<![CDATA[SLUGFEST - News]]>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 22:49:27 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Michael “The Beast” Baker and Christian Brown Run It Back for Super Heavyweight Championship at Tennessee Slugfest 11]]>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 23:22:30 GMThttps://www.slugfestfights.com/news/michael-the-beast-baker-and-christian-brown-run-it-back-for-super-heavyweight-championship-at-tennessee-slugfest-11Picture
Two Crossville fan favorites. One championship. A rematch that was too good to wait.

Michael “The Beast” Baker (6-2) and Christian Brown (2-1) will meet for the super heavyweight championship in the co-main event of Tennessee Slugfest 11: Fighting for Pink on Saturday, October 10, at the Crossville National Guard Armory. Proudly sponsored by Endo Athletics, the matchup brings back one of the most entertaining fights from Tennessee Slugfest 9.

Their first meeting came together under unexpected circumstances. Baker was originally scheduled to face George Parks, but when Parks no-showed, Brown stepped in at the last minute. What followed was a close, exciting fight that gave the fans plenty to cheer about before Brown secured a fourth-round TKO victory.
The action left little doubt that these two deserved another meeting. Tennessee Slugfest moved immediately to put the rematch together, giving Baker another shot at Brown and giving the hometown crowd another chance to see two of its favorites battle for championship gold.

For Baker, October 10 is an opportunity to even the score. “The Beast” enters with a 6-2 record and the experience of having already shared the cage with Brown. After coming up short in their first encounter, he returns with a clear goal: change the outcome and leave with the super heavyweight championship.

Brown, meanwhile, enters at 2-1 with the confidence of having won their first meeting. He answered the call on short notice at Slugfest 9 and made the most of the opportunity. Now, with the rematch set and both fighters knowing who awaits them, he has the chance to make it two victories over Baker.

Both men call Crossville home, and both have become fan favorites. That hometown connection adds another reason for the crowd to get behind this co-main event. Fans who witnessed the first fight know how competitive and entertaining this matchup can be. Those who missed it now have the chance to see the rivalry continue with a championship on the line.

If their first meeting is any indication, Baker versus Brown has every reason to be one of the best—and most fun—fights of the night.

Tennessee Slugfest thanks Endo Athletics for sponsoring this super heavyweight championship rematch and supporting the fighters who make these hometown events possible.

Tennessee Slugfest 11: Fighting for Pink takes place Saturday, October 10, at the Crossville National Guard Armory. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the pre-show beginning at 6 p.m.

Tickets are available at SlugfestFights.com. Fans watching from home can catch the action live on pay-per-view at CombatSportsNow.com/tsf11.


About Tennessee SLUGFEST
Tennessee SLUGFEST is a Tennessee-based combat sports promotion featuring fast-paced cage 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.

Tennessee SLUGFEST is a Black Flag Sports & Entertainment brand.

]]><![CDATA[Logan Williams and Coty Trisdale Meet for Vacant Super Lightweight Championship at Tennessee Slugfest 11]]>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 23:02:49 GMThttps://www.slugfestfights.com/news/logan-williams-and-coty-trisdale-meet-for-vacant-super-lightweight-championship-at-tennessee-slugfest-11Picture
Two Slugfest veterans. Two fan favorites. One vacant championship.

Logan Williams and Coty Trisdale will meet in the main event of Tennessee Slugfest 11 on Saturday, October 10, in Crossville, Tennessee, with the vacant super lightweight championship on the line. Both fighters enter with momentum, and both have an opportunity to leave with the title as the division begins its next chapter.

Tennessee Slugfest 11 and the super lightweight championship main event are proudly sponsored by our friends at Crossville Vapor.
Williams brings a 6–2 record into the matchup and has won his last two fights. The East Tennessee veteran now has the chance to make it three straight victories while capturing the super lightweight championship.

With eight fights on his Slugfest record, Williams is a familiar face to fans who have followed the promotion. This main event gives him an opportunity to turn his recent success into a championship moment, though he will have to do it against a fellow veteran fighting in his hometown.

Trisdale enters with a 2–2 record and one no contest, fresh off a big finish at Tennessee Slugfest 10. That performance gives the Crossville fighter momentum heading into a title opportunity in front of his hometown crowd.

