The APEX Fight League held its inaugural event, APEX FIGHT NIGHT 1, at the Stratus Event Center in Phoenix, Arizona, drawing a packed house. The stacked fight card lived up to the pre-event hype, showcasing top local gyms like The MMA LAB, Union Combat Sports, Lotus MMA, and Visionary Boxing. The event featured four fighters from these gyms, two of whom were competing for titles. The night’s action included returning fighters and newcomers making their amateur debuts.
1st Fight of the Night: Ethan Navarro Vs Gavin Palko
In the first fight of the night both fighters came out with some intense action! Gavin and Ethan were going toe to toe, exchanging blows with both fighters having moments of success. However, as the fight progressed into the 1st rd, Ethan began to gain the upper hand! Navarro began to have great success with his leg kicks, and the damage accumulated on Gavin, leading to the first standing 8-count of the night.
As we head into round 2 we see fatigue set in for both fighters, but it did not slow the pace one bit. As round 2 went on Ethan was able to lay the pressure on Gavin, and the damage from the leg kicks began to overwhelm Gavin slowing him down a notch. Ethan sensed the change in demeanor from Gavin and Pushed the pace even more, mixing up levels, and chaining together combos and vicious shots. Ultimately Ethan proved to be too much for Gavin leading to a 3rd rd tko win in Navarro’s amateur debut 
Results: Winner: Ethan Navarro by 3rd Round TKO 
@warrrior_ovgod
Click here to watch fight – https://youtu.be/bn60_N3YJ70?si=Op5-W_BWuv7C7HiP
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2nd Fight of the Night: Talon Mandoka Vs Elijah Anderson
In the second fight of the night, the crowd was electric as Talon faced off against Elijah, who was coming off a third-round TKO. Despite a significant height and reach disadvantage, Talon remained composed and overcame Elijah’s teep kicks. He quickly found his range and began targeting Elijah’s body.
Talon’s relentless onslaught kept Elijah guessing, leading to the first knockdown of the first round. Though Elijah showed great heart in getting back up, Talon continued to pick up the pace. As the round wore on, the punishment from Talon’s body shots visibly wore Elijah down.
Sensing an opportunity, Talon pressed the attack, unleashing a flurry of kicks and punches that scored a second knockdown. Elijah, clearly stunned, took his time regaining his footing before rising for the second time in the opening round.
Wasting no time after the previous round, Talon comes out aggressively in Round 2, landing a barrage of heavy, increasingly powerful shots. The relentless assault overwhelms Elijah, dropping him to his knee for the third and final time. As the referee stops the fight, Talon raises his arms in triumph, shouting victoriously to the cheering crowd.
Results: Winner: – Talon Mandoka by 2nd round TKO @reapermma0
Click here to watch fight – https://youtu.be/u3B75Qo4IYc
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3rd Fight of the Night: Elijah Bray Vs David Vadasy
In this exciting matchup we saw a highly competitive matchup between Elijah Bray and David Vadasy. Coming in as the underdog, Elijah came in with more than just a chip on his shoulder, but something to prove to himself and his fans. Going against a fighter fighting out of a decorated gym such as Union Combat, he knew had to step it up, and that is exactly what he did.
From the beginning, both fighters were exchanging blows back and forth, you could hear the “oooo’s and Ahhhh’s” from the crowd with each exchange. Despite it being his debut fight, David Vadasy displayed remarkable poise and skill, quickly gaining the upper hand over his opponent, Elijah, in the early part of Round 1. However, as the fight progressed Elijah quickly the momentum, as he began cutting angles and working the counter. With Elijah sensing the switch in momentum, he picked up the pace and the aggression of his attack until he was able to score his first Knockdown on Vadasy. After taking a brief moment, David rose back to his feet to continue the fight.
As Round 2 began, the gap between Elijah and David rapidly widened. Elijah landed strike after strike, overwhelming David with his relentless pace. David had no response, as Elijah’s onslaught continued, eventually resulting in another knockdown. Though David rose one final time, the damage was done – Elijah unleashed a monstrous flurry that put David down for the count.
