Yuma Fight League 6 delivers sanctioned MMA action

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Cheers echoed through the Yuma County Fairgrounds Legacy Building Saturday night as Yuma Fight League 6 (YFL 6) delivered hard-fought matchups marking the city's first-ever fully sanctioned mixed martial arts event.

Founded by UFC veteran Kelvin Gastelum, the league brought together seasoned professionals, first-time amateurs, and a packed house of fans all united by one goal: Putting Yuma on the map in the world of combat sports.

"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."

From the opening bell, the energy was palpable both in the stands and behind the scenes.

Professional Ring Announcer Fernando Lara recalled a moment with one debut fighter before his first-ever cage walk.

"You could tell the nervousness," Lara said. "I just gave him some inspirational words: Take a deep breath. I'm gonna do my best to introduce you, and then you go from there."

The card spotlighted local fighters like Christian Macias, who sees YFL as a long-overdue opportunity for Yuma’s fight scene to gain recognition.

"We had champions. We had Hall of Famers...all part of Yuma," Macias said. "That fighting community here is so strong, and it's only going to get stronger."

For Yuma Native Enrique Valdez, who is professionally signed with Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, the league offers more than just competition it's visibility.

"It's awesome, man. These people come and bring guys with recognizable names. It brings a lot of eyes. You get a good knockout...your video goes viral, and you get your name out there," Valdez said.

That's the kind of platform Gastelum envisioned when launching Yuma Fight League a springboard for local talent and a spotlight on the city's potential.

"We've seen in the past a lot of talent come through Yuma and onto the biggest stages," he said. "We're hoping this is one of those stages. We want to help them, prepare them for the future and you might be looking at a future MMA star out here."

With local debuts, seasoned veterans, and a roaring crowd behind it, YFL 6 was a complete success.