Yuma Fight League gearing up for big weekend

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The cage is up, the fighters are ready, and the city is buzzing. Yuma Fight League 6, a stacked night of mixed martial arts bouts is set to take over the Yuma County Fairgrounds Saturday.

But this isn't just another fight night. It marks the first-ever sanctioned combat sports event in Yuma.

15 fights are on the card, featuring both professional and amateur competitors. For local organizers, fighters, and fans alike, this event represents something far bigger than a win-loss record.

"Everybody and your mother say join YFL," said Juan Rivera, a local emcee and proud voice of the event. "Yuma is filled with fighters. We've had that fighting spirit going back generations."

Headlining the card are some of the sport's familiar faces, including UFC veteran Efrain Escudero and top featherweight Daniel McElhaney. But for Yuma native and UFC fighter Jose Delgado, the real story is in the future these fights represent.

"We wanna give these young fighters the opportunities that I know myself didn't have…even my fighters didn't have," Delgado said. "We're gonna make sure our boys in Yuma have a shot."

Also in attendance is former UFC Hall of Famer Kelvin Gastelum, who's lending his voice and his platform to help grow the sport in cities like Yuma.

"The City of Yuma is hungry for it," Gastelum said. "We need something like this to come to the city…and this is only the beginning."

Fans will get a chance to meet Gastelum and other fighters during a pre-fight meet-and-greet. It's just one part of an event designed to inspire the next generation of martial artists in a region that's long been overlooked by major promotions.

Fight promoter Chance Ferrar said the goal is to do more than just put on a good show.

“I love combat sports. I believe in the character aspect. That’s why I’m here,” he said. “To plant those seeds, inspire everybody to push forward and chase their dreams.”

From amateur fighters making their debut to pros continuing their climb, YFL 6 is setting the tone for what could become a long-running tradition in Yuma.

“To have someone like Kelvin Gastelum, a Hall of Famer, here in Yuma… it helps the next generation see what’s possible,” Rivera said.

With doors set to open Saturday night at 7 p.m., all eyes will be on the cage. For fans, fighters, and families alike, this is more than a sporting event it’s a turning point for combat sports in the Desert Southwest.