<![CDATA[SLUGFEST - News]]>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 16:24:56 -0700Weebly<![CDATA['Country Boy' Nathan Coots Battles 'Too Cool' Justin Hale in a Massive Tennessee Slugfest 7 Main Event]]>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 06:57:27 GMThttps://www.slugfestfights.com/news/country-boy-nathan-coots-battles-too-cool-justin-hale-in-a-massive-tennessee-slugfest-7-main-eventPicture
One of the most anticipated fights in Tennessee Slugfest history will headline Tennessee Slugfest 7 on July 18 in Crossville, Tennessee, as “Country Boy” Nathan Coots battles hometown favorite “Too Cool” Justin Hale in a welterweight main event proudly sponsored by Crossville Vapor.

This matchup has been building for more than a month.

The rivalry began when Coots called Hale out on social media, setting off a wave of conversation and excitement among Slugfest fans. What started online quickly became one of the most talked-about potential matchups on the roster.
The tension reached another level at Tennessee Slugfest 6 in Sweetwater on June 27, when Coots and Hale came face-to-face inside the cage. Their intense staredown created even more anticipation and made it clear that both fighters were ready to settle the rivalry in competition.

Now, they will finally meet in Crossville.

The fight will take place at welterweight, creating an intriguing matchup between two fighters who have traditionally competed in different divisions. Coots has spent most of his Slugfest career competing at super welterweight, while Hale has usually fought at lightweight.

On July 18, they will meet in the middle for one of the biggest fights of either man’s career.

Representing Chattanooga, Tennessee, Coots enters the fight with a 2-1 record. He made an immediate impression in his Slugfest debut by scoring a knockout victory before following it with a decision win in his second appearance.

Coots suffered the first loss of his career at Tennessee Slugfest 6 in Sweetwater, but “Country Boy” has never been a fighter who fades quietly into the background.

Few competitors bring more energy, personality and charisma to the Slugfest cage. From his social-media presence to his entrances and performances, Coots knows how to capture the attention of the crowd. His willingness to call out Hale and immediately pursue another major fight following his first defeat says everything about his confidence and competitive mindset.

Standing across from him will be one of the most dangerous knockout artists in Slugfest history.

Hale enters the main event with a 4-2 record and will have the advantage of competing in front of his hometown supporters in Crossville. “Too Cool” is coming off a victory at Tennessee Slugfest 6 in Sweetwater and will look to continue that momentum against one of the promotion’s biggest personalities.

Hale has earned a reputation for producing unforgettable moments inside the cage. Always confident, always hyped and always willing to exchange, he has delivered some of the biggest knockouts in Slugfest history.

When Justin Hale fights, the crowd knows the contest could end at any moment.
The matchup creates a fascinating clash between two proven entertainers and fan favorites.

Coots brings the larger frame, unmatched charisma and the motivation to rebound from his first career loss. Hale brings explosive knockout power, hometown support and the confidence of a fighter coming off another victory.

Both men are experienced under the Slugfest lights. Both men have proven they can finish fights. Both men know how to energize a crowd.

This fight began with a challenge on social media. It intensified with a faceoff inside the cage. On July 18, the rivalry will finally be settled.

“Country Boy” Nathan Coots versus “Too Cool” Justin Hale headlines Tennessee Slugfest 7 in a welterweight main event proudly sponsored by Crossville Vapor.

Two Slugfest veterans. Two fan favorites. One massive hometown main event.




About SLUGFEST:
SLUGFEST is a Tennessee-based combat sports promotion featuring toughman-style boxing, tournament brackets, local rivalries, and action-packed fight nights across the region. Built to give everyday athletes and rising fighters a platform to compete, SLUGFEST combines grassroots combat sports with high-energy production, live fan experiences, and pay-per-view broadcasts through CombatSportsNow.com.