Results: Winner: – Elijah Bray by 2nd rd tko 
@l3ray___42
Click here to watch fight – https://youtu.be/CCo79zF-hUA?si=_pIFuzRgztxIcejN
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4th Fight of the Night: Daniel Preciado VS Xavier Santana
This matchup was widely anticipated as a potential fight of the night, and it certainly delivered. Both fighters were making their in-ring debuts, but they came out swinging. Neither was holding anything back, determined not to let the moment go to waste. Daniel put the pressure on early, starting to land more strikes on Xavier. Though Xavier fought valiantly, the signs of fatigue were beginning to show. As the round wore on, Daniel began inflicting more damage, bloodying his opponent’s nose. By the end of the round, Daniel knew he had the upper hand.
As the second round began, the toll of the damage was evident. Xavier, a true warrior, continued to give his all, landing shots wherever possible. However, Daniel’s superior power overwhelmed him, unleashing a barrage of punishing blows. Ultimately, the referee stopped the fight, declaring Daniel the winner by TKO.
Results: Winner: – Daniel Preciado by 2nd rd tko @leonidas.115
Click here to watch fight – https://youtu.be/o0LwvhsxidI?si=NB1Rhrdbpx_-9-7Y
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5th Fight of the Night: Ryder Dryden Vs Tyler Cipriano
The bout between debuting fighters Tyler and Ryder delivered non-stop action from start to finish. In the opening round, the two immediately met in the center of the ring, trading fierce blows. Despite both landing precise shots, the round remained evenly matched. However, as the round progressed, Ryder began to gain the upper hand. Showcasing his impressive boxing skills, Ryder landed a series of heavy combinations, working the body and connecting with vicious uppercuts that led to the first knockdown. Though Tyler refused to quit, he was only able to make it to his feet before the round ended.
As the second round commenced, it became clear that Ryder was dictating the pace. Immediately asserting his ring dominance, Ryder continued to apply heavy pressure on Tyler. Trapping his opponent in the corner, Ryder unleashed a vicious onslaught of overhand punches and powerful uppercuts. Under the relentless assault, the damage rapidly accumulated, prompting the referee to intervene and issue a standing eight-count to Tyler. Exhausted and unable to recover from the previous knockdowns, the referee ultimately determined that he had seen enough, waving off the fight. The crowd erupted in an uproar, cheering on the winner, Ryder Dryden. 
Winner: – Ryder Dryden by 2nd rd tko @r.y.d.e.rx
Click here to watch fight – https://youtu.be/fyyTR4voOw4?si=X9J4mRXvN6ZLf6_V
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6th Fight of the Night: Levi Eyler Vs Anthony Contreras
In this highly anticipated matchup, both athletes delivered phenomenal performances. Heading into the first round, Anthony came out with relentless forward pressure, landing several clean overhand shots. This early onslaught kept Levi on the back foot as Anthony asserted control in the opening frame.
However, as the fight progressed, Levi began to find his rhythm. Focusing on countering, Levi quickly executed his game plan, utilizing his reach advantage to force Anthony into rushed, overzealous attacks. Recognizing the split-second delay after Anthony’s wild swings, Levi capitalized by landing several devastating counter-strikes.
As the fight progressed through the 2nd and 3rd rounds, it became clearer that Levi was dictating the pace. While Anthony was putting up a tremendous fight and showing no intent to back down, the fatigue and damage began wearing on him. Sensing this, Levi started ramping up his offense, chaining together nasty combinations. He worked the body and connected up top, as the war-like battle continued until the final bell rang. In the end, the fight went the distance, with both fighters displaying tremendous heart and grit. Ultimately, only one could emerge victorious, and as the crowd cheered, we witnessed Levi Eyler prevail and achieve his 4th amateur win.
Results: Winner: – Levi Eyler by decision @martial_arts_spider_man
Click here to watch fight – https://youtu.be/zNLyMu8useo?si=2cvjGGkImyvZhaGC
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7th Fight of the Night: Kishan Johnson Vs Jayce Johnson
In this epic super heavyweight bout, Kishan, the debuting fighter, completely dominated his more experienced opponent, Jayce. From the opening bell, Kishan came out aggressively, closing the distance and unloading a relentless barrage of shots. Despite Jayce’s attempts to defend and mitigate the damage, Kishan showed no signs of letting up, landing blow after blow in a one-sided display of dominance.
