For the first time in nearly five years, mixed martial arts will return to Hard Rock Live. World Fighting Championships 99 will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23. In one of the main fights, Cleveland’s JT Miller will take on Chicago native PJ Cajigas.
“The fans are really in for a treat, and we really need to give both fighters credit," says Matt McGovern, president of World Fighting Championships, in a press release about the event. "They are taking a big step up and putting themselves in a tough 50/50 fight where anyone can win. JT [Miller] is big time athlete and a former Cleveland State wrestler from world-renowned Strong Style MMA. He even fights crime during the day as a Cleveland police officer."
McGovern adds that the Hard Rock is particularly well-suited to the event.
"Coming from Las Vegas and putting shows on all over the country, we’ve received the best initial response from a fight community in Cleveland than anywhere else we’ve been," he says. "People are very excited to have live fights back in the area and we’ve been welcomed with open arms by the fighters, the Rocksino, fans and state officials.”
In the co-main event, Cleveland’s Frank Caraballo will fight Toledo’s Antonio Castillo Jr. A slew of other bouts will take place that night too. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with live fights starting at 7:30 p.m. You must be 21 or older to attend an event at the venue. Tickets start at $35.
