Ohio’s newest promotion is set to make its debut this weekend, as Elite Fighting Series I takes place at the Dayton Convention Center in Dayton. The amateur card is set will an 11-bout lineup, including an intriguing headliner featuring lightweights James Pfeiffer (8-1) vs. Robert Ingram (6-5).
Professional fighter Rob Hanna (4-0) is the promoter of note, alongside his father, Robert W. Hanna III. Hanna stated on BluegrassMMA Live earlier this week that he decided to start a promotion to give fighters from his gym, E.F.S. MMA, a place to compete and get tough tests early in their careers close to home. And that’s what he’s doing – nearly half of the card consists of fighters from his own gym, including Ingram in the headliner.
Ingram, a former member of Jorge Gurgel’s camp in the Cincinnati area, hasn’t competed since March 2013 and has since had a baby. In that bout, he dropped the AAMMA lightweight title with a first round loss to Brittany Skelton. Prior to that, the former Bluegrass Brawl lightweight champion earned a pair of victories over Cody Harris and Dusty Stengal. He has also faced notables Stephen Singleton and Reggie Merriweather, losing to both.
He’ll have no time to knock off any cage rust though, as Pfeiffer is known as a quick starter. Pfeiffer has also let it be known that he plans on making this his last amateur bout before a jump to the pro ranks in the featherweight division. His most recent win as an impressive first round knockout over Brian Haubiel last August to claim the RFO lightweight title. The former Rocktagon and OXF lightweight champion has also earned victories over Max Scoby and Daniel Coffman.
The co-headliner is an early favorite for “fight of the night,” as lightweight Brennon Witcher (3-4) takes on Jesus Pacheco (2-0). Witcher has earned all three of his wins via strikes, including a pair of clean first round knockouts. Pacheco earned impressive victories in his first two outings, but both fights were against debut fighters; now he’ll get tested against a similiarly explosive fighter in Witcher. Witcher represents E.F.S. MMA, while Pacheco has recently made the tranisition to train at Ronin Training Center in Columbus.
Another fighter looking to go pro after this fight is Hussein Hmood (5-7), who looks to snap a four-fight losing streak when he faces Talmadge Lytle (2-7). Hmood has been on the wrong end of some questionable decisions, but knows that he can’t leave it in the hands of the judges if he wants to guarantee a win. Lytle will also be looking to snap a four-fight losing streak as he fights for the first time this year.
The fight card also feature’s Hanna’s brother Steve Hanna (1-0), who looks to stay unbeaten when he takes on Darryl Booker (1-1). A women’s bout will also be featured, as E.F.S. MMA’s Lauren Davies (0-0) faces Katelyn Perkins (0-0) at 120 pounds.
The fight card begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday night, and tickets are expected to be available at the door.
The lineup for Elite Fighting Series I:
James Pfeiffer (8-1) vs Robert Ingram (6-5)
Brennon Witcher (3-4) vs Jesus Pacheco (2-0)
Talmadge Lytle (2-7) vs Hussein Hmood (5-7)
Steve Hanna (1-0) vs Darryl Booker (1-1)
Lauren Davies (0-0) vs Katelyn Perkins (0-0)
Tim Matheny (0-3) vs Andrew Morrow (0-4)
Tommy Richmond (1-0) vs Thomas Miracola (0-1)
Jeff Crum (0-0) vs Lee Spry (0-0)
Ryan Freeman (0-0) vs Alex Bowen (0-0)
Karic Cecutti (0-0) vs Shamil Aslanov (0-0)
Jake Kools (0-0) vs Jayson Walton (0-0)
*fight card subject to change