]]><![CDATA[Brittany Wood vs Jess Brown Set for Strawweight Fight at Tennessee SLUGFEST 6: Sweetwater Kombat]]>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:05:20 GMThttps://www.slugfestfights.com/news/brittany-wood-vs-jess-brown-set-for-strawweight-fight-at-tennessee-slugfest-6-sweetwater-kombatPicture
Tennessee SLUGFEST 6: Sweetwater Kombat will feature a strawweight matchup with unfinished business as Brittany Wood meets Jess Brown on June 27 in Sweetwater, Tennessee.

The two were originally expected to face off on May 23, but a medical issue prevented Wood from making the walk that night. Now, the fight is back on, and both women will finally get the chance to settle it inside the Slugfest ring.
Wood, fighting out of Elizabethton, Tennessee, will be making her official Slugfest debut. While this will be her first appearance under the Tennessee Slugfest banner, she has previously competed for Redneck Brawl and now looks to make a statement in her first Slugfest fight.

Across from her will be Jess Brown, representing Crossville, Tennessee. Brown enters the matchup with a 3-1 record and brings more experience into the fight. With four fights already under her belt, Brown will be looking to use that experience to control the pace and continue building momentum.

This strawweight fight adds another exciting matchup to the Tennessee SLUGFEST 6 lineup, bringing together a debuting fighter with something to prove and an experienced opponent looking to protect her record.

Brittany Wood vs Jess Brown is sponsored by Big Jim’s Bail Bonds.

Tennessee SLUGFEST 6: Sweetwater Kombat takes place Friday, June 27, in Sweetwater, Tennessee.

Tickets are available now at SlugfestFights.com.

Fans who cannot attend live can watch the event on pay-per-view at CombatSportsNow.com


About SLUGFEST:
SLUGFEST is a Tennessee-based combat sports promotion featuring toughman-style boxing, tournament brackets, local rivalries, and action-packed fight nights across the region. Built to give everyday athletes and rising fighters a platform to compete, SLUGFEST combines grassroots combat sports with high-energy production, live fan experiences, and pay-per-view broadcasts through CombatSportsNow.com.

]]><![CDATA[Cheyanne Smith Meets Doris Knuckles in Heavyweight Female SLUGFEST Bout at Tennessee SLUGFEST 6]]>Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:37:24 GMThttps://www.slugfestfights.com/news/cheyanne-smith-meets-doris-knuckles-in-heavyweight-female-slugfest-bout-at-tennessee-slugfest-6Picture
Tennessee SLUGFEST 6: Sweetwater Kombat will feature a heavyweight female SLUGFEST matchup with a story that reaches back through the heart of the SLUGFEST series, as Cheyanne Smith returns to action against debuting Doris Knuckles on June 27 in Sweetwater, Tennessee.

For Cheyanne Smith, this fight is another opportunity to continue building momentum after earning the first victory of her SLUGFEST career. Smith currently holds a 1-2 record, but her road to that first win was anything but ordinary.
For Cheyanne Smith, this fight is another opportunity to continue building momentum after earning the first victory of her SLUGFEST career. Smith currently holds a 1-2 record, but her road to that first win was anything but ordinary.

Cheyanne made her debut on March 28 at Tennessee SLUGFEST 2 in Sparta, Tennessee. After dropping her first two appearances, she stayed active, stayed ready, and continued looking for the right opportunity to get back in the win column.

That opportunity came on May 23 at Tennessee SLUGFEST 5 in Harriman, Tennessee, hosted at Roane State. Cheyanne was still looking for an opponent on fight night when Brandi Hawn stepped up from the crowd and accepted the challenge. Hawn, the mother of Michael “The Beast” Baker, was in attendance to support her son when she decided to fight Cheyanne that night. She was also 17 years Cheyanne’s senior, making the matchup one of the more unexpected stories of the event.

Cheyanne went on to pick up a decision victory, earning her first win under the SLUGFEST banner and proving that she could overcome adversity after a tough start to her combat sports journey.

Now, Smith enters Tennessee SLUGFEST 6 looking to turn that first victory into real momentum.

Standing across from her will be Doris Knuckles, who is making her combat sports debut. While Doris has never fought before, she is no stranger to the SLUGFEST atmosphere. She is the wife of Ethan Knuckles, a SLUGFEST athlete who currently holds a 2-1 record in the promotion. That connection gives Doris a close-up understanding of the energy, pressure, and intensity that comes with stepping into a SLUGFEST fight.

