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RUF MMA coming to the Tucson Arena on Saturday night

Posted at 5:45 PM, Aug 10, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-10 21:51:34-04

Ringside Ultimate Fighting is bringing MMA cage fighting to the Tucson Arena on Saturday night.

Headlining the event called "RUF 27" is local pro star fighter and #1 welterweight in Southern AZ "Joel Champion" (4-1), who fights out of APEX gym here in Tucson. The appropriately named Champion will be fighting for the vacant 170 lb RUF Pro World Title Belt against Australia's Matt Frincu.

In the co-main event, the pro 135 title bout will be between Tucson's Ed "Wild" West and Daniel "Scrappy" Soto, who fights out of Mexico.

"I don't often get to fight here," said West. "I usually have to go to Phoenix or out of the state to compete, so I'm excited to be here and compete in front of my hometown. I'm going to put on a great show for you."

RUF is considered a minor league of UFC, or Ultimate Fighting Championship. There will be fighters from southern Arizona, Mexico, Brazil, and Australia on the card.