For Trisdale, the stakes are clear: follow up his latest finish by winning the super lightweight championship at home. He already gave fans something to remember at Slugfest 10. Now he has the opportunity to deliver an even bigger moment in the main event of Slugfest 11.

The championship became available after inaugural super lightweight champion Zack Mitchell chose to vacate the title as he returns to MMA.

Mitchell will always hold a special place in Tennessee Slugfest history as the division’s first champion. Everyone at Black Flag Sports & Entertainment has tremendous love and respect for Zack, and we wish him success as he takes that next step in his fighting career.

With Zack moving back to MMA, the super lightweight division moves forward with an opportunity for a new champion to carry the title. Williams and Trisdale will be the two men competing for that honor on October 10.

It is a matchup with plenty for Slugfest fans to get behind. Both fighters have experience in the promotion, both have built support among the crowd, and both arrive with a recent win to build on. Williams has his two-fight winning streak. Trisdale has his big finish and the chance to compete for a championship in Crossville.

Their records tell part of the story. The title opportunity gives this fight its stakes. And with two fan favorites sharing the main-event spotlight, this has all the ingredients for a fun finish to the night.

Join us in Crossville on Saturday, October 10, for Tennessee Slugfest 11 and see who claims the vacant super lightweight championship.



About Tennessee SLUGFEST
Tennessee SLUGFEST is a Tennessee-based combat sports promotion featuring fast-paced cage 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.

Tennessee SLUGFEST is a Black Flag Sports & Entertainment brand.



]]><![CDATA[Stephen McVay Returns to Face Debuting Josh Britton at Tennessee Slugfest 11]]>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 21:26:12 GMThttps://www.slugfestfights.com/news/stephen-mcvay-returns-to-face-debuting-josh-britton-at-tennessee-slugfest-11Picture
Crossville, TN - A long-awaited return meets a fresh start this Saturday as Stephen McVay of Jamestown, Tennessee, faces Josh Britton of Rockwood, Tennessee, in a super lightweight matchup at Tennessee Slugfest 11: Fighting for Pink. The October 10 bout in Crossville is proudly sponsored by Planet of the Tees.

For McVay, this fight brings his story with the promotion full circle. He made his debut at the very first event, Tennessee Toughman 1, on February 7 in Crossville. That appearance left him with an 0-1 record, and Saturday will mark his second trip into the cage—and his first opportunity to compete again since opening night.
McVay was originally scheduled to return at Tennessee Slugfest 1, but a last-minute family emergency forced him to leave, and the planned fight fell through. Now, eight months after his debut, the Jamestown fighter is finally back on the card with a chance to earn his first victory.

Standing across from him will be Josh Britton, who makes his debut representing Rockwood. Britton enters without a previous bout on his record, making October 10 the beginning of his own competitive story. His first assignment is a matchup with a fighter who has already experienced the cage once and has waited months for another opportunity.

The stakes are straightforward: both men are looking for their first win. McVay has the chance to turn his return into a breakthrough, while Britton has the opportunity to start his career at 1-0. With just one previous fight between them, this matchup offers fans an early look at two fighters beginning to establish themselves in the super lightweight division.

From a competitor who was there on the promotion’s first night to a newcomer stepping in for the first time, McVay versus Britton brings two different beginnings together at Fighting for Pink.

Tennessee Slugfest 11 takes place Saturday, October 10, at the National Guard Armory in Crossville, Tennessee. Join us in thanking Planet of the Tees for sponsoring this super lightweight matchup.

🎟️ Tickets: SlugfestFights.com
📺 Pay-per-view: CombatSportsNow.com/tsf11


About Tennessee SLUGFEST
Tennessee SLUGFEST is a Tennessee-based combat sports promotion featuring fast-paced cage 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.

Tennessee SLUGFEST is a Black Flag Sports & Entertainment brand.


]]><![CDATA['Killa' Kelly Riggs vs. Brittany Ray Set to Open Tennessee Slugfest 11]]>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 19:55:29 GMThttps://www.slugfestfights.com/news/killa-kelly-riggs-vs-brittany-ray-set-to-open-tennessee-slugfest-11Picture
A debut meets a fresh start as two Tennessee fighters chase their first victory in a middleweight matchup sponsored by Endo Athletics.

