In 2009 the Absolute Fighting Alliance (AFA) made its debut at Piere's Entertainment Center with UNLEASH HELL. Unlike most Midwest fighting organizations, the AFA has been steadily growing since.

From amateurs to ex UFC champions, the AFA features top fighters from not only the Fort Wayne area, but from all around the world. Their events are top of the line and no detail is left unnoticed. They feature a top-of-the-line presentation, professional referee that can be seen on TV officiating UFC events and one of the top MMA announcers in the business.

On April 16th, 2011 the Absolute Fighting Alliance will once again take over Piere's Entertainment Center with AFA 6: UPRISING. UPRISING is the follow up to the action packed and sold out AFA 5: Return of the Champions event that happened earlier this year at Piere's.

We recently sat down with the Absolute Fighting Alliance promoters, Justin Villella and Steve Staley to find out what we can expect from AFA 6: UPRISING.

Check out the interview below!

FortWayneNightOut.com - How did the AFA come about and when?

Justin Villella - I started the AFA in 2009 and had the first event, AFA 1: UNLEASH HELL at Piere's on June 6, 2009. Steve and I talked and we merged the AFA (Absolute Fighting Alliance) and his Silver Crown Fights organization. We did our first show together soon after and have not looked back since!

FortWayneNightOut.com - What criteria do you have for a fighter to compete in the AFA?

Steve Staley - We look for three (3) things in a fighter. They must be respectful to the sport and their opponent, they must have great cage fighting skills and they must have high integrity and character.

Justin Villella - We also love fighters that keep their word and don't have to be babysat.

FortWayneNightOut.com - What can fans expect at AFA 6: UPRISING?

Justin Villella - Fans will be treated to some of the best up and coming and established MMA fighters in the business. Fans will get a world-class experience with pay-per-view level performance and production from the weigh-ins to the final bell.

Steve Staley - To sum up an AFA event quickly, the fans will get non-stop, heart pounding action with the highest quality matchups.

FortWayneNightOut.com - What sets AFA 6: UPRISING apart from previous AFA events?

Justin Villella - The fight card for AFA 6: UPRISING is the most complete and skilled fight card that the AFA has produced. It is filled from top to bottom with fighters that feature both striking and submission styles. It will contain some of the best bout anywhere in 2011.

FortWayneNightOut.com - Can you fill us in on the fight card for UPRISING?

Steve Staley - We are bringing in one of the best fighters in his ranks, Hector El Toro Urbina. He is a former Bellator fighter, Elite XC, KOTC fighter. Plus we have five (5) pro bouts and five (5) title bouts featuring other very talented fighters!

FortWayneNightOut.com - Who is the AFA announcer with the commanding voice?

Justin Villella - His name is Ray Flores and he is the most talented announcer and commentator in the business today. Ray brings a resume that extends across the world working for top MMA organizations. He has been with the AFA family since its inception and has announced every AFA event including commentary with former AFA and UFC veteran Ricco Rodriguez at AFA 3: TRIUMPH. Ray is truly a master of his craft.

FortWayneNightOut.com - What has been your favorite match-up in an AFA event thus far?

Justin Villella - One of my favorite AFA bouts of all-time was France-Gilliam at AFA 1: UNLEASH HELL. This bout epitomizes what the AFA likes to bring in every bout. AFA Pro Lightweight Champion Rocky "Stonefist" France was up against AFA Absolute Champion and UFC veteran Jason "The Gizzard" Gilliam. These two fighters came out swinging and did not stop until the fight was ended after the 2nd round due to doctor's stoppage. The fight reminded me of Hagler-Hearns or something out of a movie. This was an ABSOLUTEly tremendous bout.

Steve Staley - In my opinion the Moses "Mayham" McCraney VS Chuckie "Flying Taco" Geyer matchup was amazing at AFA 5: Return of the Champions. Chuckie is the HWY AFA Champion and cut 40+ pounds to take on Moses. Moses is the current AFA 205 champion. There was a lot of hype for this fight and it went down in front of a sold out crowd at Piere's. It was a great fight and the sportsmanship between the two was unmatched. The fans definitely got their monies worth.

FortWayneNightOut.com - What is the ultimate goal of the AFA?

Justin Villella - The ultimate goal of the AFA is to become an elite MMA organization recognized throughout the world.

Steve Staley - We also like to build the sport in a positive way, I believe there are a lot of people that have a negative interpretation of the sport and they think it's barbaric and it really isn't.

FortWayneNightOut.com - Can you tell us a little bit about the main event?

Steve Staley - It will be an amazing main event between Hector EL Toro Urbina and William Hill who is out of Chicago. William is a very experienced opponent with over 40 professional fights. I believe it will be non-stop action and the fans will be very happy to see two quality opponents in the main event. Plus it is at Pieres Entertainment Center which is one of the best venues in the country to watch live MMA. New fans should come out and watch it Up Close and Personal, the Pieres way.

FortWayneNightOut.com - In closing, this will be FortWayneNightOut.com's third AFA event that we have sponsored. We had a blast at both AFA: Parking Lot Beatdown 2 and AFA 5: Return of the Champions, as well have our friends that attended with us. Is there anything you would like to say to the great fans that have supported and will continue to support the AFA?

Justin Villella - I would like to personally thank FortWayneNightOut.com and each and every AFA fan for their continued support and presence at all AFA events. The AFA will continue to bring world class talent and headliners to each and every show. The AFA will continue to make the fighters and fans the driving force behind all AFA events.



Text AFAFIGHTS to 70000 to be entered to win two (2) VIP Table Seats and search FortWayneNightOut.com on Facebook and "Like" them for another chance to win one of two different pairs of tickets from FortWayneNightOut.com

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