Talking Stick Resort To Host MMA Fights In Its Ballroom

SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY, Ariz., Jan. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Talking Stick Resort, an enterprise of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, proudly announces its partnership with King of the Cage (KOTC), one of the largest Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotional institutes in the United States.  Beginning Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, the resort will host its first match in the Salt River Grand Ballroom. The event will feature fighters battling for the KOTC Bantamweight World Title, along with eight other matches.

"Talking Stick Resort's affiliation with KOTC is truly exciting because it opens up new opportunities for entertainment for our guests," said Peter Arceo, senior director of sales and marketing for Talking Stick Resort. "Since its inception, MMA fighting has continuously grown in popularity and has become an entertainment staple for many making it a natural fit for us."    

Founded in 1998 by Terry Trebilock, KOTC features experienced combat and up and coming MMA fighters. It is a full contact sport that mixes several different martial arts. During the bouts, one person's martial arts style is pitted against another until one of the opponents is knocked or tapped out or if there is professional stoppage by a referee, doctor or from the fighter's corner throwing in the towel. A match also can be stopped by decision, which is based equally on striking, grappling and aggression. The weight division system for the institute is in accordance with the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts.

The main event at Talking Stick Resort will include the title fight between Dustin Phillips and Donald Sanchez. Each will be fighting for the Bantamweight World Title, which is equivalent to Featherweight division of 145 pounds. Other divisions in KOTC include the 135-pound division, Flyweight and the 125-pound, Junior Flyweight division. The only divisions outside the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts are the 160-pound Junior Welterweight and the 230-pound Cruiserweight.

For more information of the upcoming KOTC MMA fights, please visit talkingstickresort.com or call (480) 850-7734 for tickets. Guests must be 21 years old to attend. Additionally, the card and schedule are subject to change.

Talking Stick Resort
Talking Stick Resort (TSR) is an AAA Four Diamond Rated Resort and a central landmark within the emerging Talking Stick Cultural and Entertainment Destination (TSCED). Located in Scottsdale, Ariz., just east of the Loop 101 on Indian Bend Road, TSR is independently owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The property offers culturally rich experiences and luxury accommodations throughout its 496 deluxe rooms, 240,000 sq. ft. casino, 11 restaurants and lounges, world-class spa, 650-seat showroom, 25,000 sq. ft. grand ballroom, thriving cultural center and more than 100,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting space.

SOURCE Talking Stick Resort