The opening bell at Tennessee Slugfest 11 will bring a first-time competitor and a returning hometown fighter together. “Killa” Kelly Riggs of Jackson, Tennessee, makes her debut against Crossville’s Brittany Ray, who enters with an 0-1 record and a chance to show what she can do in her more natural weight class.
For Riggs, this is where her fight story begins. Representing Jackson, “Killa” steps into the cage with a clean slate and the opportunity to make her name known to the Slugfest crowd. A debut brings plenty of unknowns, but the stakes are straightforward: her first appearance could also produce her first victory.

Standing across from her will be a fighter who has already experienced the pressure of that first walk to the cage.

Ray’s debut came with a difficult assignment. She competed up a weight class to take on Doris Knuckles, accepting a challenge outside her more natural division. That appearance ended in a loss, leaving Ray still searching for her first win.

Now, she returns at middleweight with a different opportunity in front of her. With one fight behind her and the chance to compete at a weight class that better suits her, Ray will look to turn that experience into a successful second appearance. Doing it in her hometown would make the moment even sweeter.
That creates the central question of the opening bout: will Riggs begin her career with a victory, or will Ray use the experience from her debut to get into the win column?

Both fighters have something to prove, and neither has to wait long for her moment. Before the rest of the Tennessee Slugfest 11 card unfolds, Riggs and Ray will have the first opportunity to give the crowd a fight to remember.

“Killa” Kelly Riggs vs. Brittany Ray opens Tennessee Slugfest 11 in the middleweight division. Proudly sponsored by Endo Athletics.


About Tennessee SLUGFEST
Tennessee SLUGFEST is a Tennessee-based combat sports promotion featuring fast-paced cage 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.

Tennessee SLUGFEST is a Black Flag Sports & Entertainment brand.

]]><![CDATA[Hometown Hope Meets Champ-Champ Ambition: Chupp and Hamby Collide in the SLUGFEST 10 Main Event]]>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:41:58 GMThttps://www.slugfestfights.com/news/hometown-hope-meets-champ-champ-ambition-chupp-and-hamby-collide-in-the-slugfest-10-main-event
Picture
Tomorrow night, Tennessee SLUGFEST takes over the Milner Recreation Center in McMinnville with a main event built around two very different kinds of pressure.

For Joey Chupp, it is the pressure—and the opportunity—of fighting for a championship in front of his hometown crowd.

For Ryan “Heavy Hands” Hamby, it is the chance to make history just three weeks after capturing his first title.

Chupp (1–1) and Hamby (5–2) will meet at 195 pounds for the inaugural Tennessee SLUGFEST Super Middleweight Championship in the five-round main event of Tennessee SLUGFEST 10. The bout is proudly sponsored by ENDO Athletics.

One man is looking to complete a hometown comeback. The other is trying to leave McMinnville as a champion in two divisions.

Joey Chupp Returns With Something to prove
McMinnville’s Joey Chupp has not competed inside the SLUGFEST cage since March 28, but anyone who watched his debut night knows that his 1–1 record does not tell the entire story.

Chupp made his first appearance at Tennessee SLUGFEST 2 in Sparta as part of the heavyweight tournament. He opened the night against Clayton Barnhill and immediately showed the kind of composure and boxing ability that can make a fighter dangerous in the SLUGFEST format. Chupp stayed sharp, worked behind his hands and earned a unanimous-decision victory in his first fight.

That win moved him into the next round against Triston Gentry.

For nearly the entire fight, Chupp once again looked comfortable and technically sound. Then, only five seconds into the third and final round, everything changed. Gentry landed the knockout blow, ending Chupp’s tournament run in the blink of an eye.

It was the kind of loss that can hide how well a fighter performed before the finish. One sudden shot decided the result, but it did not erase the boxing skill Chupp displayed throughout the night.

Now, nearly six months later, Chupp returns in a new division and on the biggest stage of his young SLUGFEST career. His first appearance came in a 265-pound heavyweight tournament. His return comes at 195 pounds with championship gold on the line.

He will also have something he did not have in March: a McMinnville crowd behind him.

“Heavy Hands” Has Been Living Up to His Name

Standing across from Chupp will be one of the hottest fighters on the entire SLUGFEST roster.

