Phoenix Fight: Wanted Slated for November 29th

By: Craig Sutherland

On Nov 29 at the Dartmouth Sportplex, Phoenix Fight Promotions will be hosting the most stacked card in Atlantic Canada to date. The card will feature 3 fighters with UFC experience and 3 others looking to use these fighters to spring board their careers to that level.

6 time UFC vet Drew Fickett will be squaring off with (8-1) Jason MacKay of MARMAC Athletics. Both fighters last saw action on Nov 8th, both in losing efforts. MacKay was at XMMA6 where he was forced to tap due to strikes in the 3rd to Steve Claveau. Fickett (35-8) lost a split decision to Jose Cortez at RITC 117 and has lost 3 of his last 4 fights.

3 time UFC vet Carmelo “The Fury” Marrero (10-3), who recently edged out Steve Steinbeiss at WEC 36 will be taking on TUF 8 cast member Ryan “Big Deal” Jimmo (8-1). Jimmo recently defeated TUF 3’s Jesse Forbes at XMMA6 and is looking to build on his TUF experience and hopefully earn a fight with the UFC.

The main event of the evening will pit heavy handed TUF 6 alumni Richie Hightower (7-3) against the local favorite TJ Grant (12-2). Grant’s last 2 fights have been dominant victories over UFC vets Forrest Petz and Chad Reiner. Many feel Grant is on the cusp of the UFC and another win over a notable fighter would serve him well. Look for this to be a very exciting fight!

This card will also mark the return of Shane Rice to Canadian soil. Rice is a Rickson Gracie black belt who has been instructing at Rickson’s school in California. Rice began his career in the TKO organization going 1-3, he then took some time away from MMA to earn his BJJ black belt and has reeled off 3 straight submission victories, all under 2 minutes into the fight. No opponent has been named as of yet.

Also on the card:
205lbs: Josh Strickland (2-3) vs Shane Daley (0-2)
155lbs: Jeremy Henry (2-0) vs Martin Grandmont (6-4)
145lbs: Tristan Johnson (3-0) vs TBA