Dan Spohn gets new opponent, card set for IT Fight Series 29 on Saturday

After a late change to the main event, the fight card for this weekend’s IT Fight Series 29 event is complete.

Columbus native Dan Spohn (8-4) will now face Kentucky’s Michael Cockerham (8-13) after a medical issue forced his original opponent Anton Talamantes from the card. The event takes place on Saturday at the Stars Indoor Sports Complex in Columbus, Ohio.

Spohn will compete for the first time since appearing on “The Ultimate Fighter 19,” where he lost in the semifinals before eventually making his official UFC debut on the show’s finale in July, losing a decision to fellow castmate Patrick Walsh. Spohn was on a two-fight winning streak before appearing on TUF 19, with stoppage victories over Robert Morrow and Aaron Mays in for the UVC organization. Spohn now looks to move his record to 3-0 in his adopted hometown as he makes his IT Fight Series debut.

Much like he has come to be known for, Cockerham will once again play hero as he steps in on ultra short notice to take a fight. This will be his 12th fight of the year, as he looks to improve on his 5-6 record thus far this year. This will be his fourth fight since October, and he looks to snap a three-fight losing streak with what would be a massive upset over Spohn.

The co-main event features a pair of exciting fighters in the featherweight division, as Alfred Leisure (2-0) takes on Mike Velazquez (3-1). Chico Bays (0-0, 7-3 am) will finally make his long-awaited pro debut, as the Columbus native takes on Travis Hussey (0-0, 4-2-1 am) in a welterweight bout. Another pair of welterweights will also square off in pro action, as Caleb Fickert (1-1) looks to bounce back from his first pro loss with a win over Larry Ray (0-2). And a second UFC veteran is also on the card, as “The Ultimate Fighter: China” veteran Albert Cheng (2-3) takes on Matt Brown (0-0, 6-4 am) at a catchweight of 165 pounds.

Nine amateur bouts are also on tap, including a flyweight title eliminator featuring Floyd Cisco (2-2) vs. Joe Pimentel (2-0).

The first fight of the night is set to go down at 7:30 p.m. Stay close to BluegrassMMA.com for more on the event this week.

Here is a look at the fight card, subject to change.

Pro Bouts:
205 lbs – Dan Spohn vs. Michael Cockerham
145 lbs – Alfred Leisure vs. Mike Velazquez
170 lbs – Chico Bays vs. Travis Hussey
165 lbs – Albert Cheng vs. Matt Brown
170 lbs – Eric Attard vs. Timmy McCavit
170 lbs – Caleb Fickert vs. Larry Ray

Amateur Bouts:
125 lbs – Joe Pimentel vs. Floyd Cisco
135 lbs – Danny Moore vs. Jason Rine
135 lbs – Tim Eley vs. Keith Speed
265 lbs – Ryan Shough vs. Dave Lama
185 lbs – JJ Davis vs. James Taylor
135 lbs – Josh Meyers vs. Carlos Padilla III
155 lbs – Corey Woodruff vs. Anson Hunnell
155 lbs – Steffyn Parson svs. Mark Carosella
205 lbs – Ricky Davis vs. Jason Vele