SFL America Lightweight championship highlights unique MMA card

TACOMA, Wash. – Super Fight League and Brian Halquist Productions will introduce the newest innovative concept in the world of mixed martial arts on May 7 at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Wash. with SFL America Team Challenge: Seattle vs. Portland.

This unique event will showcase thrilling individual professional MMA bouts under an overarching team approach as athletes will not only be competing for themselves but for the overall team championship.

Scores will be awarded to the winner of each contest with fighters earning 9 points for a KO, 7 points for a submission victory, 5 points for a TKO, 3 points for a decision and 2 points for a draw. The winning team will have the highest combined score for all six bouts.

“It really sets up for some exciting fights. There’s now strategy involved due to the scoring system, which is similar to collegiate wrestling,” said SFL COO Brian Halquist, a former college wrestler who earned All-American honors. “Fighters will not just go into the cage looking to win. You may need a KO or TKO to secure the overall team title. So, you’re approach could change completely on the fly as the card unfolds. None of these guys want to lose. They don’t want to lose individually or see their team lose. These fighters have a lot of pride from where they come from. This means every match matters.”

The 8-bout card will feature two opening fights and six team battles, including a 125-pound women’s clash.

Comprising Team Seattle, which will be coached by UFC veteran Jeff “Hellbound” Hougland, will be current SFL America Lightweight champion Justin “Ruckus” Harrington (155 pounds), Zach Skinner (125), Shane Friesz (135), Anthony Zender (140), Chris Stone (160), Joey Pierotti (170), Rafael Brewster (185) and Cindy Hales (female, 125).

Team Portland, coached by Nick “Savage” Gilardi, features undefeated Bryan Nuro, who will challenge Harrington for the championship in the 5-round main event, Benny Vinson (125), Jounrey Newson (135), Sean Gee (140) Kody Hammond (160), Chris Evans (170), Jose McKay Rodriguez (185) and Liz Tracy (female, 125).

Tickets are available through the EQC box office and all Ticket Master outlets. Doors open at 6 p.m. with preliminary bouts starting at 7 p.m.

Highlighting the card will be Harrington (8-2-0) defending his SFL America Lightweight championship against Nuro (4-0-0).


The Team Challenge bouts will feature undefeated 135-pounders Friesz (Team Seattle) and Journey Newson (Team Portland) facing each other and a female bout between Hales (Team Seattle) and Tracy (Team Portland).

SFL America Team Challenge: Seattle vs. Portland is brought to you by Brian Halquist Productions and Super Fight League. For more information, please visit www.halquistproductions.com and the CageSport MMA Facebook page.

SFL America Team Challenge: Seattle vs. Portland
Saturday, May 7, 2016 – Emerald Queen Casino

Opening Bouts
Anthony Zender vs. Sean Gee
Chris Stone vs. Kody Hammond

ABOUT BRIAN HALQUIST
Brian Halquist Productions is the Northwest premiere fight promotion company creator of the famed "Battle at the Boat" boxing series promoting two decades 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 40 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.