For Immediate Release · August 28, 2026 · Phoenix, AZ
Amateur Middleweight Showdown: Steven Humphries vs. Issouf Doumbia at RUF 70
Amateur middleweight. Two big, hungry fighters meet with momentum on the line.
PHOENIX, AZ · August 28, 2026 · The amateur middleweight ranks bring the power, and RUF 70: LEGENDS has a big one when San Diego's Steven "The Gringo" Humphries (1-0) meets Phoenix's Issouf Doumbia (3-2). Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix. Two sizeable fighters, one cage, and real stakes for both.
The Challenger: Steven "The Gringo" Humphries
Steven "The Gringo" Humphries steps into the RUF cage as the road challenger in this middleweight matchup, traveling in from San Diego, California with an unbeaten 1-0 amateur record. A fighter willing to travel to compete is a fighter with something to prove, and Humphries brings size to the 185-pound limit along with the confidence of a man who has never lost. Expect him to press forward and test whether the hometown veteran is ready for his physicality.
The Local Veteran: Issouf Doumbia
Issouf Doumbia fights out of Phoenix, Arizona, a local competitor with a 3-2 amateur record and a striking-based background across MMA, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. Doumbia has tested himself against tough step-up competition and comes into RUF 70 hunting a marquee win on home soil. A hometown fighter with heavy hands and a point to prove is dangerous from the opening bell, and the crowd will be firmly behind him.
Tale of the Tape
| Category | Steven Humphries | Issouf Doumbia |
|---|---|---|
| Nickname | "The Gringo" | - |
| Amateur Record | 1-0 | 3-2 |
| Base | San Diego, California | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Height | 5'11" | 5'11" |
| Weigh-In | 180.7 lbs | 184.3 lbs |
| Storyline | Unbeaten road challenger | Local veteran |
Card and matchups subject to change.
Where the Fight Is Won and Lost
Size and pressure against home-cage striking. If Humphries uses his frame to walk Doumbia down and make it physical, the road man can steal the night. If Doumbia keeps range, lands his strikes, and fights with the crowd behind him, the local turns the corner in front of his people. Amateur middleweights hit hard, and this one could end in a hurry.
Don't Miss It
Two big amateurs with momentum on the line is exactly the kind of fight that keeps a card moving. RUF 70: LEGENDS takes over the legendary Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Who gets the win? Tickets are on sale now via Etix. This is MMA at its best.
#RUF70 #RUF70Legends #StevenHumphries #IssoufDoumbia #RUFNation #MMAAtItsBest #ArizonaMMA #PhoenixMMA #AmateurMMA #Middleweight #FightNight
About RUF Nation MMA
Founded by Joel Lopez, RUF Nation (Ringside Unified Fighting) is Arizona's #1 professional MMA organization with 20+ years of combat sports heritage. 100% Arizona Tribally-owned, RUF has launched the careers of multiple UFC alumni and is the go-to fight night experience at Phoenix's iconic Celebrity Theatre.
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Email: info@rufnation.com
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