Cookeville’s Ryan “Heavy Hands” Hamby enters the main event with a 5–2 record and four consecutive victories. After back-to-back decision losses early in his run, Hamby found another gear—and the results have changed the direction of his career.

The streak began at Tennessee SLUGFEST 4, where Hamby knocked out James Hopkins in only 27 seconds in a 195-pound fight. He followed that performance with a split-decision victory over Dallas Coker at SLUGFEST 6 and a unanimous-decision win over Matthew Stranghoner at SLUGFEST 7.

Then came Tennessee SLUGFEST 9.

In the main event on August 29, Hamby met Hopkins for a second time with the inaugural Middleweight Championship on the line. The rematch was expected to answer questions, settle unfinished business and test whether Hopkins could survive Hamby’s power after their first meeting.

Hamby needed only seven seconds to answer all of it.

One explosive finish made Ryan Hamby the first Tennessee SLUGFEST Middleweight Champion and delivered an unforgettable seven-second championship knockout.

There was no long celebration or extended break afterward. Exactly three weeks later, Hamby is moving back up to 195 pounds to fight for another inaugural championship.

If he defeats Chupp, “Heavy Hands” will become a champ-champ—the reigning Tennessee SLUGFEST Middleweight and Super Middleweight Champion.

Can Chupp Slow Down the Hamby Avalanche?

That is the central question hanging over this main event.

Hamby has shown that he can end a fight before it ever has a chance to develop. Three of his five SLUGFEST victories have come by knockout or technical knockout, including first-round stoppages in 12 seconds, 27 seconds and seven seconds. He also has two decision wins, proving that he can stay composed when an opponent survives the opening exchanges.

Chupp’s path to victory may depend on making Hamby work for every clean shot. His best moments in March came when he stayed patient, trusted his boxing and refused to turn the fight into uncontrolled chaos. In a championship bout scheduled for five one-minute rounds, that discipline could become even more important.

But championship rounds also create more opportunities for Hamby to land the kind of punch that changes everything.

Chupp knows that feeling better than most.

The hometown challenger has already experienced how quickly a fight can turn. Tomorrow night, he gets the chance to use that lesson against the most dangerous finisher in the division—and to do it with the inaugural Super Middleweight Championship waiting for the winner.

For Hamby, this is an opportunity to turn an unforgettable three-week run into SLUGFEST history.
For Chupp, it is a chance to prove that one sudden knockout in March was only the end of a fight, not the end of his story.

McMinnville’s hometown contender. Cookeville’s newly crowned champion. Five one-minute rounds for the first Super Middleweight title in Tennessee SLUGFEST history.

Tomorrow night, the cage door closes—and only one man leaves with the belt.

Event Details
Tennessee SLUGFEST 10
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Venue: Milner Recreation Center
Address: 500 Garfield Street, McMinnville, TN 37110
Doors Open: 4:00 PM Central
Preshow and Opening Fights: 5:00 PM Central
Main Event: Joey Chupp vs. Ryan “Heavy Hands” Hamby
Championship: Inaugural Tennessee SLUGFEST Super Middleweight Championship
Main Event Sponsor: ENDO Athletics

Tickets: https://www.slugfestfights.com/tennessee-slugfest-10-tickets.html
Live Pay-Per-View: https://combatsportsnow.com/tsf10




About Tennessee SLUGFEST
Tennessee SLUGFEST is a Tennessee-based combat sports promotion featuring fast-paced cage 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.
Tennessee SLUGFEST is a Black Flag Sports & Entertainment brand.
]]><![CDATA[Inaugural Flyweight Championship: Justin Trosclair vs. Cody “The Codeman” Staggs]]>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 20:03:51 GMThttps://www.slugfestfights.com/news/inaugural-flyweight-championship-justin-trosclair-vs-cody-the-codeman-staggsPicture
Sparta, TN - History will be made this Saturday at Tennessee SLUGFEST 9: Return to Sparta when Justin Trosclair (3-0) takes on Cody “The Codeman” Staggs (2-0) for the inaugural Tennessee SLUGFEST Flyweight Championship.

No fighter has ever held the 125-pound SLUGFEST title before, which means one of these two undefeated Crossville fighters will leave Sparta as the first flyweight champion in company history.

