By: Alex Minor
This Saturday, March 4, 2023, Stand Up Fight Series is bringing fight fans another barn burner event fraught with electrifying Muay Thai, and Kickboxing, prowess!! Showcasing what will be its third fight card, Stand Up Fight Series will be hosting this awe-inspiring affair at its new St. Louis venue, the Casa Loma Ballroom. To top it all, Drew Gigax will be headlining the card as he defends the Interim IKF USA Super Middleweight Title against the highly decorated veteran, Aaron Ortiz!!!
In the red corner, we have Drew Gigax, the local St. Louis Kickboxing Champion that has head-lined every Stand Up Fight Series card since its inception. Fighting out of KBC Garage, Gigax will come into this bout undefeated, with a spotless pro record of 10-0, with 6 knockouts. Gigax initially captured the belt in his previous victory over Muay Thai veteran, Kuchlong Kuchlong. Those lucky enough to be in attendance were blown away as they witnessed Gigax dispatch his opponent in just one round, sending Kuchlong crashing to the canvas with an immaculate flying knee KO. Coming into this bout, Gigax knows that Ortiz is a “fast”, “technical” fighter with a long list of accomplishments in the sport. Nevertheless, Gigax is not particularly impressed with any part of Ortiz’ game. Furthermore, he has known nothing but sheer dominance during his time under the big lights. That said, Gigax is confident that he’ll retain his 100% finish rate in the promotion when he stops Ortiz, collects the $500 knockout bonus.
In the blue corner, we have Aaron Ortiz, a 38-8 Muay Thai fighter with 13 years of experience and a list of pro-am accomplishments unparalleled by his peers. Fighting out of Team Link Muay Thai, in Worchester, Massachusetts, Ortiz is a 2022 World Games Champion with Gold Medals from the International Federation of Muay Thai Amateur (2021,2022), a belt from the World Kickboxing Association (2019), a belt from the United States Muay Thai Federation (2022), a belt from the Thai Boxing Association (2021), and a belt from the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (2021).
On Saturday night these men will go to war, not only to prove their superiority, but to prove they are amongst the best Kickboxers in the US. While Ortiz has already proven himself across the world as an elite talent, Gigax has accumulated more experience in a pro format. Moreover, Gigax is coming into this fight with a bit of a chip on his shoulder since the Unified IKF USA Champion has refused to give him a shot on numerous occasions. According to Stand Up Fight Series promoter, Chad Mueller, the winner of this bout will be given the chance to compete for either the Intercontinental Title or World Title thereafter. Therefore, a win on Saturday may earn Gigax the opportunity to surpass the man that denied him his glory. On the other hand, Ortiz has the chance to earn his first pro title as he pushes toward his ultimate goal of being a 10X World Champion.
Tickets are on sale now!! Please visit www.standupfightseries.com to reserve your spot in the chaos!!!
