Yodsanklai Fairtex will take on Salah Khalifa at Lion Fight 18. | Photo: Bennie Palmore
Lion Fight 18 will feature a middleweight title fight pitting Yodsanklai Fairtex against Salah Khalifa, as well as a women’s welterweight championship bout between Anke Van Gestel and Jorina Baars.
Fairtex won the 185-pound title at Lion Fight 10, scoring a unanimous decision over Chike Lindsay, while Baars is best known for her victory against Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino at Lion Fight 14.
The remainder of the main card prominently features American muay Thai talent: Jason Andrada will face Stan Mancebo, while Phoenix native Nick Chasteen makes his return to the ring to take on California’s Jose Palacios.
Two more bouts round out the main card, as Brian Del Rosario faces Chris Culley and Damien Earley battles Eddie Abasolo.
Prior to the televised portion of the event, Lion Fight 18 will feature a five-fight amateur undercard.