Mixed martial arts (MMA) fans are in for a thrilling treat with the Cook Islands 682 Ultimate Rage Fight Night – an adrenaline-fueled display of combat sports – set to take place this Friday in Rarotonga.

The Fight Night to be held at Te Are Karioi (National Auditorium) will feature 16 MMA athletes from Aotearoa New Zealand and local talent, including Cook Islands’ very own star champion, Scholar Ngatokorua.

In June this year, Ngatokorua competed in the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts’ (GAMMA) event in New Zealand, where in the Under 72 kilograms Super Welterweight “Elite” Division, he walked away with the gold medal. This was his second international title.

The Cook Islands 682 Ultimate Rage Fight Night is driven by Aotearoa-based Cook Islander Terry Tuteru, a passionate MMA trainer and sports promoter from South Auckland Leegar Thaiboxing Gym (SALT Gym).

Tuteru is in Rarotonga, meticulously overseeing the final arrangements for this action-packed event with the support of the Avatiu Boxing and Martial Arts Club.

“This event will provide a platform for emerging talent and help to promote the sport in the Cooks, and hopefully create more interest and inspire young people on the island,” Tuteru told Cook Islands News.

“More gym stations are needed here to provide more facilities for the people in the community and to give them more options to train.

“This is also an opportunity for athletes to challenge themselves.”

Some of the young talent who will appear in the ring are Rangisiku Kirikava taking on William Robertson, both of them will be making their debut on the night.

In the heavyweight bout, two rising stars, Gabriel Tuteru and Te Haenga Adams, are both eager to get into the ring, hungry for victory.

Officials and participants are expected to start arriving from Aotearoa later this week.

A special Children’s Exhibition will also be held to give young Avatiu Gym kickboxers the opportunity to shine.

Tickets are $40 for general admission, and VIP tables are available for a more personal up-close experience.

The doors will open at 5pm and the event is scheduled to start at 6pm.

For ticket information and reservations, please contact: Nicholle Ama – 79355, Ngametua Maea – 72347 and Terry Tuteru – 73088.