As the fight progressed through the 2nd and 3rd rounds, the gap between the fighters widened. Jayce did his best to avoid serious damage, finding brief moments of success. However, these were short-lived, as Kishan responded to each shot with increased aggression and ferocity.
Throughout the fight, we saw Kishan rage and scream at his opponent, whipping the crowd into a frenzy and calling for more action. The cries of war exhilarated the spectators, only serving to bring out Kishan’s more primal instincts.
Ultimately, Kishan’s relentless pace proved too much for Jayce. Round after round, Kishan maintained his dominance, allowing little room for Jayce to mount any effective counters. Though unable to overcome the onslaught, Jayce stood proud until the end, never once giving up.
Even as Kishan had his hand raised in victory, we witnessed a true display of respect and honor between the two athletes – a sight beloved by the fans.
Results: Winner: – Kishan Johnson by Unanimous Decision @kishan__johnson_
Click here to watch fight – https://youtu.be/NB7xZ_Y5kT0?si=4nAksz2kYY_r9Xxf
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8th Fight of the Night: – Patrick Quick Vs Yahir Rodriguez
The highly anticipated technical matchup between Patrick Quick and Yahir Rodriguez delivered an epic clash. From the opening bell, the fighters met in the center of the ring, with Patrick’s height and reach advantage posing an immediate challenge for Yahir. As the fight progressed, Patrick’s jab became a dominant weapon, snapping Yahir’s head back repeatedly with a sharp jab-cross combination that kept Yahir on the outside, struggling to overcome the reach disadvantage.
Yahir fought valiantly to stay in the fight, but Patrick’s effective game plan and the accumulated damage from his precise, stunning combinations ultimately swayed the crowd, who erupted in applause as the decision was announced in Patrick’s favor. Raising his hand in triumph, Patrick secured his first ever victory in this thrilling contest. 
Results Winner: – Patrick Quick by Unanimous Decision @patrick_quick_mma
Click here to watch fight – https://youtu.be/F-kSOxe0mWI?si=cl0ogOT3H_foAWMM
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9th Fight of the Night: – Noah Philpott Trevor Michalski
Heading into the match, fans were in for a thrilling display of combat. Trevor Michalski, representing the legendary X Muay Thai Gym, was set to face off against Noah “One Shot” Philpott of Union Combat Academy. The stage was set for an explosive clash of styles, with Muay Thai prowess taking on formidable striking skills.
From the opening bell, the two fighters met in the center of the ring, immediately launching into an all-out war. Unleashing ferocious combinations of punches, kicks, and knees from every angle, neither man was willing to back down. The clash between Trevor’s Muay Thai and Noah’s boxing expertise soon became the focal point.
As the first round progressed, Noah’s natural talent for boxing began to shine through. Bobbing, weaving, and changing levels, he started to break down his opponent, landing clean, heavy shots down the middle and powerful hooks. Despite the adversity, the resilient Trevor refused to be deterred.
In a dramatic climax, the two warriors met in the center one last time. With perfect timing, Noah uncorked a devastating head kick that landed flush on Trevor’s temple, sending him crashing to the canvas. The referee stepped in, initiating the count, but Trevor’s wobbly attempts to rise convinced the official to wave off the fight, awarding Noah a first-round TKO victory in his amateur debut.
Results: Winner (KO of the Night): – Noah Philpott by 1st rd tko @nonop_209 
Click here to watch fight – https://youtu.be/z7utg1mjjco?si=u1vKrk8MIHGdQh1N
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10th Fight of the Night: – Brennan Porter Vs Ricardo Rosas Carrasco
The fight between Ricardo Rosas Carrasco from Paradox Fight Club and Brennan “The Butcher” Porter from Legion MMA was a display of mutual respect, technical ability, and raw power.
In the opening round, both athletes carefully calculated their moves. The taller and longer-reaching Ricardo tried to establish his range and break down Brennan’s guard. Brennan, light on his feet, remained elusive, looking to get inside. Then, in a split-second, Brennan landed a devastating check left hook that sent Ricardo to the mat.
