Popular Gold Coast based fighter Julian ‘Julz The Jackal’ Rabaud (5-1) will defend his Nitro bantamweight title for the first time when he faces Queensland based American fighter Ben Nguyen (10-6) at Nitro 11.
Also on the card, Fight News Australia can reveal that Sam Kei (2-2) will be looking at reclaiming the Nitro light-heavyweight title when he comes up against Api Hemara (9-9, 2 draws) for the vacant belt. Fight News Australia was advised that former light-heavyweight champion Joe Muir has vacated the belt and will be moving down to the middleweight division.
Nitro 11 will be held at the Logan Entertainment Centre in Logan City, Queensland on Saturday, March 8.
Having fought four times in Nitro, Rabaud is still undefeated in the promotion having captured the Nitro bantamweight title back in July where he defeated Chris Morris via first round TKO to avenge the only loss in his professional career.
Originally out of South Dakota, USA, Nguyen first made his appearance in Australia while training at the Tiger Muay-Thai school in Thailand. He has fought in Australia three having defeated Grego Penaloza, Luke Morris and most recently Shantaram Maharaj which took his professional record to 10-6.
Sydney based fighter Sam Kei had one of the upsets of the year locally when he knocked out previously undefeated Chris Lokteff to capture the Nitro light-heavyweight title. Kei thought lost to Joe Muir in his first title defense and Muir now dropping to middleweight, Kei will get the opportunity to reclaim his title. Stepping in his way will be veteran MMA fighter Api Hemara .
Based out of the Five Rings Dojo on the Gold Coast, Hemara has been fighting professionally since late 2002 and has victories over the likes of James Te Huna, David Frendin and Matt Foki. His last outing though was back in December 2011 where he submitted Ngakau Spain.
Further match-ups are expected to be announced shortly.
