Phoenix, AZ – February 16, 2025 – RUF 61 brought another action-packed night of mixed martial arts to the legendary Celebrity Theatre, delivering an unforgettable evening of battles that showcased some of the toughest amateur and professional fighters in the sport. With intense rivalries, dramatic finishes, and championship implications on the line, the event cemented itself as one of the most thrilling fight cards in RUF history.
Amateur Bouts Deliver High-Energy Performances
The amateur portion of the event set the tone for the night with several fast-paced fights and dominant performances.
- Samuel Dalton secured a submission victory over Leonel Castro in the first round, finishing by choke at 1:06.
- Sear Sanjar wasted no time, landing a knee to the body followed by strikes to earn a first-round TKO win against Chasen Stephen at 2:45.
- Elijah Jimenez showcased his striking skills, delivering a devastating head kick followed by ground-and-pound to earn a first-round TKO victory over Jordan Barreras at 1:24.
- Jeremy Robles-Gomez put on a dominant performance, defeating Isaac Zatarain by unanimous decision with scores of 30-27 on all judges’ scorecards.
- Neyland Marcum displayed his grappling prowess, submitting Kadyn Marcantel with a rear-naked choke in the first round at 2:46.
- David Clay battled through a tough contest, earning a unanimous decision victory over Alyk Lopez with a clean sweep on the scorecards (30-27).
Amateur Title Fights Crown New Champions
With championship belts on the line, fighters brought their best performances in the amateur title fights.
- Daniil Zheliaskov claimed the amateur featherweight title with a first-round TKO over Joseph Griffin, finishing the fight with strikes at 2:14.
- Alex Preissing emerged victorious in a closely contested flyweight title fight, defeating Tony Hernandez by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28).
Professional Fights Showcase Elite Talent
The professional portion of RUF 61 continued the high-intensity action, featuring highlight-reel finishes and strategic battles.
- Enrique Marte made a statement in the flyweight division with a first-round standing rear-naked choke submission victory over Braden Goodwin at 1:07.
Main Event: Women’s Featherweight Championship Ends in Split Decision
The highly anticipated main event featured Jaeleen Robledo defending her women’s featherweight title against Forrest Molinari in a back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. After three grueling rounds, Robledo retained her championship via split decision, proving once again why she is one of the top competitors in the division.
A Night to Remember for RUF Nation
RUF 61 delivered an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts action, showcasing the rising stars of the sport and solidifying its reputation as a premier stage for both amateur and professional fighters. Fans in attendance and those watching via the live stream witnessed a night filled with thrilling knockouts, technical submissions, and hard-fought decisions.
RUF Nation continues to grow, and with the success of RUF 61, the promotion looks ahead to future events that will further elevate the landscape of MMA in Arizona and beyond.
For more information, upcoming event details, and fighter updates, visit www.rufnation.com.