The first-round knockdown seemed to impact Ricardo’s game plan in the subsequent rounds. Brennan increased the pressure, landing heavy combinations of hooks and overhands. Despite taking significant damage, the resilient Ricardo refused to quit, displaying incredible durability and toughness.
This fight was a perfect showcase of the combatants’ mutual respect, technical skills, and sheer will. As Brennan had his hand raised in victory, the captivated crowd cheered, applauding the wonderful display of amateur kickboxing they had witnessed.
Results Winner: – Brennan Porter by Unanimous Decision @bport4 
Click here to watch fight – https://youtu.be/dqstikeqDDw?si=9zMFBiBgPQkzux2n
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11th APEX Fight of the Night: – Damin Lennard Vs Carter Luukkonen
In an exciting stylistic matchup, two welterweight fighters, Damin Lennard and Carter Luukkonen, went toe-to-toe for three full rounds. Entering the fight, not much was known about Carter’s style or skill set, but Damin’s previous performance had set the stage for an exhilarating encounter.
From the opening bell, both combatants came out aggressively, looking to establish their offense. Carter’s slight height and reach advantage allowed him some early success in the first round, as he mixed in his jab and solid leg kicks while working in and out of the clinch. However, the patient Damin did an excellent job of avoiding much of Carter’s offense.
As the fight progressed, Damin began to make the necessary adjustments, taking over the bout. He started to break down Carter’s attack, dictating the pace and landing a variety of strikes, including head kicks, superman punches, and sharp check hooks. Despite the mounting punishment, Carter persisted, continuing to march forward and exchange shots with his opponent.
In the final round, Carter went for a wide right hand, but Damin slipped under it and caught him with a crushing overhand right that stunned the challenger. Dazed but unwilling to surrender, Carter was given a standing eight-count by the referee, who allowed the fight to continue until the final bell.
When the fight concluded, the crowd’s reaction made it clear that Damin had emerged victorious via unanimous decision, though Carter had put up a valiant effort until the very end.
Results: Winner: – Damin Lennard by Unanimous Decision
Click here to watch fight – https://youtu.be/pA9oJOLfH8U?si=ucGU6xjAeMN7kcci
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12th Fight of the Night: – Justin Trigg Vs Christopher Amundson
The 12th fight of the night featured a highly anticipated bout between Justin “ABC” Trigg of Legion MMA and Christopher Amundson. As the two fighters faced off, an electric energy filled the air. The eager crowd cheered on as the referee readied the athletes.
When the bell rang, Trigg and Amundson immediately engaged in battle. Amundson started strong, landing jabs and overhand punches, but he was quickly overwhelmed by Trigg’s counterattacks. Trigg found success with his own jabs and began to unleash heavy crosses and overhand shots from different angles, the impact adding up.
Amundson tried to pressure Trigg against the corner, but Trigg used the moment to slip out and land a crushing right hook that dropped his opponent. As Amundson rose to continue the fight, Trigg swarmed him with a vicious flurry of combinations, prompting the referee to administer an 8-count.
Undeterred, Amundson pressed forward, only for Trigg – sensing blood – to lunge in for the kill. In an excellent display of amateur kickboxing, the crowd roared as Trigg earned a first-round TKO victory.
Results: Winner: – Justin Trigg by 1st Round TKO @ljustintrigg 🐦🔥🐦🔥🐦🔥
Click here to watch fight – https://youtu.be/DBzz2LJlsuc?si=aBBO-Yy2SJarHPeV
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13th Fight of the Night: – Featured Fight of The Night
Mike Flanagan Vs Joe Gavalyas
The featured fight between rising star Mike Flanagan and Joe Gavalyas from the famed MMA Lab showcased some of Arizona’s best upcoming talent. Fans knew they were in for a treat, as this bout was the only one out of 15 public polls that ended in an exact 50/50 split, testament to the skill and preparation of both fighters.
The first round saw a tactical chess match, with the taller Flanagan using his reach to land jabs and overhand rights, while the nimble Gavalyas looked to close the distance and unleash his heavy combinations. The second round intensified, with both warriors trading shots in the center of the ring.
