The Union League of Philadelphia, Cage Fury Fighting Championships partner for spectacular America250 celebration: 'The Thrill on the Hill'
Union League Liberty Hill hosts spectacular one night only event on Friday, May 29 benefitting Founding Forward and the Travis Manion Foundation
PHILADELPHIA – Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) officials are beyond thrilled to announce the most unique event in the company's incredible 20-year history, "The Thrill on the Hill," an amazing celebration of strength, spirit and spectacle hosted by The Union League of Philadelphia.
The Union League America250 commemoration takes place outdoors on the expansive grounds of Union League Liberty Hill, where an unmatched, all-inclusive experience awaits guests featuring exclusive chef's stations, top-tier spirits, and concluding with an amazing fireworks spectacular – and all built around the fast-paced, world-class mixed martial arts action that is CFFC's hallmark.
"We've promoted more than 200 incredible events across the country over the past 20 years, but nothing compares to what's happening on May 29, thanks to our visionary partners at The Union League of Philadelphia," CFFC CEO and President Rob Haydak said. "From the moment we first discussed the potential of working with this historic organization for such a special event, the entire team at the Union League has been instrumental in organizing what is going to be a visually stunning broadcast on UFC FIGHT PASS and an unforgettable night of entertainment for each and every guest lucky enough to attend this incredibly exclusive evening that will benefit both Founding Forward and the Travis Manion Foundation."
"CFFC 154: The Thrill on the Hill" will feature a championship headliner fitting of the occasion, as undefeated former welterweight champion Kevin "Sweet Peas" Pease (7-0 MMA, 5-0 CFFC) looks to claim his second CFFC title belt when he makes the move down to 155 pounds to take on reigning lightweight kingpin Will "I Am" Starks (12-3 MMA, 1-0 CFFC). With both men seeking an invitation to the sport's highest level at the Ultimate Fighting Championship, each athlete knows the spotlight of such a spectacular stage could prove instrumental to that effort.
Additionally, the night's co-main event features an intriguing interim flyweight championship bout, as Pennsylvania's own hard-hitting Ben Coyle (7-4 MMA, 4-2 CFFC) takes on an equally dangerous newcomer in Moshe "Straw Hat" Aladi (5-1 MMA, 0-0 CFFC) with gold on the line, while a key featured matchup sees former CFFC lightweight champion Jesse Roberts (10-2) take on Kegan "Machine Gun" Gennrich (11-5).
Also booked for the card are a pair of undefeated top middleweight prospects, as the returning Fathy Elsony (2-0) faces promotional newcomer Xavier Vasquez (3-0), a battle of hard-nosed veterans at 185 pounds with AT McCowin (9-6) vs. "G.I." Josiah Simpson (5-2), and an exciting bantamweight clash with the heavy-handed Alejandro "Hondo" Gutierrez (4-2) taking on Pennsylvania native and former CFFC NextGen champion Riley Palmer (3-0-1). Philadelphia native and standout women's bantamweight prospect Kayana La Torre will also make her highly anticipated professional debut on the card.
A final lineup of matchups for the evening will be announced shortly.
Ranked as the No. 1 City Club in the United States for an unprecedented seven consecutive voting years, The Union League of Philadelphia was founded in 1862 as a patriotic society to support the Union and the policies of President Abraham Lincoln. The organization laid the philosophical foundation of other Union Leagues formed across a nation torn by civil war, and today continues to be driven by its founding motto, Amor Patriae Ducit or "Love of Country Leads."
Home to over 4,000 men and women who contribute to club life and keep alive the League's traditions, just as they have for the past 164 years, the membership represents the Philadelphia region's leaders in business, education, technology, healthcare, law, government, religion, art and culture.
The Union League of Philadelphia is a regional mission-based club with seven distinctive companion amenities that together offer an exceptional range of amenities and experiences for members. Among its properties, Union League Liberty Hill stands out as a premier setting for recreation, hospitality, and events. Named to reflect both the League's patriotic values and the site's significance as Revolutionary War ground, the 311-acre property features beautifully appointed guest rooms, state-of-the-art conference space, and an 18-hole Gary Player-designed golf course. Union League Liberty Hill also serves as the home of Founding Forward's teacher programs throughout the summer.
Founding Forward is the single, unified nonprofit charity of the Union League and is dedicated to the same values of freedom and free enterprise upon which the League was founded. Through historic preservation, education and scholarship, Founding Forward promotes these values and ideals, inspiring more educated, engaged and responsible citizens.
The Travis Manion Foundation is named after the Marine Corps First Lieutenant who gave the ultimate sacrifice on April 29, 2007, on his second deployment to Iraq. Battling enemy forces following an ambush, Travis drew fire away from his wounded comrades, allowing every member of his patrol to survive. For his heroic actions, he was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star with Valor, and the Foundation that bears his name now works to empower veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations.
Extremely limited tickets for "CFFC 154: The Thrill on the Hill" are currently available at UnionLeague.org.
Stay tuned to CFFC.tv for additional announcements regarding this once in a lifetime event.
ABOUT CAGE FURY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Considered one of the best developmental mixed martial arts organizations in the world, 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, and include the company's flagship mixed martial arts events, as well as FURY Professional Grappling, CFFC Next Generation and CFFC Match Day.
Founded in 2006, CFFC has served as home to a variety of combat sports stars, including Aljamain Sterling, Paul Felder, Sean Brady, Pat Sabatini, Katlyn Chookagian, Shane Burgos, Merab Dvalishvili, Anthony Smith, Jared Gordon, Kimbo Slice, Jimmie Rivera, Jim Miller and Nick Catone, among others. 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. For inquiries regarding partnership/sponsorship opportunities please contact us at CFFC.tv.