For Immediate Release
November 2, 2025 | Phoenix, Arizona
RUF 65: Dia de los Muertos Delivers Thrilling Action at Celebrity Theatre Phoenix
Complete Fight Results: Three New Champions Crowned in Phoenix with Highlight-Reel Finishes
Quick Summary: RUF 65
Date:
November 2, 2025
Location:
Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, AZ
Total Fights:
15 (7 Pro, 8 Amateur)
Title Fights:
3 Championships
Fastest Finish:
Miguel Francisco (9 seconds)
Most Explosive KO:
Marcos Encinas (20 seconds)
PHOENIX, AZ – RUF Nation MMA presented an unforgettable evening of combat sports Saturday night as RUF 65: Dia de los Muertos electrified the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. The stacked 15-fight card delivered spectacular finishes, three new champions, and championship-caliber performances across both amateur and professional divisions in front of a capacity crowd at one of Phoenix's premier MMA venues.
Championship Fight Highlights
Ezra Elliott Captures 145 lbs Professional Title with Dominant First-Round Submission
Result: Ezra Elliott def. De'Aundre Tipton - Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), R1 1:33
In the main event of RUF 65, Ezra Elliott captured the 145 lbs Professional Title with a dominant first-round submission victory over De'Aundre Tipton at Celebrity Theatre. Elliott, known for his elite-level grappling skills, wasted no time in taking the fight to the ground and securing a rear-naked choke at just 1:33 of the opening round.
The new champion's technical prowess and finishing ability were on full display as he claimed RUF Nation gold in impressive fashion. Elliott's victory cements his status as one of the Southwest region's most dangerous 145-pound fighters and sets the stage for exciting title defenses in 2025. This championship win at RUF 65 Dia de los Muertos marks a career-defining moment for the Phoenix MMA standout.
Curtis Townsend Earns 135 lbs Amateur Title with Lightning-Quick Guillotine Choke
Result: Curtis Townsend def. Jacob Reed - Submission (Guillotine Choke), R1 1:21
Curtis Townsend earned the 135 lbs Amateur Title with a spectacular submission of Jacob Reed at RUF 65. Townsend locked in a guillotine choke just 1:21 into the first round, making a definitive statement in his title-winning performance at the Phoenix MMA event.
The new amateur champion's submission skills and killer instinct impressed fans at Celebrity Theatre and established Townsend as a fighter to watch in the bantamweight division. His quick finish demonstrated the technical excellence that has become synonymous with RUF Nation MMA championship fights. Townsend's performance was one of the standout moments of RUF 65 Dia de los Muertos.
Roderick Agyeman Claims 125 lbs Amateur Title via Unanimous Decision
Result: Roderick Agyeman def. Tony Hernandez - Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27), R3 3:00
Roderick Agyeman claimed the 125 lbs Amateur Title in a tactical three-round battle against Tony Hernandez at RUF 65, earning a unanimous decision victory with scores of 30-27, 29-28, and 30-27. The fight showcased Agyeman's well-rounded skill set and high fight IQ throughout the championship rounds.
Agyeman controlled the action from start to finish at Celebrity Theatre, demonstrating the technical excellence that defines championship-level MMA competition. His dominant performance over three full rounds proved he has the cardio, technique, and mental fortitude to be a long-reigning champion in the RUF Nation MMA amateur division.
Knockout Performances Light Up Phoenix
The RUF 65 fight card featured several devastating knockout finishes that had the Celebrity Theatre crowd on their feet, showcasing the striking prowess of both amateur and professional fighters.
Marcos Encinas Delivers Fastest Knockout of the Night
Result: Marcos Encinas def. Omar Barrera - KO (Strikes), R1 0:20
Marcos Encinas delivered the fastest finish of the evening at RUF 65, knocking out Omar Barrera with strikes just 20 seconds into their 125 lbs amateur bout. The explosive first-round stoppage showcased Encinas' devastating power and precision striking, earning him one of the most impressive performances of RUF 65 Dia de los Muertos in Phoenix.
