The FIST-IVAL

Event notes

The nation's premier amateur MMA promotion returns to the venue for a one-of-a-kind spring "Fist-ival," complete with live fights, live music, beer sampling and gourmet food. "Tuff-N-Uff: The Future Stars of MMA" on April 7 welcomes fight fans to an evening featuring a full lineup of 15 total bouts, including four championship fights. "We received such positive feedback for our January event at South Point that we decided to do it again – only this time we're doing it even bigger and better," Tuff-N-Uff president Barry Meyer said. "We've scheduled five female fights for this card and we'll have four different championship belts on the line. Add in a live band, free beer sampling and gourmet food trucks, it's going to be a party you don't want to miss!" The "Fist-ival" pre-party starts at 5:30 p.m. and includes lives music and free beer sampling. The night's first fight is at 7 p.m. Tuff-N-Uff has promoted nearly 100 female MMA fights in recent years and has been instrumental in bringing female MMA to the forefront, producing the likes of current Strikeforce bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, who fought twice for the promotion. The night's featured female contests includes the final amateur contests of fighting twins Jillian (4-4) and Jocelyn Lybarger (3-2). The twin sisters of adult film star Dylan Ryder, both Lybarger twins are planning a move to the pro ranks following April's Tuff-N-Uff event. Jillian defends the Tuff-N-Uff 115-pound title against undefeated SoCal Fight Factory product Stephanie Gonzalez (4-0). Meanwhile, Jocelyn fights at 125 pounds against Team Quest's Ashley Yoder (2-2). In featured men's action, Xtreme Couture's Jake Swinney (5-2) meets undefeated Throwdown product Jake Malili (3-0) for Tuff-N-Uff's vacant 155-pound title. Swinney, a popular Las Vegas resident, seeks his first career championship while Malili looks to add to a trophy case that already holds a King of the Cage title. Additionally, One Kick Nick’s protégé heavy-handed knockout artist Carl Postma (2-0) defends his heavyweight championship against Sweet Science Boxing & MMA's David Sands (2-0) in a bout sure to deliver fireworks. Other bouts include the amateur debut of Humble Me Clothing president Marty Bindschatel (0-0), as well as the return of female model and fighter Jordan McDonald (4-2) vs. Texas native, Paulina Granados (2-0) and Wand fight team product, Bridgette Batch in a rematch for a 140lb title vs. Samantha Mosqueda. In addition to the night's featured contests, a full lineup of aspiring amateur fighters from some of the world's top academies – including 10th Planet, Cobra Kai, Drysdale MMA, One Kick Nick's, TapouT, Team Quest, Throwdown, Wand Fight Team and Xtreme Couture – will compete at Tuff-N-Uff's Jan. 27 event. Tickets for "Tuff-N-Uff: Fist-ival," which start at just $25, are available by calling South Point Arena Box Office at (702) 796-7111 or online at SouthPointArena.com. VIP ultra-lounge tickets, which include VIP seating for eight and unlimited call drinks including a hotel suite are available by calling (702) 797-8273. The full fight card is available for viewing at http://tuffnuff.com/?page_id=1626 Come see the future stars of mixed martial arts!