AKA 53 Set to Deliver Louisiana’s Fight of the Year

Louisiana, a hotbed for MMA talent since the likes of Tim Credeur, Rich Clementi, and so many others that paved the way for the current UFC Louisiana natives, is set to deliver regional MMA’s fight of the year at American Kombat Alliance 53, including the return of Elliot Hebert.

The event is slated for March 07, 2026, inside the Golden Nugget Casino in the city of Lake Charles, Louisiana. AKA lightweight champion Elliot Hebert (5-2, 5 finishes) will defend his title against Hunter Smith (7-1, 5 finishes) in a very much anticipated rematch. American Kombat Alliance has been a leader in southern regional action since their first card in August 2017.

Elliot Hebert vs. Hunter Smith: The First Meeting at AKA 37

Hebert and Smith would first initially meet at AKA 37 in June 2024 for the vacant professional AKA lightweight championship, in which you can see the fight here. Headlining the night’s card, the two would deliver a dynamic performance. Elliot Hebert would use his superior ground game and raw strength to control the first round mostly on the mat. When the second round came around, Hebert would go back to what earned him the first round, eventually locking in the rear-naked choke for the second-round win.

The Second Showdown From Elliot Hebert’s Challenger’s Perspective

So, how could this matchup end up any different than the first meeting? For Elliot Hebert’s opponent, Hunter Smith, he thinks he has found that solution. “I have learned that less is more; less power equals more efficiency; less chaos equals more precision; less emotion equals more focus,” Smith told MMASucka.

There is also the potential factor for Smith to learn from the error of his ways in the fist bout and use that to gain the upper hand. “There is nothing that makes the pain of loss go away besides hard work and improvement,” he said. “I think the main thing that needs to change is knowing that every fight doesn’t need to end in the first round or even the second. There are at least 15 minutes every time I fight to create openings for myself. I don’t fear being submitted just like I don’t fear a firefight.”

According to the challenger, this is what you should keep your eyes out for in the big Louisiana rematch. “Fans can expect intentionally controlled pace,” he promised. “The fight will go as I make it. He will not dictate how fast or slow the fight goes, and I will win that process. I will paint a masterpiece.”

Rematch Through Eyes of Champion Elliot Hebert

Since defeating Smith to earn the vacant AKA Lightweight Championship, Elliot Hebert has gone 2-1 in the process, losing the title and then re-earning it against Nicko Commissiong at AKA 42 and AKA 49, respectively. During that 2-1 run, both of Hebert’s wins have come by first-round knockout, showing the Louisiana star has all of the makings of a true shooting star in 2026. How can he improve even more to double up on victories against Smith? “I’ve made a ton of changes in my training routine,” Hebert said. I’ve been going out to Texas to train a lot. Also Having more experience is always a good thing.”

Since the vacant title loss to Hebert in their first meeting, Smith has gone a perfect 3-0 against tough competition with the most recent a second-round knockout win. What can the champion due to stop this run of another rising 2026 star in Hebert?

“I honestly don’t even remember our last fight a year and a half ago. I’m just focused on getting better every day,” he said. “I’m fighting a completely different version my opponent. I guess we will see maybe we check his grappling maybe we strike. I like my chances wherever the fight goes. I’m going to make it look easy. I love training and fighting and I’m just glad I get to do this and make some good money with AKA.”

The champion was not shy in giving his to-the-point prediction for the rematch. “You will see a master-class performance,” he said. “Elliot Hebert wins: first-round KO!”

Word From the AKA CEO on Elliot Hebert vs. Hunter Smith Contest

When the President/CEO of any mixed martial arts organization is willing to give a word on a rematch, as Amber Bishop has in the run-up to the Hebert vs. Smith fight, you know it has all the true makings of an instant classic.

“This rematch has all the makings of a Fight of the Year,” Bishop began. “Both of these guys come to fight every time and never try to pick or choose their opponents, they’re true competitors who are always willing to step up. They both bring heart, skill, and something to prove, and that’s what makes this matchup so special. One of the biggest fights in AKA history with redemption on the mind for Smith and domination on the mind for Hebert. A fight with UFC aspirations and gold on the line.”

“The first fight left fans wanting more, and now they get to see it settled in the cage. AKA Fights is proud to showcase this level of talent and competition, and I can’t wait for everyone to witness it.”