Dead Serious MMA Brings Explosive Fight Night Back to Poughkeepsie on December 20
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This December 20, the Dead Serious MMA brand closes out 2025 with a full slate of amateur MMA and kickboxing action at the MJN Center in Poughkeepsie, New York. The promotion’s Dead Serious 66 card features seven MMA bouts and three kickboxing matchups, headlined by a clash for the DSMMA Vacant Lightweight Championship between Nate Smith (2-1) and Joe Crabill (4-1) — two rising amateur lightweights carving paths through the US Northeast ranks. The action starts at 5:00 PM with doors opening around 4:00 PM at the Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center.
A quick glance at the main card reveals several intriguing matchups. Leslie Pigott (2-0) takes on Sophia Hayes (3-2) for the Vacant Bantamweight Title, showcasing two fighters eager to imprint their names in the DSMMA title picture. Pigott’s undefeated run in the regional rankings (#39 US Northeast) contrasts with Hayes’ seasoned experience (#36), setting up a stylistic battle of aggression versus grit. Mark Thacina (3-2) meets Ismael Cisneros (2-1) at featherweight, where Cisneros’ sharp standup and pace could decide a fight many fans see as a pivotal turning point for both competitors’ seasons.
Beyond the title fights, matchups like Bryce Ward (3-3) vs. Chandler Moody (4-2) at 155 pounds offer local favorites a chance to gain momentum heading into 2026. Moody’s more extensive cage experience — reflected in his winning percentage — contrasts with Ward’s resilient, pressure-style approach, likely making this one of the more fan-friendly battles of the night. On the kickboxing side, Santino Whitaker (3-2) faces Rob Popolizio, and juniors’ kickers Sadie Kress vs. Ashley Marmol round out the striking showcase. These fights emphasize the depth Dead Serious MMA has carved out across disciplines in the Northeast regional scene.
Social media chatter reflects genuine excitement around the hometown card. The promotion’s social posts hype “heart-stopping mixed combat action” and the final show of the year, urging fans not to miss a night of intense exchanges and potential highlight–reel moments — language that’s been echoed by local fight groups online. While most of the buzz isn’t yet taking place in big fight forums, fans on Instagram and Facebook are already tagging friends and sharing the event details, showing signs that the Poughkeepsie MMA scene is ready to rally behind its fighters.
Tickets for Dead Serious 66 are available now through official ticketing links such as AVP Live, with pricing generally accessible for regional fight fans. For out-of-town supporters or those who can’t make it in person, Dead Serious MMA’s website lists options for ticket and PPV access, so viewers can stream the action live from anywhere.
As 2025 winds down, this card not only caps a year of DSMMA growth but gives fighters a stage to make statements for 2026. Keep an eye on Dead Serious MMA’s channels and follow JMurrayAthletics for continued fight previews, breakdowns, and results as this exciting card approaches.
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