Cantu, James Headline 559 Fights Return To The Big Fresno Fair

FRESNO, Calif. – 559 Fights will once again drop it’s cage on the infield of The Big Fresno Fair Horse Track for one of the largest amateur mixed martial arts event of the year on Sunday, October 5.

Kerman’s Leo Cantu faces Fresno’s Jesse James in one of the biggest amateur showdowns of the season.

Cantu (10-3-1) is the No. 1 ranked Light Heavyweight in the state and has been one of the veteran’s of the amateur circuit and faces the No. 2 ranked Middleweight in the state in James (5-1), who moves up a weight class to test himself.

“As 559 Fights has grown, so has the talent pool within Central California,” said 559 Fights President Jeremy Luchau. “This is our 30^th event in less than three years and for us to be able to host the quality of fighters that we are now is a blessing.”

559 Fights will be live and free as one of The Big Fresno Fair’s top attractions for the 2014 fair. Fight tickets are free with paid admission into the fair.

“We have anywhere between 3,500 to 5,000 people walk through the gates and watch 559 Fights last year,” Luchau said. “We had an amazing event and exposed a lot of people to the sport and our athletes that might not have been able to see them under different circumstances. I really appreciate and respect the fair for believing in our product and sharing it within the fair community.”

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the first fight is at 8.

In the co-main event, 559 Fights Lightweight champion Luis Vargas (7-2) defends his title for the first time against Tulare’s Eric Diaz (4-3).

“Vargas came in and shocked the Valley when he won the title. He proved that he is one of the top athletes in the state and is now a finalist in the state tournament along with defending his title at 559 Fights,” Luchau said. “Diaz is a guy who has always fought tough fights and the best we had to offer. It will be interesting to see which fighter can impose their will.”

13 other bouts are also scheduled on the fight card, which includes some of the Central Valley’s top amateur talent.

Reserve seating, front-row seating and VIP tables are available. Call 559-813-0307 for more information.

For more information visit 559Fights.com