Entering the final frame, Flanagan and Gavalyas left it all in the Octagon, raining down a barrage of strikes. The crowd watched in awe as these two competitors refused to back down, each landing heavy blows. Ultimately, Flanagan’s persistence paid off, as he broke down Gavalyas’ defenses to earn the victory and extend his winning streak to three fights.
Afterward, Flanagan exuded confidence, stating: “When I’m in that flow state, I feel invincible – nobody can stop me.”
Results: Winner: – Mike Flanagan Unanimous Decision
Click here to watch fight – https://youtu.be/ihxeeHIMCRo?si=BN4aGSn5pN63WmzY
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14th Fight of the Night: Heavyweight Title Fight
Jon Long Vs Nas Worthy
In this exciting Heavyweight Title fight we have Jon “Nite Nite” Long facing off against Nas “Escalade” Worthy. Entering into the first round there was instant action! It was even at first, however, Nas quickly took over and was landing heavy shots. Jon, going into defensive mode, did his best to avoid any more damage. In the second round it was much closer. Nas, still holding an edge over his opponent continued to be more aggressive, stunning him. Jon, had some success, but close to the end of the second round he accidentally kicked Nas’s knee causing intense pain. Nas, noticing the limp charged forward with a flurry. Showing incredible toughness, Jon was able to endure the punishment and finish the round. As round three started, there was a shift in the fight as to who was dictating it. Jon came out more aggressive and caught Nas with a massive 3-piece combo. Nas, having done his best to retaliate, is showing fatigue. Now fully aware of the opportunity, Jon started unleashing Hell landing vicious combos rocking his opponent and sending him to the mat. Visibly rocked, Nas returned to his feat before the third round closed out. Starting the fourth round Jon came out like a shark that caught a whiff of blood. Going into a frenzy he landed massive overhands and hooks. The ref stepped in for a standing 8-count, but Nas, a true warrior at heart, wasn’t willing to give up. Rushing in for the kill, Jon continued to dominate until he threw one final check left hook that sent Nas flying to the mat. The crowd, in shock, leapt to their feet screaming as Jon walked away with not only a 4th round KO, but as the New Heavyweight Champion!
Results Winner (and new Heavyweight Champion): – Jon “Nite Nite” Long by 4th Round KO
Click here to watch fight – https://youtu.be/CFTT9nEFXkc
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13th Fight of the Night: – Super Heavyweight Title Fight
Shalamar Washington VS Wise Eagle
In the highly anticipated main event, Shalamar Washington challenged Wise Eagle for the Apex Super Heavyweight Championship. The first half of the opening round started cautiously, with both athletes focused on working the legs and body with kicks as they gauged the distance.
However, Shalamar began to pick up the pace in the latter half of the round. Struggling to handle the variety of shots being thrown at him, Eagle was unable to mount any effective offense. In a quick exchange, Shalamar landed a brutal inside hook to, sending him down for the first 8-count. Eagle showing a tremendous amount of heart, rose to his feet and finished the round.
The action continued into the second round with no wasted time. Shalamar opened with a vicious combination that immediately stunned Eagle. Unable to keep up his defense, Eagle kept getting caught with heavy overhand strikes from everywhere, sending him to the canvas for a second time. Despite his persistence, Eagle was unable to turn the tide.
Sensing his opportunity to become the first-ever Apex Super Heavyweight Champion, Shalamar pressed forward relentlessly. He pinned Eagle against the ropes and unloaded a savage combination to finish the fight. The crowd erupted, celebrating Shalamar’s dominant performance. Visionary Boxing was able to celebrate, knowing they would be bringing home two championship belts. As the referee raised Shalamar’s hand in victory, the new Super Heavyweight Champion had arrived.
The title fights at APEX FIGHT NIGHT 1 exceeded all expectations, captivating the audience from start to finish. Fighters and gyms from across the valley brought their absolute best, delivering an unforgettable display of skill and determination. The event was a resounding success, leaving both participants and spectators eagerly anticipating the APEX FIGHT NIGHT 2 in October.
Main Event Results Winner (and new Super Heavyweight Champion) – Shalamar Washington by 2nd rd TKO @blakxprime
Results Winner: (New Heavyweight Champion): – Shalamar Washington by 2nd Round TKO
Click here to watch fight – https://youtu.be/RW6rr3rmJgA
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