Lion Fight 21: Ross vs Yamoto for the First California Show

Las Vegas, NV – Lion Fight Promotions is off to a historic start in 2015 with the much-anticipated expansion of its professional full Muay Thai rules events to the state of California. As part of a multi-fight deal with Pechanga Resort Casino, Lion Fight will present its first ever event in the Golden State Friday, March 27. Lion Fight CEO Scott Kent today revealed the star-studded lineup for LION FIGHT 21, which takes place live from the Pechanga in Temecula, Calif. and on AXS TV nationwide.

Inside MMA, AXS TV’s long-running Friday night sports news program, was the first to report the lineup set for LION FIGHT 21.

“For our first fight in California, we’re topping LION FIGHT 21 with the west coast American Muay Thai star Kevin Ross, who will rematch with Tetsuya Yamato and attempt to defend his recently won super lightweight title,” said Kent. “Also, Tiffany Van Soest, one of the most popular fighters in Muay Thai will take on Dutch champion Chajmaa Bellekhal in a blockbuster women’s co-main event,” said Kent. “At our March 27 Pechanga debut, from start to finish, fans will witness the incredible, world class Muay Thai action that has made Lion Fight the most exciting event in the sport.”

Tickets for LION FIGHT 21 are on sale now through Pechanga.com or by calling the Pechanga’s Box Office at 877-711-2946. Tickets are also available by visiting the Pechanga Resort & Casino box office.

LION FIGHT 21 airs live on AXS TV starting at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The broadcast will feature play-by-play and color commentary by UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich alongside renowned sports commentator Michael “The Voice” Schiavello.

Reigning Lion Fight Super Lightweight Champion Kevin Ross fights out of Dublin, CA by way of Las Vegas, Nevada and owns 28 career wins with 10 knockouts on record. The 5’10” fighter is currently ranked 10th in the world by the WBC for Muay Thai in the Super-Lightweight Division. At LION FIGHT 21, he will finally get his rematch with Japan’s famed kickboxer and multiple Muay Thai Champion, Tetsuya Yamato. Ross and Yamato first fought September 20, 2013 at LION FIGHT 11. Yamato won via split decision. Fans of Lion Fight have ranked Ross vs. Yamato 2 as the number one rematch they want to see in 2015. On March 27, the pair will meet again to settle the score.

In the LION FIGHT 21 action-packed co-main event, former Lion Fight Featherweight Champion and popular American Muay Thai star Tiffany Van Soest (10-2-1), fighting out of Redondo Beach, Calif., returns to the ring to take on Holland’s Chajmaa Bellekhal (44-10-2), who is coming off a split decision victory over Jeri Sitzes at LION FIGHT 19.

The live televised card for LION FIGHT 21 also includes California-based favorites Malaipet, Clement LaCroix, Josh Lopez and Victor Saravia. Following are the remaining main card matchups:

122 lbs. Bout: Victor Saravia (2-0) vs. Sam Poulton (2-1)

144 lbs. Bout: Nick Chasteen (3-1) vs. Clement LaCroix (13-6)

145 lbs. Bout: Malaipet (145-29-6) vs. Ben Yelle (23-16-1)

155 lbs. Bout: Josh Shepard (3-1-0) vs. Jose Lopez (5-3-0)