Cage fighting returns to Thibodaux

Ultimate fighting returns to Thibodaux Saturday when In Ya Face Fight Productions brings top local and regional contenders to the Warren J. Harang Municipal Auditorium.

The fighting begins at 7 p.m.

Before the main event, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament will be held for competitors ages 6 to adult.

Justin Verdin of Extreme Fitness MMA said Thibodaux has been in need of another ultimate fighting event for a while. It was just a matter of finding time on the schedule.

“We feel like this is the perfect time,” he explained. “Thibodaux needs this. We’ve been wanting to come back for some time and now we have the chance. We have a card of at least 14 fights consisting of some of the best fighters in the area. It’ll be a fun night for fight fans.”

Saturday’s main event will feature local favorite Nathan “Ice Cold” Sanchez against Mississippi’s Justin Thornton.

“(Sanchez) is one of the hardest hitting heavyweights around,” Verdin said. “We also have a very strong base of amateur fighters that are very competitive. There will be some quality fighters.”

Also competing will be Roland “J-Paul” Molinere (2-0), Patrick “P-Tom” Thompson (1-0), RMMA Champion Brennan Sevin (6-0), Mac Callais (3-0), Cy Landry (2-2), Ian Matherne and Lanny Dardar (2-1).

Other fighters from New Orleans and Baton Rouge and as far away as Mississippi, Florida and Texas will also be on the card.

By teaming with several other southern fighting groups, Verdin said he has been able to draw quality opponents. In exchange, he sends local fighters to compete in other organizations’ events to make the cards a bit more evenly matched.

“What we do is we call all the gyms from all the areas,” he said. “We look everywhere so that we can bring in the top fighters to have a fair match. I have a lot of contacts. I have a bunch of gyms and they bring their guys to compete with our guys or whatnot.”

Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. General admission seats range from $20 to $50. V.I.P. tables for 10 are available for $550, $650 and $750.

For more information, call Extreme MMA at (985) 873-5722.