Northern Mariana Islands Veteran Kelvin Fitial Celebrates Bare-Knuckle Victory and Growth of Indigenous Combat Sports

Veteran fighter Kelvin "The Big Hit" Fitial of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has secured a significant first-round knockout victory at Big Dawg Bare Knuckle Boxing 7 in California. The win, reported by RNZ Pacific on Friday, 28 August 2026, marks a successful return to the win column for the 42-year-old as he continues his transition from mixed martial arts (MMA) to bare-knuckle competition. Reflecting on his victory against an American opponent, Fitial shared that combat sports now offer young people far greater opportunities and support systems than when he began his career. He noted that while the sport was once defined by simply working hard with limited options, today there are established teams and communities dedicated to helping the next generation of Indigenous fighters develop their skills. Fitial credited various stakeholders for building a path that provides young athletes with a structured environment he did not always have. According to Justis "Cuki" Alvarez, owner of Trench Tech Purebred Saipan, the win is a morale boost for a community currently working to rebuild its local competition calendar. Following the disruptions caused by super typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, the local scene is preparing for a significant comeback. Alvarez noted that Saipan maintains a large pool of hungry, beginner fighters waiting for events, with Cage of Fire 3 tentatively scheduled for Saturday, 12 December. While local events have faced challenges, CNMI athletes continue to represent the islands abroad. Fitial is currently the only active fighter from the islands regularly traveling for international competition, though other competitors from Saipan Submissions and Trench Tech are preparing for upcoming matches in Guam this September. Fitial expressed pride in the evolution of the sport, stating that the current growth of teams and communities is something special for the future of combat sports in the region.