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By Ed Chargualaf

Mylo “Bambam” Lassiter

Once again, the CNMI’s premiere K-1 and mixed martial arts event is coming to Saipan as Trench Warz 17 – Night of Champions brings hard hitting, bone breaking, and pulse pounding action to the Saipan World Resort on December 13th.

“We are going to end the year banging!” Trench Warz promoter and fight veteran Cuki Alvarez said. “Fans can expect another awesome night of K1 and MMA action featuring young fighters and veterans, as well. There will be 2 championship matches on the line and future champions in the making.”

Two titles will be on the line that night as Team Haga’s Neil “Lion Heart” Taisacan takes on heavyweight champion Mylo “Bam Bam” Lassiter and Trench Tech’s Josh “Chaos” Duenas will defend his flyweight title against Team Zalaka’s Jordan Maglona.

The heavyweight title bout was originally slated to be the highly anticipated showdown between Lassiter and former PXC heavyweight champion Kelvin “The Big Hit” Fitial. However, an agreement between Fitial and the event promoter could not be reached.

I know I’m ready for watever happens “I know I’m ready for whatever happens,” Lassiter said. “This will be I know I’m ready for watever happensmy last one for a while. I’m sorry to say that, but it’s time for me to move on.”

Josh “Chaos” Deunas

“I have always wanted a title shot,” the 38-year old Taisacan said. “I’ve been working hard every day. My main goal is to take him out Chuck Liddell style!”

The bantamweight title was slated to be up for grabs, but an unexpected injury to the current champion, Trench Tech’s Vince “The Clinch” Masga in late November forced him to withdraw from the fight.  Derrick “El Peligro” Rangamar from Team Marianas Elite stepped up to take on Korea Top Team fighter Kwan Ho Kwak.

“Vince (Masga) was supposed to fight Kwak for the bantamweight belt, but Vince got hurt in training a few weeks ago,” Alvarez added. “We scrambled to get to fight and he (Rangamar) jumped at the opportunity. He’ll fight anybody!”

One fight that won’t be happening is the highly anticipated rematch from last year between Shane “Pikaboo” Alvarez and Rob “The Real Deal” Wusstig. Both fighters are out with injuries. Shane Alvarez will have to wait to try and even up the score with Team Countershot’s Wusstig.

In K-1 action, Guam Muay Thai’s Kyle “300” Martin will take on Trench Tech’s Benji Estoque (125 lbs); Jonathan “Outlaw” Camacho from Team D2S will face Lenny “Machine Gun” Sablan (135 lbs); and Jones Langu will battle it out with Trench Tech’s Jasper “The Disaster” Van Der Maas (145 lbs).

In other MMA action:

• Franklin Agulto vs. Team Down 2 Scrap’s Kainoa “The Ghost” Wanket (135 lbs)
• Team Zalaka’s Allan Aguon vs. Team Pwang’s Garry “Dissa” Ray (125 lbs)
• Tinian’s Paul Ayuyu vs. Trench Tech’s T.J. Sablan (135 lbs)
• Ben Flores vs. Trench Tech’s Donivan “Track Star” Mendiola (155 lbs)
• Marianas Elite’s John Tudela vs. Trench Tech’s Vince Torres (145 lbs)
• Jose “Youngblood” Ramirez (Gracie Barra/UX GMT) vs. Marianas Elite’s Vince “Sanity” Pua (160 lbs)
• Team Zalaka’s Danny vs. Spike 22’s “Shiska” Rob Alvarez (145 lbs)
• Tiger Yatsui vs. Ryan “Ttrobz” Ngirbabul (220 lbs)

The official weigh-in for the Night of Champions will take place on Thursday, December 12th 5PM at the Gig Discotheque. Tickets are available to Docomo Pacific, FISG (Cabrera Center) and Borderline – $35 for V.I.P. admission and $25 for general admission. Doors open at 7PM.

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