U.S. Army presents 'Battle at Bragg' live on UFC FIGHT PASS this Veterans Day
FURY Professional Grappling to produce world-class college wrestling showcase at Pope Army Airfield
Campbell University hosts Michigan, North Carolina for NCAA Division I showdown on November 11
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – History will be made this Veterans Day, as UFC FIGHT PASS features a live folkstyle wrestling event for the very first time, with the U.S. Army and FURY Professional Grappling partnering for "Battle at Bragg."
On Friday, November 11, reigning Southern Conference wrestling champions Campbell University play host to a pair of fellow NCAA Division I powerhouse programs in the University of Michigan and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the teams will square off for a very special meet at Pope Army Field at Fort Bragg in Fayeteville, N.C.
Campbell University vs. Michigan kicks off at 5 p.m. ET, while the Camels will then face North Carolina at 7:30 p.m. ET.
All matches will stream live on UFC FIGHT PASS. Eligible attendees can procure tickets through your local U.S. Army recruiting station in the state of North Carolina.
"The CFFC and FURY Professional Grappling brands have become synonymous with top-quality production and top-quality athletes in the sports of MMA and submission grappling, respectively, but collegiate wrestling has always been a true passion for me, and to bring such a high-profile event to UFC FIGHT PASS is something very special," CFFC CEO Rob Haydak said. "Working with the U.S. Army again, as we did in 2019 with our 'Fight for the Troops' event, is a true honor, and Campbell University will get a chance to host two other elite programs in Michigan and North Carolina in one of the most unique environments any of these athletes will ever experience. 'Battle at Bragg' should not be missed."
"It's exciting to stage a first-of-its-kind college wrestling event and to work with our heroes from the United States Army," shares Campbell University Acting Director of Athletics Hannah Bazemore. I want to thank the leadership of Fort Bragg, Garrison Commander Col. John Wilcox, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey a. Loehr, and LTC Mark Newdigate and the North Carolina Recruiting Battalion for their engagement with Campbell University to get this event up and off the ground this November. It's our hope to make this an annual happening as we look for new and exciting ways to get the word out about the Fighting Camels and college wrestling."
"For Campbell to be able to create this event, and work with schools like UNC and Michigan, plus have the Battle at Bragg broadcast globally with an outlet like UFC Fight Pass is simply incredible," adds Fighting Camels head coach Scotti Sentes. "College wrestling is a tremendous sport and we are, and will continue to be aggressive in creating new ways to showcase what we are building here at the Creek, which is the finest college wrestling culture in the nation."
Campbell University heads into the 2022-23 season after winning its fourth straight Southern Conference tournament championship, and fifth conference title in the last six seasons. All 10 Campbell University entrants in this past season's tournament advanced to the medal round, with nine earning spots on the podium, including individual titles from Shannon Hanna (141 pounds), Caleb Hopkins (184 pounds) and Taye Ghadiali (heavyweight). The team has sent at least six qualifiers to the NCAA Championships in each of the last four seasons.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill enters the 2022-23 season on the strength of an 18th place finish at the 2022 NCAA Championships, marking the fourth consecutive year the team has finished among the top 20 in the nation. This past year's squad included three All-America recipients, marking the first time since 1995 the team featured more than two All-Americans. Leading the way was Kizhan Clarke, who scored a runner-up finish at the NCAA Championships at 141 pounds.
Meanwhile, the University of Michigan is coming off a stellar year that saw the squad finish second at the NCAA Championships, the Wolverines' best finish in 17 years. Six athletes secured All-America honors, led by 125-pound champion Nick Suriano. The program features three returning All Americans in the 2022-23 squad, with Will Lewan (157 pounds), Cameron Amine (165 pounds) and Mason Parris (heavyweight) all expecting similar success this season.
ABOUT CAGE FURY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Considered one of the best developmental mixed martial arts organizations in the industry, Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) hosts events across the United States with an emphasis on cultivating the best and brightest talent in the sport. CFFC events are broadcast live on UFC FIGHT PASS, the leading digital subscription service for fight fans.
Founded in 2006, CFFC has served as home to a variety of UFC stars, including Anthony Smith, Jimmie Rivera, Aljamain Sterling, Kimbo Slice, Paul Felder, Jim Miller, Nick Catone, Lyman Good, Katlyn Chookagian, Shane Burgos and Jared Gordon. Led by its respected CEO Rob Haydak, CFFC’s executive team consists of sports and entertainment industry executives who have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in the world.
