RFA will make it’s first trip to Utah on February 19th, with a main event seeing Mehdi “The Sultan” Baghad (11-3) defending the RFA Lightweight title for the first time against Showdown Fights vet David Castillo (19-7).
Baghad a native of France, returns to RFA after being a cast member of TUF season 22. Baghad is on a 6 fight win streak, being 2-0 in RFA with TKO’s of Evan Delong and Zach Juusola. Castillo is 3-2 in his last 5 and holds notable wins over the likes of Clay Collard, Ricky Musgrave, John Gunderson, and Jorge Lopez.
Quote from RFAFighitng.com “I feel great about this fight. I have been training with Anderson Silva for his fight next month, so it is a good time to train hard,” Baghdad explained. “I can’t wait to fight again. On TUF 22, I broke my hand and couldn’t show who I was. Now I can in this fight. I will be looking for the finish on February 19th.”
Quote from RFAFighting.com “I’m really excited for this opportunity for myself and the Utah community as a whole. RFA is one of the biggest MMA shows to ever come to the state. Utah has a lot of MMA talent and a great fan base,” Castillo explained. “The chance to headline this card is big for me and the show as a whole. It guarantees a packed house since Utah fans know I’ve never been in a boring fight. I know Muay Thai is Baghdad’s strength, but I feel I’m a better striker and a more well-rounded fighter. I’m looking forward to this event and becoming the next RFA lightweight champion at RFA 35.”
The co-main event will also be a Lightweight bout with Thiago Moises (6-1) representing RFA against David “Playtime” Putvin (7-1) of Showdown Fights. Moises is coming off a RFA 28 promotional debut submission of Javon Wright. Putvin is 4-0 in Showdown Fights with all 4 wins via submission. But will be looking to rebound from a SCS 25 decision loss to Jerod Spoon.
Also on the main card at Heavyweight RFA’s undefeated former NJNCAA National wrestling champion, Curtis “Dirty Curty” Blaydes (4-0), who has all 4 wins via TKO/KO, faces Eric Iman (4-3) of Showdown Fights, who has 4 stoppage wins with 3 knock outs.
