559 Fights 120 delivers one of the most well-rounded regional cards of the year, blending championship experience, undefeated prospects, and fighters already hovering on the edge of the next level. From high-paced flyweight and featherweight clashes to a heavyweight rematch surrounded by controversy, this event is stacked with matchups that carry real implications beyond Friday night. Each bout presents an opportunity for fighters to separate themselves in a crowded regional landscape, where consistency and dominance are the difference between staying local and getting the call. Here’s who to watch:
Christian Avalos, Lightweight, 8-1-0
Formerly under Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat, Christian “Landshark” Avalos has made waves on the regional scene. The 5’10” lightweight scored his first championship over fellow top prospect Anthony Figueroa by first-round submission back in February 2024. Three consecutive title defenses later, “Landshark” has signed with 559 Fights and will be searching for his second victory for the promotion after defeating Samuel Alvarez for the vacant belt at 155.
Avalos mixes it up well in the Octagon and is rarely looking to sit back and pick his opponent apart. A true “in your face” type of fighter, “Landshark” is at his best when pushing the pace, throwing lead front kicks up the middle, forcing the opposition to the cageside to land knees in the clinch or eventually find the level change. It’s been Christian Avalos’ world when the fight gets to the ground, with four professional submissions to his name and a decorated amateur finish history. Friday, “Landshark” will face Josh Altum, who has no losses on the ground and multiple first-round submissions, Avalos must be on his A-game, and a finish would go a long way for Landshark’s UFC hopes.
Chance Ikei, Flyweight, 6-0-0
Talk about a fighter on the rise, Chance “The Typhoon” Ikei has surefire superstar talent that could be added to the flyweight roster yesterday. The LFA veteran will be looking to push for a fourth round one finish in a row, most recently submitting Jordan Burkholder with a rear naked choke in October 2025. Fighting out of MMA Lab in Arizona, Ikei comes from a lengthy list of successful fighters. Training under John Crouch, Frankie Saenz, and Randy Steinke, there’s little doubt Chance Ikei will get to the big show in no time.
“The Typhoon” is thrilling to watch throw down, no matter where the fight is taken. On the feet, Ikei throws a wide range of kicks, targeting the head, body, and most notably the legs. Ikei throws a whipping calf kick yime and time again until his opponents’ lead legs are labored in the first minutes of the bout. In Ikei’s first bout with 559 Fights, Brian Benavidez was dropped multiple times with Ikei’s calf kick before he landed a crushing flying knee, ending the fight in the first round. Chance Ikei will face Corvan Allen (a fellow flyweight coming off an LFA win) at 559 Fights 120, making for a pretty high-level Flyweight championship under the 559 Fights banner.
Shane Collins, Featherweight, 5-0-0
Former IMMAF Gold Medalist Shane Collins is back in the Octagon after a busy 2025, picking up three victories – including the A1 Combat featherweight championship in June. The Los Angeles-native has quickly become one to watch on the regional scene, scoring a filthy left to right overhand combination in his debut that slept his opponent Sal Bruno. Finishing three of his five professional fights, Collins has bounced back since suffering a unanimous loss to top prospect George Staines back at the 2022 IMMAF World Championships.
“Hollywood” will easily become a fan favorite at this rate, oozing confidence with excellent footwork that opens up some really slick striking angles. Collins throws a great array of punches and kicks, with a piercing jab and leg kick to lead the dance, though a speed advantage has been most apparent in all of his fights. It’s extremely difficult to get out ahead of Shane “Hollywood” Collins, as he’s always on the move and will beat his opponent to the point almost 99% of the time. Originally, Collins was supposed to face Brock Dias, but instead will take on the 40-year old Israel Delgado. Nonetheless, a styling performance from “Hollywood” is expected.
Jonathan Powell, Bantamweight, 3-0-0
Pan-AM IMMAF champ Jonathan Powell is on the docket for 559 Fights 120 in his fourth professional bout. Since turning pro in October 2023, activity has been an uphill battle for Powell, only competing in three fights after an impressive 9-1 amateur career. Nonetheless, his lack of professional fights doesn’t take away from his exciting style, finishing nine of his thirteen opponents across the amateur and professional scenes.
Jonathan Powell is an uber-athletic fighter with a combination of speed and strength that simply isn’t common in lower weight classes. Traditionally a southpaw striker, Powell’s lead right jab blurs on the screen and is combined with great footwork that allows Powell to pop in and out of the pocket. Powell really showcases his athleticism with his timing to land relentless double leg takedowns, picking up his opponents and smashing them into side control to open the finish. Jonathan Powell was scheduled to face ACA alum Magomed Bayduev, but has since been rescheduled to take on fellow undefeated prospect Trevon Stubbs Ashley up at Lighweight in what should be a solid matchup. Maybe 2026 is the year Powell starts to rack up experience and polish his professional resume.
Justin Moore, Heavyweight, Pro Debut
It’s quite a rarity to find well-rounded heavyweight prospects on the regional scene, but look no further than former South Dakota State Offensive Lineman, Justin Moore. In just 7 months, Moore will compete in his 4th mixed martial arts fight. Back in June, the Heavyweight fought twice in the same month, scoring victories over Siua Sa’afi and Keagon Smith. Moore’s most recent performance was his most notable, a shocking underdog-submission over the formerly-undefeated and incumbent 559 Fights champion, Robert Barrios.
Justin Moore moves extremely well for someone of his size. Coming from an athletic background, it’s clear Moore will have a step over many regional heavyweights. On the feet, Moore is a patient striker with a surprising arsenal of kicks that can land to the body, and solid wrestling offensively and defensively. When watching Moore’s fight with Barrios, it was apparent there’s still some work to be done; the low kicks inside the pocket won’t work out in this upcoming rematch, or any fight for that matter. Robert Barrios could have very well had Justin Moore out of there with a few more ground strikes or a more accurate hook. But that’s just it – Justin Moore survived an onslaught and wasn’t deterred; you can’t teach toughness. Moore’s comeback finish was really a beautiful one, a right cross directly on the nose of the pushing Barrios, knocking him down and finding an Americana submission. I was unsure if Barrios truly tapped in the first bout, and there was definitely some feedback from the fans in that one. Regardless, both men have another opportunity in front of them – if Moore is able to defeat Robert Barrios a second time, it’ll most certainly be some serious confirmation on the heavyweight prospect.