Epic Fighting 6 MMA lineup for June 4

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They make it look so easy. Mixed Martial Artists Marcus Aven (center left) and Jaime Reyes (center right) are back at Epic Fighting 6 to win some more hardware for their ever expanding trophy cases. Photo: Jim Wyatt

On June 4, 24 fighters from the area’s 10 MMA training facilities will be going at it at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in San Diego. The goal of the participants is first to win one of the coveted Epic Fighting trophies plus keep their hopes alive about gaining a spot in CAMO’s (California Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Organization’s) state tournament.

The first fight is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. with Andy Villa of So Cal Martial Arts in Chula Vista taking on Nick “The Flying Jalapeno” Vega of Team Quest of Temecula. Villa received runner up honors for “Fight of the Night” in Epic 5. He’s looking forward to upping his ranking within the division by knocking off Vega, who’s coming off a tough loss to Adam Griffis of Poway MMA.

Next up is Carlos Caliso of SpiritWolf MMA facing Ron Carroll, another well respected fighter from Dan Henderson’s Team Quest. Both are hoping to move on to the CAMO event.

Richard Horne of the newly opened 1on1 Fight Company gym in El Cajon had a tough, but winning debut in Epic 5. He’ll be stepping into the cage against another Team Quest fighter Chris Alvarez.

Middleweight Kyle Wender of City Boxing is set to take on Epic veteran Cordell Williams of Undisputed in El Cajon. Williams is coming off that dramatic loss to Manny Murillo when the two fought for the middleweight title.

Team Pitbull Dangerous will be represented by top contender Sean Marsicane who is set to fight Joel Munt of <The Arena, the MMA Gym in Point Loma, San Diego. Munt, who’s coming off an explosive submission victory in Epic 5 over George Hernandez, is hoping to continue his winning ways. This fight promises to be nonstop action as Marsicane is on the same track.

It must be nice having the best support group in MMA in your corner. Marvin Madaringa (center) will attest to that. Photo: Jim Wyatt

Blackhouse Team Nogueira alumnus and hard hitter Marvin Madriaga returns to face veteran Shane Daniels.

Being that San Diego is the home of the World’s largest Military Complex there’s never a shortage of soldiers willing to step in and strut their stuff. One such fighter is Francisco “El Sargento” Castro of the U. S. Marine Corps currently stationed at MCAS Miramar. Castro, who beat Larry Esparza in Epic Fighting 5, will have his hands full when he squares off against Epic veteran and Und1sputed brawler Marcus Aven. Aven defeated Shane Daniels in Epic Fighting 5. Somebody’s going to get punished in this one.

Epic 5’s “Submission of the Night” winner Jaime Reyes of 1-on-1 Fight Co is back. Somebody told me his parents had to build an addition onto the house to store all his trophies. This time around he’ll face Ray McCleary, also from Und1sputed.

Coming off a solid performance in Epic 5, veteran Andrew Lagdaan of So Cal Martial Arts will face Chris Holloday from the Alliance Training Center in Chula Vista.

The evening’s entertainment will also showcase several fighters making their MMA debut. One of them is Jose Gomez. His last foray in the ring took place on at The Compound in Oceanside, CA. in a USA Amateur Boxing Show. Gomez knocked his opponent out in the very first round. Now he’s giving MMA equal time. His opponent on Saturday, Sean Najar of Undisputed best be prepared for Gomez’s overhand right.

Welterweight Nick Furst of The Arena MMA Gym is set to face veteran Joe Wagaman of Team Quest. Middleweights Larry Stroud of Team Quest and Anthony Seltero of the Wrecking Crew will face off. Middleweight Tacata of So Cal Martial Arts is going up against Morgan Holbrook of the Wrecking Crew. In the light heavyweight division, Ryan Williams of 1on1 Fight Co. will face Eric Cortez and then Hector Selgado of Team Quest is set to face Steve Casanto-Paulsen CSW.

Since San Diego County is considered one of the top MMA locales in the country with fighters moving here from all over to train, Epic Fighting recognized the need for these competitions, a chance for the local talent to test their skills before being called up to the big show, Bellator or the UFC. The growth of MMA locally has been a boom for the fighters, gyms, coaches, related businesses and of course the rabid fans.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with the first fight scheduled to begin at 7:00. Tickets are on sale at the Epic Fighting’s website: www.EpicFighting.com Prices start at just $25.