The question now is simple: can Cheyanne use her experience and recent win to spoil Doris Knuckles’ debut, or will Doris make a statement in her first appearance and add another chapter to the Knuckles name inside SLUGFEST?

This heavyweight female bout is sponsored by ENDO Athletics and will be part of Tennessee SLUGFEST 6: Sweetwater Kombat on June 27 in Sweetwater, Tennessee.

Tickets are available now at SlugfestFights.com.
The event will also stream live on pay-per-view at CombatSportsNow.com.



About SLUGFEST:
SLUGFEST is a Tennessee-based combat sports promotion featuring toughman-style boxing, tournament brackets, local rivalries, and action-packed fight nights across the region. Built to give everyday athletes and rising fighters a platform to compete, SLUGFEST combines grassroots combat sports with high-energy production, live fan experiences, and pay-per-view broadcasts through CombatSportsNow.com.
]]><![CDATA[Tennessee SLUGFEST 7: RedneckMania Comes to Crossville on July 18]]>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:30:47 GMThttps://www.slugfestfights.com/news/tennessee-slugfest-7-redneckmania-comes-to-crossville-on-july-18
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Tennessee SLUGFEST is bringing its biggest event of the year back home.

On Saturday, July 18, Tennessee SLUGFEST 7: RedneckMania will take place in Crossville, Tennessee, the home and headquarters of Tennessee SLUGFEST and Black Flag Sports & Entertainment.

This event is brought to you by Crossville Vapor and is set to be one of the biggest nights in SLUGFEST history, bringing the energy, action, and excitement that fans have come to expect — but this time, on an even larger scale.
Crossville has always been an important city for SLUGFEST.  The very first SLUGFEST event debuted in Crossville on February 7, launching what has quickly become one of the most exciting combat sports brands in Tennessee.  Since that night, SLUGFEST has continued to grow, traveling to different cities, building new stars, and giving fighters a platform to compete in front of loud, passionate crowds.
Now, SLUGFEST returns to where it all started.

Tennessee SLUGFEST 7: RedneckMania, sponsored by Crossville Vapor, will bring a larger-than-life atmosphere to Crossville with hard-hitting fights, local and regional talent, and the kind of wild, rowdy fight night experience that has helped make SLUGFEST stand out.

Fighter registration is officially open now for athletes interested in competing at RedneckMania. Fighters can register online at:
www.slugfestfights.com/fighter-registration.html

Fans can expect more announcements soon, including fight card updates, ticket information, event details, and more.

Event Details:
Tennessee SLUGFEST 7: RedneckMania
Date: Saturday, July 18
Location: Crossville, Tennessee
Brought to you by: Crossville Vapor
Fighter Registration: www.slugfestfights.com/fighter-registration.html

Tennessee SLUGFEST 7: RedneckMania is more than just another event — it is a homecoming, a celebration, and the next major step forward for SLUGFEST.

Crossville, get ready. RedneckMania is coming.
]]><![CDATA[Ashley Coots Set for Tennessee Slugfest 2 Debut in Sparta, TN]]>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:52:35 GMThttps://www.slugfestfights.com/news/ashley-coots-set-for-tennessee-slugfest-2-debut-in-sparta-tnPicture
Sparta, TN - Making her Tennessee Slugfest debut on March 28th in Sparta, Tennessee, Ashley Coots is stepping into the spotlight with excitement, confidence, and plenty of energy. Representing Red Bank, Tennessee, Coots says this opportunity is about pushing herself mentally and physically while showing her supporters exactly what she’s capable of. With strong motivation, hometown pride, and support from her husband, she’s ready to make the most of her first Slugfest appearance at Tennessee SLUGFEST 2.
SLUGFEST: How does it feel to be making your Tennessee SLUGFEST debut on March 28th in Sparta, TN?

Coots: I’m feeling really excited and ready for the opportunity!

SLUGFEST: You’re representing Red Bank, Tennessee. What does it mean to carry your hometown with you into this fight?

