(PRESS RELEASE) -- Tacoma, Washington - On Saturday October 4th at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington, fans will not only see an incredible night of fights at the inaugural Super Fight League America event, but the homecoming of Mixed Martial Arts legend and Seattle native Josh Barnett.
Josh attended Ballard High School, where he immediately excelled in wrestling, earning a spot in the state tournament every year and placing as high as second place during his senior year. He soon found his way to other combat sports, namely kickboxing and jiu-jitsu. In 1997, Josh competed in his first professional MMA bout, winning by submission in the very first round. After amassing a 9-0 record, he was invited to fight in the UFC.
Barnett was so impressive, that after only 4 fights with the promotion, he was given the opportunity to fight UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture for the World Heavyweight Championship. Josh won by TKO to become the youngest UFC champion in history.
Since then, Josh has fought all over the world, putting together a stellar 33-7 record, with 28 of those victories coming by way of stoppage. Josh has become a hero to countless up and coming MMA fighters and fans alike. Josh has shifted some of his attention to training and with two of his fighters preparing for championship bouts at SFLA #1, Josh’s coaching looks to have a major impact come fight night.
“I’m glad to be back in the place I’m not only from, but where I launched my career,” said Barnett. “I loved fighting in Washington and I think it’s great to give my fighters the experience to fight up here as well.”
Currently training out of Combat Submission Wrestling (CSW) with legendary instructor, Erik Paulson, Barnett is an advisor to numerous fighters, but keeps his managing focus on Los Angeles prospects, Victor Henry and Colleen Schneider. On October 4th, Barnett will be handling cornering duties for both fighters whom, as mentioned earlier, will both be fighting for SFLA Titles. Josh’s years of experience as a competitor and coach will prove invaluable as both young fighters look to leave Tacoma with the championship belts.
Barnett will be available for autographs and photos directly following weigh in at 7:30 PM on Friday, October 3rd at the Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino in Fife, WA. Weigh in is free and open to the public. Fans are encouraged to come out to the EQC to meet the UFC star along with all of the other fighters participating on the first ever Super Fight League America card.
QUICKIE FACTS
WHAT: Josh Barnett Personal Appearance (Autographs and photos)
WHERE: Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino – Fife, WA
When: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
ABOUT SUPER FIGHT LEAGUE The Super Fight League is Asia's leading Mixed Martial Arts organization. Over the past decade, with the guidance of state athletic commissions throughout the United States, Mixed Martial Arts has developed from a spectacle into a highly respected sport with a global audience. Major fights between world-renowned Mixed Martial Arts superstars are among the most popular sporting events of the year, surpassing pay-per-view records of boxing and professional wrestling. Sports fans around the World have made their voices heard, they want a sense of real competition when they watch sports, and MMA delivers. The Super Fight League brings Mixed Martial Arts to India and it brings it the world through its partnership with YouTube.com. MMA fans can catch all Super Fight League live and for free on TV in India and YouTube everywhere else.
Super Fight League was founded by Raj Kundra and Sanjay Dutt in 2012. Both men are proven leaders in Sports and Entertainment in India and both are well respected and successful Entrepreneurs. Collectively they have become dominant forces in India's Bollywood and Cricket scene and now Mixed Martial Arts.
ABOUT BRIAN HALQUIST Brian Halquist Productions is the Northwest premiere fight promotion company creator of the famed "Battle at the Boat" boxing series promoting over 17 years and 100 fights at the Emerald Queen Casino. BHP has also built the largest professional MMA series on the USA’s west coast with “CageSport MMA” promoting over 30 fights. Brian Halquist Productions has promoted events for ESPN, ShowTime and HBO and featured on Showtime's historic boxing event in St Lucia, West Indies. Brian Halquist Productions has been promoting fights and concerts for over 30 years in the Pacific Northwest.