Regional MMA will be on display tonight in the Panhandle of West Texas when Shark Fights presents "Frey vs. Evans," the fifth installment from the upstart organization out of Amarillo, TX. In addition to eight MMA fights, the "Outdoor Bash and Brawl" from Gamboa’s Outdoor Event Center will feature live music from three different bands.
Shark Fights took a much smaller bite for this event whereas their last card was held in Lubbock, TX at the Citibank Coliseum and featured former UFC fighters Don Frye and Jesse Taylor along with former NFL player Rex Richards.
Still, there are a couple of well known fighters on tonight's card including former Zuffa employees Nissen Osterneck, Doug Evans and Lodune Sincaid.
Nissen started out his MMA career going 5-0 but stumbled in his WEC debut getting T(KO)ed by Jake Rosholt at WEC 36. He got a chance to redeem himself at UFC Fight Night 18 when he took on UFC veteran Jorge Rivera but dropped a split decision. Osterneck will look to get his career back on track when he takes on undefeated newcomer Kyle Bracey.
The main event will crown Shark Fights first featherweight champion.
Douglas Frey will take on Doug Evans -- who despite a losing effort gave Roger Huerta all he could handle at The Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale two years ago.
They will battle to determine the best 145-pound fighter currently competing in the Lone Star State. With that title to being decided tonight, Shark Fights will have champions in place for their featherweight, welterweight and heavyweight divisions.
TJ Waldburger will be making the first defense of his welterweight title after capturing the welterweight belt at Shark Fights 4 when he submitted Shannon Rich in the first round.
The upstart organization’s most promising fighter is their heavyweight champion Darrill Schoonover.
Schoonover, who holds a perfect 10-0 MMA record, defeated Rex Richards to capture the heavyweight strap at Shark Fights 4. He is currently a competitor on season ten of The Ultimate Fighter alongside Kimbo Slice. For Shark Fights, while they are wishing the best for their heaviest champion, they have to be hoping he doesn’t go ‘all the way’ and win a UFC contract.
While this event may not have the Texas-sized heat in terms of marketable fighters, don’t be lulled into a false sense of a tepid future for the young organization. Shark Fights has big ambitions in the MMA world so be sure to keep an eye on the little fight promotion that could.
Here is the complete line up for Shark Fights 5:
145 lbs.: Douglas Frey (5-1) vs. Doug Evans (9-4) to determine Shark Fights Featherweight Champion
205 lbs.: Lodune Sincaid (14-7) vs. Marcus Sursa (9-4)
185 lbs.: Nissen Osterneck (5-2) vs. Kyle Bracey (6-0)
170 lbs.: Anselmo Martinez (4-1) vs. TJ Waldburger (10-5) to determine Shark Fights Welterweight Champion
265 lbs.: Brian Humes (4-0) vs. Elmore Nicely (0-0)
170 lbs.: Derek Campos (3-1) vs. Thomas Grissom (5-2)
170 lbs.: Oscar Granado (1-2) vs. Heath Dodgen (1-0)
205 lbs.: Conan Kano (3-3) vs. Edgar Santos (0-0)
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