Rising amateur stars take center stage at Caged Thunder “NexGen Fight Series 1”
Rising amateur stars will take center stage this weekend in Akron, Ohio, as Caged Thunder presents the first installment of their “NexGen Fight Series” at Chaparrells Event Center.
The events are designed to focus on younger fighters with less experience, and that is certainly the case as 17 of 26 fighters on the card have two fights or fewer on their mixed martial arts records.
But lack of experience does not necessarily equate to lack of talent. The card features plenty of fighters with the chops to have successful careers.
That includes the two main event participants, as Gates Cook is set to take on Garrett Hershberger in a welterweight showdown.
Cook, who trains at Demolition Fight Team in Findlay, Ohio, won the 2023 Ohio MMA Amateur Rising Star award (alongside his girlfriend, Sydnee Leeth), as he posted a 3-0 record with three first round finishes in 2023.
Cook faces Hershberger, who looks to rebound from his first loss in a welterweight title bout at Caged Thunder 25 in December. Hershberger won his first four fights before a TKO loss against Chase Archangelo for the title.
“I want to win as many titles as I can as an amateur,” Cook said when he joined the Ohio MMA Podcast. “And do the same as a pro. After I get this win right here, I’m looking to fight for a title every single fight.”
Hershberger will have three of his teammates at Route 250 Martial Arts on the card, including Nic Lute in the co-main event against Malcolm Jackson.
Cook won the Rising Star award, but multiple other fighters who were nominated will also see their first action of 2024.
Shane Swindig represents Strong Style Fight Team, and he looks to improve on his 2-1 amateur record in a bout against 1-0 Carter Brunksole.
Black Market Jiu-Jitsu product Rex Hoeffel was also nominated, and he looks to improve his 2-0 record when he faces 2-2 Tyler Fry from Pennsylvania.
Also, back in action will be 18-year-old undefeated rising star Cameron Carver. Carver was nominated for the Rising Star award as well as Knockout of the Year for his second round overhand right finish of Dean Glover at Caged Thunder 25 in December.
Tickets and the PPV for Caged Thunder: NexGen Fight Series 1 can be purchased at CagedThunderMMA.com.