Coots: It means never forgetting where I come from.  I’m born to raise hell.

SLUGFEST: What made you decide to step into competition for the first time?

Coots: It’s a confidence boost for myself. Getting myself mentally and physically strong for my kids.

SLUGFEST: Your husband is a professional wrestler.  Has that world influenced your mindset at all?

Coots: My husband has been my biggest supporter, which has me wanting to be and do better.  I’ve seen a lot of great things, and hopefully I’ll see a lot more.

SLUGFEST: What kind of fight should the fans expect from you on March 28th?

Coots:  Expect some energy! I’m going to have fun with it.

SLUGFEST:  What would you like to say to the people buying tickets and PPV under your name?

Coots:  To my people who have bought a ticket or PPV to see me, thank you for your support. You won’t be disappointed!


About SLUGFEST:
Founded in 2026, Tennessee Slugfest is a Tennessee-based combat sports promotion delivering high-energy, entertainment-driven fight events across the Southeast. Built around fast-paced, knockout-focused bouts, Slugfest provides a platform for both new and experienced competitors to showcase their toughness in front of passionate, sold-out crowds. With rapidly growing attendance and pay-per-view audiences, Tennessee Slugfest is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about fight experiences in the region.
]]><![CDATA[Hopkins vs. Hale II Set for Tennessee SLUGFEST 2]]>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:05:29 GMThttps://www.slugfestfights.com/news/hopkins-vs-hale-ii-set-for-tennessee-slugfest-2Picture
On March 28th, 2026, at the National Guard Armory in Sparta, Tennessee, Chris Hopkins and Justin “Too Cool” Hale will meet again inside the Slugfest cage — this time in a sanctioned Lightweight Division bout at Tennessee Slugfest 2.

Their first meeting lasted just 12 seconds.

Now, they run it back.
On February 21st in Cookeville, Tennessee, at Revolver of Cookeville, Hopkins and Hale squared off in the Super Lightweight tournament. The matchup was expected to showcase two rising local competitors.Instead, it became one of the fastest finishes in Slugfest competition.

Hale stormed forward immediately and landed a knockout blow that ended the bout almost as soon as it began.

Official time: 12 seconds.

For Hale (2-1), the win reinforced his reputation as an explosive finisher. For Hopkins (0-1), the loss was abrupt — and unfinished.

There was no controversy in the stoppage and no debate over the outcome. The result was decisive.

But Hopkins believed 12 seconds did not reflect his preparation or potential.
Shortly after the fight, the Jamestown native requested a rematch — and Slugfest officials granted it.

On March 28th in Sparta, he gets his opportunity.

This time, the bout will be contested in the Lightweight Division as a standalone Slugfest fight — no tournament bracket, no advancement stakes. Just redemption versus validation.

For Hopkins, the rematch represents a chance to erase the fastest loss of his career and earn his first official win.

For Hale, it is about confirmation — proving that the first result was no fluke and that his finishing ability is real.

With Jamestown and Crossville separated by less than an hour’s drive, the regional pride element adds another layer to the matchup. Sparta will serve as neutral ground, but the intensity between the two Tennessee fighters is undeniable.

Tennessee Slugfest continues to build momentum early in 2026.

The inaugural event sold out, and the second show came close to doing the same — signaling strong demand and rapid growth for the brand.

The March 28th event in Sparta is expected to continue that trend, with a full card of tournament matchups and featured bouts.

Hopkins vs. Hale II adds a compelling storyline to the night — a fight built on unfinished business.

In February, it lasted 12 seconds.

In March, both fighters expect a different story.



About SLUGFEST:
Founded in 2026, Tennessee Slugfest is a Tennessee-based combat sports promotion delivering high-energy, entertainment-driven fight events across the Southeast. Built around fast-paced, knockout-focused bouts, Slugfest provides a platform for both new and experienced competitors to showcase their toughness in front of passionate, sold-out crowds. With rapidly growing attendance and pay-per-view audiences, Tennessee Slugfest is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about fight experiences in the region.
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