decade, Spirit Mountain offers the most dynamic gaming and entertainment options in the region with the opening of its brand new Mountain View Sports Bar and Raindrops Nightclub. The casino is located just 90 minutes west of Portland, nestled in the Willamette Valley’s coastal range.
Presenting the largest and most diverse gaming options in the Northwest, Spirit Mountain offers Nevada-style slots, blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, pai gow, keno and bingo throughout its spacious 90,000-square foot casino.
With 254 tastefully decorated rooms, including 14 elaborate suites, Spirit Mountain Lodge provides comfort and exemplary service for its overnight guests. Whether it’s fine cuisine at its signature Legends restaurant, enjoying Oregon’s largest buffet at Cedar Plank, or trying one of the other food outlets, patrons have a variety of high-quality dining options. Spirit Mountain Casino is an enterprise of The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. For more information, please visit www.spiritmountain.com.
