Rage in the Cage presents “RITC 138” on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at Buffalo Wild Wings, 1130 West Grove Ave., in Mesa, Ariz. In the main event, 7-time UFC veteran and 5-time Strikeforce veteran Joe “Diesel” Riggs (30-10) returns to RITC action against tough Eric Regan (13-15), a veteran of almost 30 MMA fights and the reigning No Limit Fighting Welterweight Champion.
Riggs is still a legitimate welterweight threat no matter where he is fighting. His last two bouts have been in Strikeforce, where he took home wins over Phil Baroni and Luke Stewart.
Aside from a couple of fights, Regan has fought his entire career in Rage in the Cage. He’s a grappler with 10 of his 13 victories coming from submissions. He’s also a finisher, with only two of his 13 victories having gone to decision.
Regan has fought some big names, such as Melvin Guillard, Efrain Escudero, and Alberto Crane. Unfortunately for him though, those fights have been losses. It will likely be no different against the extremely well-rounded Riggs. However, it is still a fight – and anything can happen.
In the Co-Main Event, Joe Cronin, the current RITC Welterweight Champion is relinquishing that title and dropping weight to fight for the vacant RITC Lightweight Title. His opponent is Michael Bailey (3-1-1) who trains at SUMMA Sports and has three straight submission victories.
In a featured match up, Super Heavyweight JoJo Thompson (7-3-1) takes on undefeated Las Vegas fighter Bryan Humes (5-0). In another featured match up, Estevan Payan (8-3) squares off against Las Vegas fighter Shawn Fitzsimmon (5-4).
Rage in the Cage closes out another successful year with what will be their 19th show for 2009. Tickets are $30 Standing, $50 General Seating, $70 Ringside. Advanced tickets available at (480) 844-9464 or (480) 782-6800. Tickets $5 higher on fight day at the door. Gates Open: 5PM First Bout: 8PM.
RITC 138 – Fight Card:
Joe “Diesel” Riggs ( 170 ) vs Eric Regan ( 170 )
Joe Cronin ( 155 ) vs Michael Bailey ( 155 ) vacant RITC LW Title
JoJo Thompson ( 270 ) vs Bryan Humes ( 270 )
Matt Dell ( 155 ) vs TBA
Estevan Payan ( 170 ) vs Shawn Fitzsimmons ( 170 )
Chad Menneke ( 205 ) vs Clifford Starks ( 205 )
Freddie Lux ( 135 ) vs John Moraga ( 135 )
Jed Jobe ( 235 ) vs Jeff Baldonaldo ( 235 )
Matt Betzold ( 140 ) vs Alan Decastro ( 135 )
Mario Montoya ( 150 ) vs Bill Burke ( 150 )
David Lopez ( 185 ) vs Clay Hardt ( 185 )
Nick Marus ( 165 ) vs Sean Scott ( 170 )
Andres Acuna ( 175 ) vs Jose Casillas ( 180 )
Jeff Fletcher ( 160 ) vs James Fabbri ( 160 )
Edwin Louis ( 160 ) vs Ruben Gonzales ( 160 )
Lowen Sniff ( 170 ) vs Andrew Perez ( 175 )
Justin Purcell ( 180 ) vs Peter Hust ( 180 )
Rick Nichols ( 165 ) vs Bobby Pompa ( 165 )
Jaron Padello ( 155 ) vs Jaymes Shulte ( 160 )
Alternates: Marc McClendon ( 135 ), Ismael Vasquez ( 155 ), Alex Nogan ( 185 )
Fight card subject to change.