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Sports

Showdown in Surftown 1st ever MMA event in Santa Cruz November 10th

In the 1st ever event of its kind, Showdown in Surftown is bringing MMA to Santa Cruz and looking to knock out hunger at the same time.

Saturday November 10 at the Santa Cruz Civic in the inaugural Showdown in Surftown Santa Cruz's 1st MMA series presented by FKA in association with Grind Out Hunger will be looking to knock out hunger with the mixed martial arts community. Showdown in Surftown will have Second Harvest Food Bank barrels for your food donation and always if you would like to donate $1 will equal 4 meals. Together lets knock out hunger and provide 4,000 meals to families! CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighting events come to Santa Cruz for the first time in the form of the Showdown In Surftown. The fighting, however, will not just be happening in the ring as the creators of the Showdown In Surftown chose to fight hunger as well. Christian Pellecchia and Chris Killen, wanted to incorporate a charitable aspect into their events for many reasons, but mainly to help those in need and engage the MMA community who are incredibly passionate.

You may also recognize the main sponsor/partner in the event, Francis Farley of Farleys Kickboxing Academy. He's a Santa Cruz local who also is a world champion kickboxer. The main, and co-main, events are fighters out of Farleys Kickboxing Academy, who under the tutelage of Farley are at the top of their weight class. Dustin Moore will be fighting Jose Marin of Salinas in their rubber match having both lost respectively to each other. Marco Del Real, also of Farleys Kickboxing Academy, the co-main event is one of the top fighters in the state who at only 24 years old has already fought cancer and won.

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Grind Out Hunger has close ties to the MMA world, Luke Rockhold a native Santa Cruz athlete is currently the Strikeforce Middle Weight Champion with an astounding 10 wins with only 1 loss coming in his first few fights. Many action sports enthusiasts and musicians train in MMA, Ju Jitsu, Muy Thai and numerous other splinter factions of the enormously popular sport. When Christian Pellecchia and Chris Killen contacted us we felt it was a natural fit.

In true team spirit other #hungerfighters DJ Showbiz of 102.5 KDON's  The Morning Madhouse will be on the turntables

Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

With a special guest appearance by Chris Rene who will be singing the National Anthem. The Santa Cruz Civic provides and amazing roman gladiator feel with the MMA cage encircled by sponsor and VIP tables with big screen monitor for instant replays and the up close shots. 

Strikeforce management Scott Coker will be in attendance as will fighter Middle Weight Strikeforce Champion Luke Rockhold, flanked by pro surfers and Hunger Fighters Nic Lamb and Ken "Skindog" Collins, Matt Rockhold, Tyler Fox and others.

Local Grind Out Hunger Fighter restaurant and bar Pono Hawaiian Grill/Reef Bar will be hosting the weigh ins and after party located at 120 Union St  Santa Cruz California.

Make sure to load your image for the #plateforkate campaign http://www.thefoodbank.org/shareaphoto

In true form, Plate for Kate will make an appearance at the event so make sure to come by and take pictures with her and make a difference #PlateforKate on Instagram and Twitter.

Please CLICK, visit and join the Showdown in Surftown Facebook Event 

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