The following story was written and reported by David Michaud, Native Sun News Correspondent. All content © Native Sun News.
Teddy Pedregon works for top position against Tyler Eagle. PHOTO BY/David Michaud
Rez Rumblerz returning to Rapid City
By David Michaud
Native Sun News Correspondent
RAPID CITY - After several years without competing in the Rapid City Mixed Martial Arts scene the Rez Rumblerz, from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, are set to reclaim the city.
The Rez Rumblerz used to be a force when MMA was a big time attraction in the city. There was a fight night almost every month and it was few and far between that these shows did not feature a fighter from Pine Ridge in a high profile bout.
This upcoming show, put on by Pride and Pain Owner Travis Coyle, will be held July 26 at the Fairgrounds Event Center in Rapid City.
Fighters that are going to be competing and carrying on the Rez Rumblerz name are young bloods Teddy Pedregon, Rob Stover Jr., and veteran Rez Rumbler Tyler Eagle Bull.
While there have not been many fights in Rapid City as of late the Rez Rumblerz have stayed active. Last summer there was a fight night in Winner S.D., where five athletes competed, including Pedregon. The other fighters were Larry Montoya, Josie Eagle Bull, Gary Pourier and David Janis.
Going into his third fight for the Rez Rumblerz, Teddy Pedregon says that he feels pride being a part of the team.
Pedregon, who faces off against Jason Gurke, will be looking to pick up his first win for the Rez Rumblerz after having been defeated in his two previous fights.
“Being a part of such a great team, all my teammates push each other day in and day out,” said Pedregon. ‘My coaches have taught me so much over the years.”
That coach, Dave Michaud, has been running the Rez Rumblerz for almost 10 years. During that time around 20 athletes have fought under the Rez Rumblerz banner.
Looking to add to that number is newcomer Rob Stover Jr. Stover recently graduated high school and, after a high school wrestling career that saw him qualify for the state tournament, looks to uphold the strong tradition of former wrestlers turned fighters.
Stover will be facing off against Jake Flowers and hopes to start his career off strong.
The last Rez Rumbler hoping to get on the card is undefeated Tyler Eagle Bull. Eagle Bull does not yet have a confirmed opponent but the promoter is working to get him a fight.
The last time Eagle Bull stepped in the cage was more than 5 years ago in April of 2008, so there is some concern about ring rust for this 2-0 fighter.
That is not anything that Eagle Bull is worried about though, saying that he, “feels good” and “isn’t worried, it’s just a fight.”
Without an opponent yet lined up Eagle Bull plans on continuing training hard and hoping he gets a call to step back into the cage.
With this upcoming fight night, even if there are only two Rez Rumblerz fighting, it looks like the Rez Rumblerz may reclaim their spot in the top of Rapid City Mixed Martial Arts.
Copyright permission by Native Sun News
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