Cagesport XI: Local MMA fighters get in the ring July 24

From staff reports:

Cagesport XI, the Puget Sound region’s premier mixed martial arts series, returns at 7 p.m. July 24 at Emerald Queen Casino on I-5 in Tacoma. Doors open at 6 p.m.

The main event features Kirkland fighter Chanti “The Brooklyn Knight” Johnson (6-2) vs. Roy “Precious” Bradshaw (4-2). Johnson has compiled a 3-0 record at the Emerald Queen Casino, not allowing a single fight to go all three rounds. Johnson, who has made himself a crowd favorite, comes into the cage ready to fight and has an aggressive style, according to Brian Halquist Productions. Bradshaw is coming off of two submission victories, most recently in a win over previously undefeated fighter John Albert. Bradshaw has won all his professional fights by submission.

Cagesport was organized by Brian Halquist Productions, which brings four MMA events and five boxing events each year to the casino. Nearly all bouts involve local fighters, said owner Brian Halquist.

“We’re not the UFC or Strikeforce,” Halquist said in May. “We want to be used by (local fighters) as a springboard. We want to get as many local kids as we can and develop their following locally. Those kids that do well will be able to go on to bigger and better things.”

Fight card

Chanti Johnson (6-2) vs. Roy Bradshaw (4-2)

Sarah D’Alelio (1-0) vs. Melissa Steele (0-1)

Ryan Healy (5-6-1) vs. Dave Courchaine (4-3)

Charon Spain (2-1) vs. Jeff Bailey (3-2)

Sterling Ford (10-4) vs. Brad Nordquist (2-8)

Kyle Keeney (7-8-1) vs. Tommy Sialega (1-0)

Jesus Rivera (3-1) vs. Eli Harris (1-1-1)

Butch McGavran (2-5) vs. Frankie Mendez (1-2)

Jesse Brown (0-2) vs. Joel Petit (1-1-1)

Trevor Sojot (1-4) vs. Elliot Alleman (1-1)

Tickets

Tickets cost $100, $55 or $35. Tickets are available at the Emerald Queen Casino box office at (888) 831-7655 or at www.ticketmaster.com. Get up to date information at www.Halquistproductions.com