Buck Bisbey of Seattle is back to defend his lightweight title at tonight’s Garden Island Cage Match VI at the Hanapepe. The last time Bisbey was here, he defeated Kaua‘i’s own Eben Kaneshiro. This time, he takes on Chico Cantiberos
Buck Bisbey of Seattle is back to defend his lightweight title at tonight’s Garden Island Cage Match VI at the Hanapepe. The last time Bisbey was here, he defeated Kaua‘i’s own Eben Kaneshiro. This time, he takes on Chico Cantiberos of the Eastsidaz club on O‘ahu.
All 26 fighters weighed in last night at the Kukui Grove Shopping Center.
There are 13 bouts scheduled, which includes two female kickboxing matches and a kids exhibition match at haft time.
This is the second cage match fighting event for this year and event promoter Vance Pascua thinks the kids match will be a nice addition to the seemingly violent event.
“A lot of people wanted to see the kids perform,” Pascua said. “It gives it a family touch to it. It’s nicer and if people see that the kids are safe, that’ll probably change how people think of cage fighting.”
The kids, 8 and 10 year olds, Tristan Kamaka and Nainoa Dung, are both from O‘ahu.
“I like to promote the kids,” Pascua said. “They’re the future greats.”
Pascua will monitor the feedback from the spectators before he brings it back as a permanent bout.
“If it catches on, then I’ll probably integrate it in the event and maybe even have them compete for a belt,” he said.
Nearly 3,000 spectators turned out for the cage fighting match back in March. There are still tickets available, but all the VIP seats are all sold out.
There are 10 fighters from Kaua‘i. Kylene Espina, Keoni Bigno, Kougi Malone, Sherri Ephan, Kelsey Espina, Sergio Hurtado, Andre Solis and Kato Strom are all freelance Kaua‘i fighters. Chuck Rapozo and Nestor Honorato fight for Quicksilva.
The other fighters hail from Seattle, California, Las Vegas and O‘ahu.
Niko Vitale of mixed martial arts fame will be the celebrity guest.
Doors open at 5 p.m. with the matches starting at around 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $25 for general admission, $30 at the door, $35 for ringside and $40 at the door. Tickets can be found at Pono Marketplace in Kapa‘a, City Liquor in Lihu‘e, Tutu’s Cafe in Kalaheo and M & H repair in Waimea.
For more ticket outlets or for more information, visit www.kauaimartialarts.com.
