Fresno's Josh "ComeUp Kid" Simpson says it's "strap season" and his hunt continues at Bakersfield Combat 1 Oct. 28th

Josh Simpson, A1 Combat 13 - Cali Fights Magazine

It is Fight week for our neighbors to the South in the Central Valley, as Bakersfield Combat is set for their first event Saturday, October 28th 2023 from the Elite Fitness Center in Bakersfield, Ca. The card has some good competitors scheduled for a night full of amateur MMA action.

Making the trip down the road to take part in Bakersfield Combat 1 is Fresno's Josh "ComeUp Kid" Simpson.

Simpson, who trains out of Dethrone MMA, will be fighting outside of the 559 for the first time in his amateur MMA career. Although this may be his first sanctioned fight in Bakersfield, Simpson is no stranger to the area as he mentioned last time we talked, mentioning he grew up in the city before making the move to Fresno where he currently resides. I caught up with "The ComeUp Kid" prior to his fight in Bakersfield, and started by asking how life has been treating him? He responded,

Josh Simpson, A1 Combat 13 - Cali Fights Magazine

" I've been good, life's been good just training hard and staying busy as usual."

Simpson is coming off a tough decision loss in his last fight, where he challenged for the 559 Fights 145 pound title. I asked him how he felt coming off that fight? and how training has been going since then? he replied,

"The loss is whatever it actually opened up availability that I didn't have before, so it's whatever. The people know who the real champ is. Just can't let the judges get involved, training has been great since then. Still learning and still adding tools."

Simpson has indeed been busy sharpening his craft, not only in MMA but in grappling matches as well. Simpson competed for A1 Combat where he held his own versus a very tough opponent in August. At one point Simpson was even scheduled to make his Bare Knuckle boxing debut in Mexico. I asked him how that played out? and if bare knuckle boxing was something he was interested in the future? he replied,

Josh Simpson vs Mariano Aldama, A1 Combat 13 - Cali Fights Magazine

"The card fell through, promoters couldn't come together to make it happen so it's behind us. On to strap season but I'm definitely gonna do some bare knuckle boxing before I'm done. I just like real tests and I feel like that would be a real one.

The "ComeUp Kid'' takes on Oxnard's (2-1) Stefan Espinoza at the inaugural Bakersfield Combat Saturday night. Most of his fights have been in the 559 in his MMA journey so far. I asked if this one felt different? and what he thought about the new promotion?

"No biggie, just ready to handle business. I feel like Bakersfield Combat is doing a good job promoting and a good job taking care of their fighters so far, so kudos to Bakersfield Combat."

What does 2024 have in store for Josh Simpson? was my next question, Simpson let us know that,

Josh Simpson, A1 Combat 13 - Cali Fights Magazine

"2024 will see me turn pro and put the world on notice. Finally there is a new killer on the radar, time to get paid babey!"

I asked Simpson if there was anyone he wanted to thank or shout out? and if he had a message for the Central Valley MMA fans? he finished with,

"I'd like to thank My Tia Anita, my home gym Dethrone, my Coach Mike and my sponsors. Elite Auto, Trippy Nautz, Onserf, Muffler Kingz, Joyeria Cuates Jewelry, Los Picantes taco Truck, Studio One Hair Design, and my guys Modern Hippies. Shoutout Fresno and the people that really support the kid!

Central Valley MMA fans, I'm on the way! Tell all the 35ers and 45ers near you! ComeUp Kid Is on the way! Tuck those belts! It's strap season!"

Bakersfield Combat goes down Saturday October 28th, 2023 from the Elite Fitness Center in Bakersfield, Ca. Tickets available now at www.eventbrite.com/e/mma-fight-night-tickets-716175549347

Bakersfield Combat 1 card:

(6-0) Rafael Jimenez vs (3-3-1) Roberto Perea

(5-4) Joshua Simpson vs (2-1) Stefan Espinoza

(2-3) Julio Larrave vs (0-0) Jackson Lee

(0-0) Noah Whitman vs (0-0) Alexander Innes

(0-1) Jesus Gardenas vs (1-1) Yassin Saededdin

(0-0) Francisco Jacobo vs (0-0) Andres Fajardo

(0-1) Thomas Cortes vs (0-0) Jerry Flick

(0-0) Adrian Barron vs (0-0) Rawston Redick

(1-0) Juan Guardado vs (0-0) Brandon Rodriguez

(0-0) Victor Burgos vs (0-0) Max Gonzalez

(0-0) Chente Trujillo vs tba

(0-0) Dylan Hicks vs tba

Visit Bakersfield Combat online at www.bcpfights.com Also on social media on IG @ www.instagram.com/bakersfieldcombat

Keep up with the "ComeUp Kid" Josh Simpson on social media on IG @ www.instagram.com/comeupkid559

Check out Cali Fights Magazine @ www.califights.com on IG at www.instagram.com/califights/ and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/califightsonline

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By: Daniel "Trip" Quintana www.noweakshitever.com