Lemoore, Calif. – Tachi Palace Fights will ride the momentum from its inaugural show on October 8 with its second show on Thursday, December 3.
"I know it’s just our second show, but it’s shaping up to be one of the best yet at the casino," Tachi Palace Fights match maker Richard Goodman said. "This fight card is going to have a little bit of everything on it … the big names, locals and interesting matchups."
The main event should be a big one both internationally and locally, as one of Central California’s brightest young stars is pitted against an international force.
Parlier, Calif. middleweight Mike Moreno (5-2) takes Paris, France’s Xavier Foupa-Pokam (20-11) in what some are saying has fight of the year written all over it for California fight fans.
"Everyone has been waiting to see Moreno get back in action and we couldn’t have found a better opponent in Professor X," Goodman said.
Tickets go on sale Monday, October 26 and start at just $30. Tickets can be purchased at www.tickets.com or charge by phone at 1-800-225-2277. Tickets may also be purchased at the Tachi Palace Gift Shop.
In the co-main event Las Vegas, Nev. featherweight Eddie Yagin (13-3-1) clashes Atlanta, Ga.’s Diego Saraiva (13-8-1). "This is the type of fight that is usually associated with a belt," Goodman said. "Yagin has become a fan favorite in Lemoore, especially after his win over Casey Olson and everyone knows how talented Diego is."
In a pair of feature bouts, Paris, France’s Cyrille Diabate (14-6-1), who is a former coach on Spike TV’s "The Ultimate Fighter" battles veteran light heavyweight Milwaukee, Wis.’s Rob Smith (20-13-1) and the up-and-coming flyweight sensation from Las Vegas, Nev.’s Ulysses Gomez (4-1) takes on Sioux Falls, S.D.’s Ben Nguyen (4-2).
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and fights start at 6:30 p.m.
The weigh-ins will take place at the Den Sports Bar located on the third floor of the Palace. Weigh-ins are slated to begin at 5 p.m. and fans are encouraged to come mingle with the fighters.
MAIN EVENT
Middleweights
Parlier, Calif.’s Mike Moreno (5-2) vs. Paris, France’s Xavier Foupa-Pokam (20-11)
CO-MAIN EVENT
Featherweights
Las Vegas, Nev.’s Eddie Yagin (13-3-1) vs. Atlanta, Ga.’s Diego Saraiva (13-8-1)
Light Heavyweights
Milwaukee, Wis.’s Rob Smith (20-13-1) vs. Paris, France’s Cyrille Diabate (14-6-1)
Flyweights
Las Vegas, Nev.’s Ulysses Gomez (4-1) vs. Sioux Falls, S.D.’s Ben Nguyen (4-2)
Welterweights
Santa Rosa, Calif.’s Kyle Pimentel (7-0) vs. Sacramento, Calif.’s Marcus Gains (6-7)
Featherweights
Seattle, Wash.’s Shad Lierely (5-2) vs. Clovis, Calif.’s John Reedy (8-3)
Featherweights
Porterville, Calif.’s Shawn Klarcyk (9-4) vs. Merced, Calif.’s Jesse Bowen (6-3)
Heavyweights
Lemoore, Calif.’s Dashi Salas (1-0) vs. Fresno, Calif.’s Mike Guirdy (1-0)
Welterweights
Lemoore, Calif.’s Andrew Martinez (5-2-1) vs. Coarsegold, Calif.’s Nikk Covert (3-4)
Lightweights
Oakland, Calif.’s Romulo Melo (2-0) vs. TBA