MMA Fighters Set For Devil’s Isle Event
Bermuda’s combat sports scene will enter new territory when Devil’s Isle Fight Championship stages its inaugural event at North Field, National Sports Centre, on August 29.
DIFC 001 has seven confirmed bouts across mixed martial arts, kickboxing, Muay Thai and grappling and is sanctioned by the Bermuda Combat Sports Commission.
The event will mark the first time cage fighting has been staged on the island, with the bouts taking place inside a hexagon cage.
The card will feature Bermuda fighters against opponents from the United States, with competitors travelling from Philadelphia and Minnesota for the event.
Jay Astwood, of Fight City Muay Thai, will meet Che Durham, of Aries Sports Centre, at 165 pounds in kickboxing.
Elvis Garcia, of Burnsville Martial Arts Academy, will face Lucas Morello, of Slay Fly Muay Thai, at 130 pounds in Muay Thai, while Flavio Mundy, of Aries Sports Centre, takes on Will Cuadrado, of Slay Fly Muay Thai, at 165 pounds in kickboxing.
Jahmali Bridgewater, of Open Mat Bermuda, will face Prestin Rust, of Burnsville Martial Arts Academy, at 195 pounds in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, while Ryan Hopkins, of Open Mat Bermuda, meets Mac Kukowski, of Burnsville Martial Arts Academy, at 190 pounds in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Na’twuan Fisher, the event promoter and a former Muay Thai and kickboxer with Fight City Muay Thai, said he spotted an opportunity to provide local athletes with more opportunities to compete at home.
“I felt like there was a gap in the market – Bermuda didn’t really have anything like this going on,” Fisher told Bernews.
“I saw the opportunity and wanted to present it to the athletes on the island.
“The majority of them have to head overseas to get fights, paying for accommodation, using vacation time – it’s not very feasible.
“Plus, you’re often fighting against guys who are more active.
“I’m trying to create another platform for guys to gain some more experience.”
Fisher said the promotion plans to stage two events this year before increasing its schedule.
“The plan is to do two events this year, three next year and then quarterly,” he said.
Tickets for DIFC 001 are available through PTIX.BM.
