Nick Gamst is bringing mixed martial arts back to Austin for the first time in years.
Gamst, the owner of MMA promotion Brutaal Genesis, has never hosted an event in Austin, though he said mixed martial arts events were held in the area years ago.
Gamst’s amateur event will feature several area fighters, competing Friday night at the Holiday Inn Convention Center.
Fights are scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $35 for reserved seating, and will be available at the door.
Gamst said the Austin area is a natural fit for his promotion. He’s trying to bring MMA to all areas of the state.
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"We really wnant to go everywhere," he said. "We’re trying to develop mixed martial arts in all these different markets that used to not have it. I think Austin is a good place to be, and it’s right in the middle of some other areas we’ve been. We are going to showcase a couple of Austin area fighters, and we’re hoping to generate more interest in MMA in that area."
Gamst said the Holiday Inn has been welcoming and very accommodating to Brutaal Genesis.
"Yeah, they really wanted us to come in there, and they’re interested in doing different types of events," Gamst said. "It’s a really nice, classy venue. I think it’s going to be a fun show."
The event will be highlighted by a Brutaal Genesis heavyweight title fight. Champion Jeremy Beck (5-0) will face Austin’s Chris Miller (6-1).
Miller’s only loss came to Justin Rheaume, who is ranked No. 10 in Minnesota at 205 pounds.
"These are two big guys with good records," Gamst said. "I can’t deny Chris this title shot. He’s a gamer. He’s a really tough kid. Beck looks like the better, more physically fit fighter, but Miller doesn’t quit. Its going to be an interesting fight."
Two local fighters will square off at 165 pounds. Gamst said both Damon England and Jon Johnson have done some training in Albert Lea and around the area, and he expects them to put on a good show.
"They’re both tough; they’re both brawlers," Gamst said.
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Former Southland and Blooming Prairie student Grant Meany will take on Rochester’s Ben Hoffman at 165 pounds. Meany has a 2-1 record fighting for Gamst.
"Ben just started training a few months ago up in Rochester, so they’re both pretty new to the game," Gamst said. "They’re both guys that could be decent with some good training."
Austin High graduate Bobbe Dulitz will be in action. He’s taking on Ray Brinsko of La Crosse, Wis., at 145 pounds.
"This could be the fight of the night," Gamst said. "Bobbe is a decent wrestler, and Brinsko is a super strong guy, and he’s very dangerous on the ground. He liks to punish people down there."
Two other Albert Lea fighters will be in action. Netza Banuelos will take on Anoka’s Dave Sell, and Jose Carrion will meet Eagan’s Tony Quinn.
Other matchups include former Byron wrestling standout Eric Yngsdal vs. Anoka’s Travis Sievek, Rochester’s Zach Konken vs. Forest Lake’s Logan Schewe and Stewartville’s Corey Grzybowski vs. Anoka’s Deangelo Curtis. Gamst said there will be a total of nine fights.
"We’re looking forward to a great event," Gamst said. "We’re hoping this is something that does well, so we can keep coming back to Austin."