Both men have built undefeated records with exciting performances, and both will be facing the toughest test of their careers
Staggs has quickly become a fan favorite with his high-energy style and willingness to bring the fight every time he steps into the cage. At 2-0, he has already made an impression with the SLUGFEST crowd, but Trosclair represents a major step up in competition.

Trosclair enters the championship bout with a perfect 3-0 record and has looked impressive throughout his run. But just like Staggs, he will be facing an opponent who has yet to taste defeat and who will be coming into this fight with everything to prove.

What makes this matchup even more interesting is that both fighters call Crossville, Tennessee home. This is not just a championship fight—it is a battle between two undefeated hometown fighters looking to establish themselves as the best 125-pound fighter in SLUGFEST.

With undefeated records, exciting styles, hometown bragging rights, and a championship that has never been held before, Trosclair vs. Staggs has all the ingredients to be one of the most exciting fights on the entire Tennessee SLUGFEST 9 card.

The Tennessee SLUGFEST Flyweight Championship bout is proudly sponsored by Crossville Vapor, supporting what promises to be a historic moment inside the SLUGFEST cage.

Justin Trosclair. Cody “The Codeman” Staggs. Two undefeated fighters. One championship. One name will become the first.

It all goes down Saturday, August 29, at Tennessee SLUGFEST 9: Return to Sparta at the National Guard Armory in Sparta, Tennessee.


About Tennessee SLUGFESTTennessee SLUGFEST is a Tennessee-based cage boxing promotion built around fast-paced, action-packed fights inside the cage. SLUGFEST events feature amateur fighters from across Tennessee and beyond, giving competitors a platform to showcase their skills while providing fans with an exciting night of combat sports entertainment. With championship bouts, rising prospects, fan favorites, and newcomers looking to make their mark, Tennessee SLUGFEST continues to grow as one of the most exciting grassroots combat sports promotions in the region.

]]><![CDATA[Christian Churchwell Is Ready for War at Tennessee SLUGFEST 9]]>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:32:12 GMThttps://www.slugfestfights.com/news/christian-churchwell-is-ready-for-war-at-tennessee-slugfest-9Picture
Christian Churchwell has made an immediate impact inside the SLUGFEST cage, beginning his career with a perfect 3-0 record. On August 29, the Jonesborough fighter will face fellow unbeaten heavyweight Brady Lane in the second round of the 16-man heavyweight tournament at Tennessee SLUGFEST 9. After the two fighters abandoned the idea of a random drawing and called each other out, Churchwell spoke with SLUGFEST about the matchup, the pressure of the tournament and what Lane should expect when the cage door closes.

SF:  You’ve started your SLUGFEST career with a perfect 3-0 record. What has been the biggest key to your success so far, and how have you improved with each fight?
​
Churchwell:  I started this journey for fun. I’ve always liked hand-to-hand combat, as it is extremely intriguing to me. I’ve gotten substantially better; however, the fans really keep me coming back for more. The friends I have made through this promotion also keep me around. It’s a good group of people to be around.
SF:  This matchup was originally supposed to be determined by a random tournament drawing, but you and Brady Lane called each other out instead. What made you want this fight specifically?

Churchwell:  Danny Hickmann and I really want to see each other in the finals, so we made callouts from two different perspectives. Danny wanted Jimmy Dean, as he said, and I said, “I’ll just fight Brady Lane,” and we will see where it goes from there! Brady Lane was misinformed and, of course, called me a vulgar word in return—but that’s okay. We will test each other on Saturday the 29th, and I’m looking forward to it!

SF:  Brady is also undefeated at 2-0 and has developed a strong following in Crossville. What do you believe makes him dangerous, and where do you think you have the advantage?

Churchwell:  I think Brady’s reach is very dangerous, and he is a really tall individual. I don’t really know where I’ll have an advantage in fighting terms. However, I will get out there and give it my all, like I always do.

SF:  This is the second round of the 16-man heavyweight tournament. Does knowing that one loss ends your tournament run add pressure, or does it make you even more dangerous?

Churchwell:  It has its pros and cons. The pressure is high, but it also makes me dangerous knowing what’s at stake.

