Rival FC Returns to Paducah, KY's Beacon Dragway

MMA Fighter and Martial Arts Expert

2025 has already shown to be an explosive year for combat sports on a global scale, and it’s no different in the little border town known as Paducah, Kentucky. Once again, Rival FC is bringing the action directly to you, and as always, Yonah Yisrael has carefully crafted a masterpiece of a card. Featuring 1 Pro MMA fight, 2 Amateur MMA Title fights, and 1 Amateur Kickboxing Title fight, Rival FC promises to start 2025 with a BANG.

Professional MMA Action For A Long Awaited Rematch

Rival FC is headlined by a Professional MMA bout between Quest MMA’s Wallace McCoy Jr. and Tennessee’s Robert Burns at 205 Pounds.
Wallace ended his Amateur Career on a 3 fight win streak that earned him 2 titles and solidified him as the #1 ranked Welterweight in KY and TN, and he plans on continuing that streak in his Professional Debut. Meanwhile, Robert has already stepped into the ring as a professional, and while he may have tasted defeat, he is eager to bounce back to an even 1-1 record in 2025.
Not only are the odds higher than ever for both fighters as they emerge onto the professional scene, but the two have a history in the Octagon as well.
Burns ended his Amateur career after a loss to McCoy via doctor stoppage back in 2024, due to a shoulder dislocation, which robbed him of his last chance at an amateur title. As such, this fight gives Burns the opportunity to prove that his loss to Mccoy Jr. was a fluke injury and nothing more. Meanwhile, Wallace intends to silence any doubters, and make a statement that he is a force to be reckoned with at any level of the game.

Paducah’s Best Put Their Skills To The Test

Rival FC has always strived to test Paducah’s finest against fighters from all around the Midwest, and this event is no different, with 3 titles fights pitting Paducah’s own against the Midwest’s finest.

The Co-Main Event features the return of Paducah’s own Jarred “The Last Bandito” Gonzales as he faces off against Manny Falcasantos, Mississipis #1 Welterweight, in a MMA battle for Rival FC’s Welterweight Title. The Last Bandito is the defending champion, and is well known locally as a devastating finisher, having secured five 1st round victories in the Paducah and Jackson, Tennessee areas. Including a lightning fast 39 second submission on Rival FC back in 2023. Now he seeks to add a belt defense to his resume, having already secured title victories in both Kickboxing and MMA.
On the other hand, Falcasantos is the #1 ranked Welterweight in Mississippi for a reason, with a 4-1 record that includes 1 submission win, one 1st round knockout, and 2 unanimous decisions, as well as having secured an MMA title of his own in his last outing.
Both Gonzales and Falcasantos are feared enough in their respective regions to make opponents wary, with each experiencing at least 1 fight cancellation in the last year. But with gold on the line and an opportunity for each to add another notable name to their resume, both fighters are eager to jump back in against an opponent that they know will be worthy of their talents.

In addition, Rival FC’s Heavyweight title is on the line, as local heavyweight sensation Samuel “The Sloan Ranger” Sloan faces Noah “Hypnos” Hirt, in a battle pitting the #2 Heavyweight in KY vs the #2 Heavyweight in Tennessee, where only one will walk away with gold, and a victory for either man is sure to propel them into the top 50 nationally in amateur rankings.
Sloan is coming off of two back to back KO victories, including a fight of the night contender on Rival FC’s last show. Meanwhile, Hirt seeks to add another win to his impressive 4-1 record. Both fighters have a 100% finish rate, and neither plans on changing that April 19th.

And last but not least, the 135 lb Kickboxing Belt is on the line as Michael “Lispy Boi” Fairhurst steps into the ring against Tennessee’s own Jamie “Finelli Boy” Lloyd. Fairhurst has already won one kickboxing title via 1st Round finish, but this fight means more to him than just another belt. Back in 2023, Jamie Lloyd faced off against Will “The 6th Ring” Caylor, Michael’s first friend and mentor in the world of Mixed Martial Arts, in an MMA battle, and ultimately snapped Caylors arm with a kick, securing himself the victory. Caylor has since began his Pro career, but for Lispy Boi, this fight presents a unique opportunity.
“It’s nothing personal against Jamie,” says Fairhurst,” We can have a beer together afterwards, but I gotta get that one back for Willy.”
Lloyd shares his sentiment, having stated himself, “We aren’t enemies my brother, we just gotta fight for a few minutes”
But sentiments aside, Fairhurst has won every victory on his record via finish, and Lloyd is hungry to have his first taste of gold. Can Fairhurst do what his mentor could not, or will Lloyd show that there are levels to the game, and emerge victorious once more? One thing is certain, when the octagon door shuts in this “Battle of the boys”, both fighters are sure to go to war.

More Action to Come

More fights will be announced soon, and matchmaking is still open for this event across multiple weight divisions, with Rival FC seeking multiple amateur fighters for the following:

125 MMA for 2-2 Opponent

170 MMA for 2-1 Opponent

145 MMA for 1-0 Opponent

170 KB for 0-1 Opponent

135-145 KB for 2-0 Opponent

(Green) 125 female for debut Opponent

Anyone within driving distance interested in competing can contact Yonah Yisrael or his Matchmaker Dylan Hurt via Facebook.

Ticket Info / Sponsorship Opportunities

This event will be held at the Beacon Dragway in Paducah, Kentucky. General Admission tickets are $35. VIP/Sponsor Tables are also available. Each VIP table seats 6 spectators, provides a ringside view of the action, and comes stocked with fresh pizza and soda. To avoid unnecessary added fees, Rival FC has opted out of an online distributor for ticket sales. Instead, anyone interested in advance ticket sales or VIP Sponsorship opportunities may contact Yonah Yisrael via his Facebook. General Admission Tickets will also be for sale at the door.

Stay Informed!

JMA will announce Rival FC’s full card as soon as it is released, so don’t miss out! Follow us on our socials and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all of the action, not just in Paducah but all across the US!