'Country Boy' Nathan Coots Battles 'Too Cool' Justin Hale in a Massive Tennessee Slugfest 7 Main Event

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.

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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 super lightweight, 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 super lightweight 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.