California commission plans vineyard fundraiser for fighters

The California State Athletic Commission will stage a combat sports fundraiser at a Napa Valley vineyard next month, with ticket proceeds supporting retired athletes.

The commission announced Thursday it will hold Napa Knockout on July 25 at Raymond Vineyards, marking what organizers say is the first time California has sanctioned fights on a winery floor, according to Sherdog. General admission costs $500, while ringside seats sell for $1,000. All revenue goes to the commission's Fighter Pension Fund.

Napa Knockout card features MMA, boxing and muay thai

The lineup includes four MMA bouts, four boxing matches and two muay thai contests. Promoters have not locked in a main event, though Strikeforce founder Scott Coker and referee John McCarthy will attend alongside Ronda Rousey, Nate Diaz, Gina Carano, Gilbert Melendez and Josh Thomson. Boxers Vergil Ortiz and Arnold Barboza Jr. are also confirmed for appearances in some capacity.

CSAC Executive Officer Andy Foster called the event "a historic evening" in a statement. "Napa Knockout is about bringing people together for an incredible night while giving back to the combat sports community in a meaningful way," Foster said.

Announced matchups include Matt Baker against Tony Charles in kickboxing, Antonio Vasquez facing Tre Orlando at lightweight MMA, and Philip Wright meeting Eddy Herrera in an amateur heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight MMA bout. The commission has not released broadcast details.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — California commission to run special July 25 combat sports fundraising event