Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com

By Ray Hamill — After a two-year break because of the pandemic, the highly-popular Bear River Fight Night is coming back to Humboldt County on Saturday March 19.

Local MMA fight fans and fighters have all been starved of competition since Jan. 2020, which was the last time the local casino resort hosted the event.

But they won’t have to wait much longer, and, according to fight promoter Brian Wilson, the return can’t come quick enough.

“We’re really excited about it,” Wilson said after the announcement was made on Friday afternoon. “We’ve had a ton of interest from fighters and a ton of interest from fans who have been contacting us for the past two years.”

Wilson, who promotes the fight night through his company Hard Fought Productions in partnership with Bear River Casino and Resort, is expecting  a big turnout after such a long layoff.

“It’s tough, it was a difficult situation,” the long-time local promoter said. “But we’re back and ready to put on a good show.”

The fight night will feature around 11 or 12 fights, including one or two kick boxing bouts and a couple of pro fights, with numerous local fighters anticipated to compete along with fighters out of the Bay Area and Nevada.

“Right now, we’re in the process of building the card,” Wilson said. 

At this stage it is tentatively anticipated a full crowd will be allowed to attend, although the promoter says fans will have to show either proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test within 72 hours, which has been the industry standard since the pandemic.

“We’re grateful to Bear River,” Wilson added. “They’re really appreciative of us and we appreciate them. It’s been a great partnership over the years and if it wasn’t for them there would be no MMA in Humboldt County. I know it’s been hard for them wanting to do the shows.”

Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the fights getting under way at 6:30 p.m.

“It’s been so long and so many people want it,” Wilson said. “I’m happy we can do it again.

“We look forward to everyone coming out and appreciate the support from the community, and any fighters are welcome to contact us.”

Any interested fighters can reach Wilson through the Hard Fought Productions Facebook page.