Shark Fights card draws 10,603 fans

Originally posted on Amarillo.com

One of the largest crowds to witness a mixed martial arts event in Texas was on hand Saturday night for Shark Fights 5.5 at Gamboa's Outdoor Event Center in Amarillo.
The nine-bout card drew 10,603 fans - admission was free - despite threatening weather.

Doug Evans capped the night by claiming the Shark Fights featherweight title with a victory against Amarillo native Douglas Frey.

"Amarillo really responded to the event," Shark Fights matchmaker Brent Medley said. "It's rare to see all social and economic backgrounds in this city come together for one event, but they did on Saturday night. It was special, especially considering the rich fight heritage in Amarillo."

Evans, who fights out of Anchorage, Alaska, improved to 7-4 after submitting Frey with a guillotine choke 1 minute, 46 seconds into second round. Evans landed several punches early, forcing Frey to take the fight to the mat. That strategy was unsuccessful, however, as Evans was able to counter and controlled the fight from that point.

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