Jackson's Gym Presents The First-Ever Duke City MMA Series

-- Albuquerque Convention & Visitor's Bureau

Albuquerque series to feature the nation's brightest up-and-coming fighters

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., March 9 -- Saenz Productions and the world-famous Greg Jackson's Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Gym will team up to host the first-ever Duke City Mixed Martial Arts Series fight on March 14th at the Albuquerque Convention Center.

The Duke City MMA Series 1 will feature the best up-and-coming talent from Jackson's Gym (http://www.jacksons.tv). The main event will feature Ryan Barlow vs. Mike Barreras. In the co-main event, Michelle Waterson from the reality show Fight Girls will take on Karina Taylor from Xtreme Couture out of Las Vegas, Nevada. If that's not enough, Tapout winner Julie Kedzie will battle Shana Olsen Ran, and local stand-out Angelica Chavez looks to make a big statement as well.

"The Duke City MMA is an exciting endeavor where we can showcase world class mixed martial arts talent right here in New Mexico. In addition to building up strong local fighters to prepare them for the big stage, we will bring in fighters with international reputations to provide an exciting and entertaining experience for the city of Albuquerque," said Greg Jackson, co-founder of the Duke City MMA Series.

Jackson operates a nationally recognized gym responsible for producing 10 world champions in Albuquerque. Jackson's team is ranked No. 1 in the highest winning percentage by Sherdog.com, a popular ESPN.com affiliate. Jackson's team has also won prestigious awards at Grapplers Quest and the Pan American games. Some of Jackson's top fighters include: Keith Jardine, Rashad Evans, Georges St. Pierre, Nate Marquardt, Joey Villasenor, David Loiseau, Damacio Page, Tait Fletcher, Duane Ludwig, Leonard Garcia and Julie Kedzie.

Mixed martial arts has experienced a surge of popularity since its inception in 1993. While only available on a limited number of channels, television viewership now rivals that of boxing and professional wrestling.

MMA is a full contact, combat sport that includes a variety of fighting techniques like kickboxing, Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling and boxing. The sport, which is sanctioned by the New Mexico Athletic Commission, allows martial artists of different backgrounds to compete in the same arena.

The show will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25-65 available at www.ticketmaster.com

The mission of the Albuquerque CVB is to stimulate economic growth by marketing Albuquerque as a visitor and convention destination. For more information, visit www.itsatrip.org