SF:  You’re representing Jonesborough against a hometown-area favorite in Sparta. Are you expecting a hostile crowd, and how do you plan to silence Brady’s supporters?

Churchwell:  I’ve always been the outsider, so going against a crowd favorite is nothing new to me. I plan to go in and execute my plan, as I have done thus far.

SF:  When the cage door closes at Tennessee SLUGFEST 9, what should Brady Lane—and everyone watching inside the arena and on pay-per-view—expect from Christian Churchwell?

Churchwell:  As I have always said, be ready for war. I will let my hands do my talking. I’m looking forward to going to war with Mr. Lane.


About SLUGFEST:
SLUGFEST is a Tennessee-based combat sports promotion featuring fast-paced cage 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[Unbeaten Prospect Meets Surging Fan Favorite: George Parks Battles Michael 'The Beast' Baker for Super Heavyweight Gold]]>Sun, 23 Aug 2026 21:15:20 GMThttps://www.slugfestfights.com/news/unbeaten-prospect-meets-surging-fan-favorite-george-parks-battles-michael-the-beast-baker-for-super-heavyweight-goldPicture
Two of SLUGFEST’s most impressive big men will collide when Chattanooga’s George Parks faces Crossville’s Michael “The Beast” Baker for the inaugural SLUGFEST Super Heavyweight Championship at Tennessee SLUGFEST 9: Return to Sparta.

Baker enters the championship showdown with a 6-1 record and one of the hottest winning streaks in SLUGFEST.

“The Beast” began his fighting career on February 7 at Tennessee Toughman 1, where he entered a 16-man tournament and competed twice in one night. Baker won his opening fight before suffering the only loss of his career in his second tournament bout.

He has not lost since.
Baker has ripped through every opponent placed in front of him since that night, collecting five consecutive victories and quickly becoming one of the biggest fan favorites in SLUGFEST. His relentless, always-moving-forward fighting style has earned him the nickname “The Beast”—and he has lived up to it every time he has stepped inside the cage.

Now, after working his way to a 6-1 record, Baker has the opportunity to become the first SLUGFEST Super Heavyweight Champion.

Standing across from him will be one of the division’s fastest-rising new contenders.
George Parks did not make his SLUGFEST debut until July, but the Chattanooga heavyweight has wasted no time making an impression. Parks has already earned two victories and enters this championship fight with a perfect 2-0 record.

Despite being a relative newcomer, Parks has looked composed and dangerous in both appearances. His movement has been particularly impressive for a fighter his size, allowing him to stay mobile, create angles and avoid becoming a stationary target for the heavy-handed opposition found in the super heavyweight division.

That movement could be one of the biggest factors in this championship matchup.

Baker is known for applying pressure, walking opponents down and forcing them into uncomfortable exchanges. Parks has shown the ability to move exceptionally well while remaining dangerous, creating a compelling contrast between two undefeated streaks and two very different paths to the title.

For Baker, this is the culmination of a remarkable run that began with two fights in a single night. He has experienced defeat, responded to it and returned stronger every time.

For Parks, it is an opportunity to complete a rapid rise from July debutant to undefeated champion.

Crossville will be behind “The Beast.” Chattanooga will be behind Parks. Only one of them will leave Sparta as the inaugural SLUGFEST Super Heavyweight Champion.
George Parks versus Michael “The Beast” Baker is sponsored by ENDO Athletics.


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[Redemption or Repeat? Hopkins and Hamby Collide for Middleweight Gold at Tennessee SLUGFEST 9]]>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 17:36:42 GMThttps://www.slugfestfights.com/news/redemption-or-repeat-hopkins-and-hamby-collide-for-middleweight-gold-at-tennessee-slugfest-9Picture
One of the most anticipated rematches in SLUGFEST history will headline Tennessee SLUGFEST 9 when James Hopkins meets Ryan “Heavy Hands” Hamby for the inaugural amateur SLUGFEST Middleweight Championship.

The championship showdown takes place Saturday, August 29, at the National Guard Armory in Sparta, Tennessee. This main event championship bout is proudly sponsored by ENDO Athletics.

The first time Hopkins and Hamby shared the cage, the fight ended almost as quickly as it began. Hamby lived up to the “Heavy Hands” nickname, knocking Hopkins out in under 30 seconds and leaving no doubt about the power he carries.
But that fight was only the beginning of this story.

