The Xcessive Force Fighting Championship's Diablo Fight Series comes to Penticton's South Okanagan Events Centre on Saturday, July 21, 2018. SUBMITTED

Mixed martial arts returns to Okanagan

PENTICTON – Professional and amateur mixed martial arts are coming to Penticton’s events centre for the first time since 2013.

The Diablo Fight Series, exclusive to the Okanagan, will present UFC vets, top prospects and local talents battling for titles on Saturday, July 21 at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.

The Xcessive Force Fighting Championship president Darren Cliffe says in a media release there is a definite local flavour to the card, with two UFC veterans, Kelowna’s Matt Dwyer and Dominique Steele, battling for the XFFC Middleweight title.

“July 21 marks a major milestone for Dwyer. It’s the first time he’ll be fighting in the Okanagan. It’s exciting,” Cliffe says.

Cliffe, who was raised in Kelowna, has a strong MMA background. Under his leadership the Xcessive Force Fighting Championship is now the second MMA promotion in Canada, showcasing Western Canadian fighters.

Tickets for Saturday’s event start at $55 and are available online at www.ValleyFirstTix.com.

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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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