Professional Division Knockouts Thrill Phoenix Crowd
Robert Casper earned a first-round knockout over Peter Caballero at 1:41 in their 135 lbs professional matchup, demonstrating the striking prowess that makes him a dangerous competitor in the bantamweight division. Casper's performance was a highlight of the RUF 65 professional fights.
Carlos Valadez also secured a first-round knockout at RUF 65, stopping David Almayo at 1:38 in their 130 lbs professional bout with devastating strikes that left no doubt about the outcome.
Submission Showcase: Grappling Excellence on Display
The grappling arts were well represented throughout the RUF 65 card with multiple submission victories demonstrating world-class technique from both amateur and professional competitors.
Miguel Francisco Sets RUF Record with 9-Second Armbar
Result: Miguel Francisco def. Daniel Molina Bonner - Submission (Armbar), R1 0:09
Miguel Francisco needed just nine seconds to submit Daniel Molina Bonner via armbar in their 145 lbs professional fight at RUF 65, earning one of the quickest finishes in RUF Nation MMA history. Francisco's lightning-fast submission demonstrated exceptional timing and technical mastery, creating an unforgettable moment at Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix.
Professional Submission Victories
Alex Preissing secured a D'Arce choke submission over Shawn Winland at 2:13 of the first round in their 125 lbs professional contest at RUF 65, demonstrating the technical excellence that defines RUF competition. Preissing's submission skills were a standout moment of the Phoenix MMA event.
Greg Foster forced DeAndre Anderson to tap to a rear-naked choke at 3:20 of the opening round in their 145 lbs professional matchup, showcasing elite-level back control and finishing ability at RUF 65 Dia de los Muertos.
TKO Victories Showcase Striking Excellence
Griffin Thomas earned a second-round TKO stoppage over Seth Stucker at 1:45 in their 170 lbs amateur bout at RUF 65, overwhelming his opponent with superior striking volume and accuracy at Celebrity Theatre.
Jeremiah Sanchez stopped Huy Nguyen via strikes at 2:05 of round two in their 115 lbs amateur contest, delivering one of the exciting RUF 65 results that had Phoenix MMA fans cheering.
Jace Jones secured a second-round TKO victory over Marcos Gamez at 1:21 in their 160 lbs amateur matchup at RUF 65, demonstrating the depth of striking talent in the amateur ranks at RUF Nation MMA.
Decision Victories Highlight Technical Excellence
Several fighters showcased their well-rounded skills by going the distance in hard-fought battles at RUF 65 Dia de los Muertos.
Chris Quiroz earned a unanimous decision over Alec Bailey after three competitive rounds in their 135 lbs professional fight at RUF 65, demonstrating superior cardio and fight IQ throughout the Phoenix MMA bout.
In amateur action at RUF 65, both Damin Lennard (defeating Kadyn Marcantel at 146 lbs) and Mason Carroll (defeating Jordan Barreras at 153 lbs) secured unanimous decision victories at Celebrity Theatre, showcasing the technical depth and talent in the amateur ranks at RUF Nation MMA.