Since suffering that loss, Hopkins has completely rebuilt himself. The Jamestown, Tennessee, fighter has won three consecutive fights and enters the rematch with an impressive 3-1 record. With every victory, Hopkins has shown more confidence, composure and determination—earning his opportunity to settle the score on the biggest stage of his SLUGFEST career.

Hopkins now has the chance to avenge the only loss on his record while becoming the first amateur SLUGFEST Middleweight Champion.

Standing in his way is the man who handed him that defeat.

Hamby enters the main event with a 4-2 record and plenty of momentum of his own. The Cookeville, Tennessee, knockout artist has continued to tear through the competition with the aggressive style and dangerous power that made him one of the most exciting fighters on the SLUGFEST roster.

“Heavy Hands” has already proven that he can stop Hopkins. On August 29, he will attempt to do it again—this time with championship gold waiting at the finish line.
For Hopkins, this fight is about redemption.

For Hamby, it is an opportunity to prove that the first result was no accident.
The timing could not be better. Both fighters have improved, both are riding momentum and both believe they are ready to become champion. Now they will meet again in the main event with more at stake than ever before.

Will history repeat itself, or will James Hopkins complete his comeback and avenge the only defeat of his career?

There will be nowhere to hide when the cage door closes in Sparta.

Don’t miss Ryan “Heavy Hands” Hamby versus James Hopkins II for the inaugural amateur SLUGFEST Middleweight Championship—live in the main event of Tennessee SLUGFEST 9 on August 29!


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[James Hopkins Eyes Redemption and Championship Gold at Tennessee SLUGFEST 9]]>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.slugfestfights.com/news/james-hopkins-eyes-redemption-and-championship-gold-at-tennessee-slugfest-9Picture
Jamestown, Tennessee’s James Hopkins enters the biggest fight of his SLUGFEST career when he rematches Ryan “Heavy Hands” Hamby in the main event of Tennessee SLUGFEST 9: Return to Sparta. With the inaugural Middleweight Championship on the line, the 3–1 contender is determined to avenge his previous loss and prove that he belongs at the top of the division.

SF:  You’re 3–1 and representing Jamestown, Tennessee. What does it mean to headline Tennessee SLUGFEST 9 in the main event?

Hopkins:  It’s huge. When I started SLUGFEST and saw the level of talent these guys bring, a main event was the furthest thing from my mind. Now, to be on this stage and main eventing for a title proves not only to myself, but to everyone, that I belong here.
SF:  Ryan Hamby defeated you quickly in your first meeting.  What did you learn from that fight, and why will the rematch be different?

Hopkins:  Well, first, I learned you’ve got to keep your hands up when you roll.  😆 I learned that you can’t let up for a second against a fighter like him.  You have to be ready to lay it all on the line until the bell, or he’s going to capitalize on it.

SF:  How have you changed as a fighter since the first time you faced Hamby?

Hopkins:  I’ve gotten more comfortable in the cage.  I was a little nervous the first time I fought in front of a crowd that big.  I’ve also gotten some invaluable advice from some of the guys.  I’ve learned to slow things down and think about my attacks and defense.  I’m much more controlled and level-headed now.

SF:  Where do you believe you have the biggest advantage over Ryan heading into this rematch?

Hopkins:  This is tough because there aren’t a lot of weaknesses in Ryan’s game.  I believe he’s overlooking me and not taking me seriously, and that’s a huge advantage for me.  I’ve thought about nothing but this rematch since my debut.

I also think I have an advantage when it comes to heart.  I believe that if I can put him down once, his confidence will be broken and he’ll panic.

SF: What would becoming the inaugural Tennessee SLUGFEST Middleweight Champion mean to you?

Hopkins:  It’s everything.  It means proving the doubters wrong.  It means giving my town something to be proud of.  Lastly, it means exactly what I’ve been saying since day one:  I’m the top dog at 185.

SF:  When that cage door closes, how do you predict this championship fight ends?

Hopkins:  This fight ends with a lot of bloodshed and my hand in the air.  Either I walk out with that belt, or they’ll have to carry me out on a gurney.



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.
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