The U.S. Midwest has seen an exponential amount of growth of interest in combat sports throughout the last few years. Since 2022, major MMA promotions like Legacy Fighting Alliance and Bellator have held events throughout the region and regional combat sports promotions seemingly continue to grow.
Anthony Pettis’ APFC looks to throw their hat in the ring once more on April 23rd with APFC 4: Night of Champions.
PREVIEW: APFC 4: Night of Champions
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APFC makes its Indiana debut in a few short days after hosting its third ever event in Wisconsin of November of last year. In the main event, Midwest MMA staple Josh “Rockin” Rohler will take on the highly electric Johnny “Big Poppa” Hopper. Rohler, who spoke with MMASucka, has fought the who’s who of the U.S. Midwest regional scene and has even claimed victory over ex-UFC lightweight Jordan Griffin. The Strong Style Fight Team member is looking to bounce back from a majority decision defeat in October 2022.
Johnny Hopper is enjoying a four-fight win streak dating back to December 2021. In his last bout, which was competed at APFC 3, Hopper found a third round finish over Juan Roman. Also known as “Mr. Consistency”, Hopper looks to make it five in a row with a win over Rohler. This bout will be contested for the inaugural APFC Lightweight Championship.
The Co-Main Event
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The co-main event will see Immortal Lotus battle it out with Keaneo Moyer for the vacant APFC Flyweight Championship. Immortal Lotus, who’s name is Badmatsyren Dorzhiev, hails from Budalan, Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia, and fights out of Moscow, Russia. The 29-year-old has a perfect professional record of 6-0 but has not stepped into the cage for competition since his win at Brave CF 51 in June 2021.
Moyer last competed for Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat, falling short to Terrance Saeteurn in January. Prior to debuting professionally in 2019, Moyer claimed the FCFF Amateur Flyweight Title.
Professional Card Preview
The rest of the professional card will highlight regional talent as well as international athletes across several weight divisions. Mark Choinski will face off with Justin Lovrich in a lightweight encounter. Illinois’ Cub Hawkins steps in late to face Ecuador’s Gregoris Cisneros at welterweight.
In a rematch from the amateur circuit, Pedro Gutierrez will look to exact revenge on Sergio Plascencia in a 125-lb. matchup. Jake Bower will make his professional debut in the lightweight division against Brandon Evans. Chicago Heights’ own Dantrelle “DKO” Kozeluh will fight a bantamweight contest against a short notice opponent yet to be disclosed. The 2-0 professional was initially set to fight Darius Miller.
To open up the professional portion of the event, Ronny Hauser will face James Robinson, who is making his professional debut, in a bantamweight contest.
Amateur Card
APFC 4 showcases 12 amateur MMA fights featuring up-and-coming athletes from the U.S. Midwest. These athletes include: Jeremy Strobel Jr. who last competed in LFA, scoring a 3rd round TKO; Johnny Mologousis, who trains out of Midwest Training Center in Schaumburg, Illinois, and Jonathan Johnson who fights out of Maxim Gym in Hobart, Indiana.
Fight fans will not want to miss the crowing of two champions and plenty more at APFC 4. The main card will air live on UFC Fight Pass at 6 p.m. ET/5 p.m. CT.
