The Dickie Warren Dome will once again host one of Tennessee’s top mixed martial arts promotions, as Valor Fights 26 is set to go down this Saturday at the venue in Blountville.
Headlining the ten-fight all pro card will be a 150-pound catchweight superfight featuring rising stars Dustin Walden (8-3) and Steven New (4-1).
Walden is unbeaten in his last three bouts and is 6-1 with one no contest in his last eight outings. The 31-year-old has been to just one decision in his pro career, which spans all the way back to 2008.
On his Facebook page last month, Walden let everyone know his intentions for this bout:
25 days til history is made in the Tri-Cities once again. the OG is back and I’m focus on the task at hand. Causing bodily harm.
New, on the other hand, is very young in his pro career and has won his last three after starting 1-1. All four of the natural featherweight’s wins have come via stoppage.
The middleweight co-main event pits another pair of fast-risers, as Dustin Long (6-1) is set to take on Roufusport Academy product Cameron Olson (2-1).
Long has won three in a row after dropping his only bout, and all six of his wins have come via stoppage. Olson, meanwhile, comes in from Wisconsin with a pair of submission wins under his belt. The RFA veteran most recently dropped the first bout of his career via decision to Khalil Rountree at RFA 25 in April.
Another pivotal catchweight bout will take place at 140 pounds, as Jonathan Pearce (2-0) looks to stay unbeaten against veteran Chris Wright Jr. (8-5-1).
Valor Fights 26 will also be available to stream via the organization’s website by clicking here.
Official Valor Fights 26 card
Pro Bouts:
150 lbs: Dustin Walden (8-3) vs. Steven New (4-1)
185 lbs: Dustin Long (6-1) vs. Cameron Olson (2-1)
140 lbs: Jonathan Pearce (2-0) vs. Chris Wright Jr. (8-5-1)
185 lbs: Sid Wheeler (1-0) vs. Matthew Baccus (1-0)
155 lbs: Josh Cate (7-8) vs. Randy Stamey (1-2)
145 lbs: Ian Lawler (1-0) vs. Anthony Retic (3-3)
155 lbs: Steven Haag (0-0) vs. Nick Collins (0-4)
125 lbs: Devin Ward (0-0) vs. Brandon Grimmett (0-4)
155 lbs: Judd Brown (0-2) vs. Thomas Baber (0-0)
170 lbs: Steve Thomas (0-1) vs. William Ewers (1-2)