James Hopkins Eyes Redemption and Championship Gold at Tennessee SLUGFEST 9

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.

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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.