For the first time in four years, a local MMA promotion is holding an event at the Neal Blaisdell Center. Destiny and Star Elite Cage-Fighting are collaborating for the "Bad Blood 2" card set for Friday, July 12.
Among the headliners will be Destiny’s two-weight-class champion and former UFC bantamweight, Hawaii’s own Tyson Nam. The 36-fight veteran will compete in his home state for the first time since 2019, which preceded his eight-bout run in the UFC.
"It's been five years since I actually got to fight in front of family and friends," Nam said. "I've always been traveling, whether it was international or in the States. So, to hear my friends and family screaming my name, it excites me so much because I know I've been training hard. I know I'm going to do good. I'm just gonna put on an awesome performance for everyone here."
Nam also reflected on the significance of fighting at the Blaisdell Center. "MMA at the Blaisdell should be in the Hall of Fame. You've had UFC world champions, you've had Max Holloway, and all these guys fighting at the Blaisdell at one point in time. To come back and fight under that vibe is like fighting at the Super Bowl of MMA from who's come out of there."
Nam will face Erik Vo in one of the 15 fights on the night. The main card will also feature fellow Bellator veterans Ryan Dela Cruz and Toby Misech.
Destiny MMA x Star Elite Cage Fighting
“BAD BLOOD 2”
Friday, July 12th 2024
Doors Open: 5pm - Prelims: 6:30pm - Main Card: 8pm
Ticket Prices:
$100 cage side
$70 floor seating
$35 riser
*fightcard subject to change
Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Blaisdell Box Office, online at ticketmaster.com and at all Ticketmaster locations.
Main Card:
Main Event: Ryan Dela Cruz vs. TJ Brown (145lbs Pro)
Co-Main: Toby Misech vs. Alex Arteaga (145lbs Pro)
Tyson Nam vs. Erik Vo (135lbs Pro)
Kekoa Corpuz vs. Chris “CJ” Brant (155lbs Pro)
Ian Dela Cuesta vs. Calob Ramirez (145lbs Pro)
Preliminaries:
Christian Tajiri vs Mason Shepard (135lbs Amateur)
Rebecca Brenes vs. Thalia Lewi-Ohashi (113lbs Amateur)
Shandon Akeo vs. David Webster (125lbs Amateur)
Kalama Chung vs Luke Armistead (185lbs Amateur)
Joshua Ledesma vs. Kimo Rodrigues (145lbs Amateur)
Brandon Land vs. David Flagg (155lbs Amateur)
Jasiah Kamakele vs. Keola Ogawa (135lbs Amateur)
Tori Anderson vs. Kihalani Ezzo-Gardener (Amateur Kickboxing)
Lawrence Knosp vs Tyson Ryder (165lbs Kickboxing)
Mana Daog vs Nelson Enos (165lbs Kickboxing)
Fighter weigh-ins for Destiny MMA x SEC MMA “Bad Blood” will be free and open to the public on Thursday July 11th at 6pm at the Pearl Ridge Center downtown.