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Event Preview · January 12, 2026

AFC 69 Fight Preview: Ascendency Fighting Championship Returns to Marshalltown, IA

AFC 69 Fight card

Ascendency Fighting Championship returns to Marshalltown, Iowa on Saturday, January 17th with AFC 69, bringing another stacked night of amateur MMA action to the Impala Ballroom.

The first fight is scheduled for 6:00 PM, and the card features a mix of rising prospects, hometown favorites, and hungry newcomers looking to make a statement inside the cage.

🎟 Tickets are available now at Nitrotickets.com
📺 Can’t make it in person? You can watch AFC 69 live online with an MMA Futures subscription at MMA Futures


How to Watch AFC 69

  • Live in-person: Impala Ballroom – Marshalltown, IA
  • Tickets: Available at Nitrotickets.com
  • Live Stream & Full Replay: Available exclusively with a subscription at MMAFutures.live

MMA Futures is the official streaming and content partner of Ascendency Fighting Championship, providing live broadcasts and full fight archives.


Featured Matchups & Fighters to Watch

Juan Pablo Garza vs. Cyrus Mathes

Lightweight Bout

One of the most talked-about prospects on the card, Cyrus Mathes (5–0) enters AFC 69 undefeated at just 19 years old. Mathes began competing at 14 and has steadily built momentum through disciplined striking and composure well beyond his years. Representing Hard Drive, Zura Jiu-Jitsu, and Garage Lee MMA, Mathes has quickly become a name to watch in Central Iowa MMA.

Across from him is Juan Pablo Garza, who looks to derail the hype and hand Mathes his first loss.


Craig Omozeje vs. Andres Lugo Jr.

Featherweight Bout

Craig “The Conqueror” Omozeje (3–1) brings intensity, confidence, and a fast-paced MMA style into this matchup. Training out of Myriad MMA, Omozeje has shown a willingness to travel and compete wherever opportunities arise, building experience quickly early in his career.

He’ll face Andres Lugo Jr., who looks to test Omozeje’s aggression and control the tempo.


Avery Guidebeck vs. Triston Scarborough

Lightweight Bout

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At just 18 years old, Avery Guidebeck (1–0) enters AFC 69 as a two-time TBA champion with a freestyle-heavy approach out of Porcelli’s Training Center. Calm, composed, and confident, Guidebeck continues to build experience against seasoned opposition.

Standing across from him is Triston “Wild Child” Scarborough (2–2), a Marshalltown native balancing family life, business ownership, and years of amateur MMA experience. Expect grit and toughness from both sides in this matchup.


Payne Dotson vs. Chase Luethje

Middleweight Bout

Payne “El Tigre” Dotson (0–2) returns to action after recently earning a first-round TKO win in kickboxing at AFC. A longtime striker with a boxing base, Dotson has reignited his competitive drive and is now preparing to train under former UFC veteran Trey Ogden at Marathon MMA.

He faces Chase Luethje (0–2), a blue belt who helps coach at Zura Jiu-Jitsu and brings a grappling-heavy approach. This matchup could come down to whether the fight stays standing or hits the mat.


Additional Bouts on the Card

  • Ethan Nehlich vs. Maddux Richardson
  • Anthony Coleman vs. Helio Santos Ortiz
  • Jonathan Droz vs. Brian Hernandez
  • Jack Farmer vs. Daniel Gorskikh
  • William “Wild Bill” Alman vs. John Barach
  • Erick Medano vs. Zacheus Howell
  • Callyn Bishop vs. Julian Gomez
  • Shamaree Tompkins vs. Joel Paul Enriquez

Each matchup adds depth and variety to a card built around opportunity and regional competition.


Don’t Miss AFC 69

Whether you’re in the building or watching from home, AFC 69 delivers another showcase of Midwest MMA talent.

🎟 Tickets: Available now at Nitrotickets.com
📺 Watch live and on-demand exclusively at MMA Futures

MMA Futures subscribers get live event access, full fight replays, and a growing library of regional MMA content — all in one place.

Saturday, January 17th. First fight at 6 PM.
Ascendency Fighting Championship 69 – Marshalltown, Iowa.