Complete RUF 65 Fight Results
Professional Bouts:
- ● Ezra Elliott def. De'Aundre Tipton – Submission by Rear-Naked Choke, Round 1, 1:33 (145 lbs Professional Title)
- ● Chris Quiroz def. Alec Bailey – Unanimous Decision, Round 3, 5:00 (135 lbs)
- ● Robert Casper def. Peter Caballero – Knockout, Round 1, 1:41 (135 lbs)
- ● Greg Foster def. DeAndre Anderson – Submission via Rear-Naked Choke, Round 1, 3:20 (145 lbs)
- ● Carlos Valadez def. David Almayo – Knockout, Round 1, 1:38 (130 lbs)
- ● Alex Preissing def. Shawn Winland – Submission via D'Arce Choke, Round 1, 2:13 (125 lbs)
- ● Miguel Francisco def. Daniel Molina Bonner – Submission via Armbar, Round 1, 0:09 (145 lbs)
Amateur Bouts:
- ● Curtis Townsend def. Jacob Reed – Submission via Guillotine Choke, Round 1, 1:21 (135 lbs Amateur Title)
- ● Roderick Agyeman def. Tony Hernandez – Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27), Round 3, 3:00 (125 lbs Amateur Title)
- ● Griffin Thomas def. Seth Stucker – TKO via Strikes, Round 2, 1:45 (170 lbs)
- ● Mason Carroll def. Jordan Barreras – Unanimous Decision, Round 3, 3:00 (153 lbs)
- ● Damin Lennard def. Kadyn Marcantel – Unanimous Decision, Round 3, 3:00 (146 lbs)
- ● Jace Jones def. Marcos Gamez – TKO via Strikes, Round 2, 1:21 (160 lbs)
- ● Marcos Encinas def. Omar Barrera – Knockout via Strikes, Round 1, 0:20 (125 lbs)
- ● Jeremiah Sanchez def. Huy Nguyen – TKO Stoppage via Strikes, Round 2, 2:05 (115 lbs)
RUF 65 Frequently Asked Questions
When was RUF 65?
RUF 65: Dia de los Muertos took place on November 2, 2025 at Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona.
Who won the RUF 65 main event?
Ezra Elliott won the RUF 65 main event, defeating De'Aundre Tipton via rear-naked choke submission at 1:33 of the first round to capture the 145 lbs Professional Title.
What was the fastest finish at RUF 65?
Miguel Francisco recorded the fastest finish at RUF 65, submitting Daniel Molina Bonner with an armbar just 9 seconds into their 145 lbs professional bout, earning one of the quickest finishes in RUF Nation MMA history.
How many title fights were at RUF 65?
RUF 65 featured three championship fights. Ezra Elliott won the 145 lbs Professional Title, Curtis Townsend captured the 135 lbs Amateur Title, and Roderick Agyeman claimed the 125 lbs Amateur Title.
Where was RUF 65 held?
RUF 65 was held at Celebrity Theatre located at 440 N 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85008. The venue is a premier entertainment destination in Phoenix, Arizona.
Who won the Curtis Townsend vs Jacob Reed fight?
Curtis Townsend defeated Jacob Reed via guillotine choke submission at 1:21 of the first round to win the 135 lbs Amateur Title at RUF 65.
What was the result of Roderick Agyeman vs Tony Hernandez?
Roderick Agyeman defeated Tony Hernandez via unanimous decision with scores of 30-27, 29-28, and 30-27 to win the 125 lbs Amateur Title at RUF 65.
How many fights were on the RUF 65 card?
RUF 65: Dia de los Muertos featured 15 total fights - 7 professional bouts and 8 amateur bouts, including three title fights.
Where can I watch RUF 65 highlights?
RUF 65 highlights are available on the RUF Nation website at rufnation.com and on social media channels including Instagram @rufnation, Facebook /RUFNation, and Twitter @RUFNation.
When is the next RUF Nation MMA event?
For information about upcoming RUF Nation MMA events, visit rufnation.com/events or follow RUF Nation on social media for announcements about RUF 66 and future fight cards.
About RUF Nation MMA
RUF Nation MMA is committed to providing a premier platform for mixed martial arts competition in the Southwest region. Dedicated to developing both amateur and professional fighters, RUF Nation creates opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills and advance their careers in a professional, well-organized environment.
With a focus on fighter safety, fair competition, and delivering exceptional entertainment value, RUF Nation continues to build a thriving MMA community in Arizona and beyond. The organization has become synonymous with high-quality Phoenix MMA events and championship-level competition. For more information about RUF Nation MMA and upcoming events, visit rufnation.com or follow on social media.
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