MMA
Fight card AKA 53: Championship rivalry headlines March 7 in Lake CharlesAKA 53: Rivalry, redemption and championship dreams collide in Lake Charles
Published
8 months agoon
Lake Charles in Louisiana — AKA 53 Countdown – Hebert vs. Smith 2 it’s not just another fight night. It’s a story of competition, redemption and dreams of championship. Two warriors. Two gymnasiums. Two cities. One gold stripe.
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, the cage doors close at the iconic Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino, and when it does, all that matters is heart, skill and who wants it more.
In the main event, AKA Lightweight Championship takes center stage at AKA 53 as the reigning champion Elliot Hebert defends his gold against a hungry rival Hunter Smith in gameplay fueled by pride, competition and ambition for mastery. Hebert looks to cement his position at the top of the division with another dominant performance, while Smith steps into the spotlight determined to seize his moment and claim the belt for himself. When the cage doors close at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles, it won’t just be about rankings or records – it will be about heart, grit and which lightweight is willing to push further when it matters most.
For a champion, it’s the legacy that counts. For the challenger, it’s about redemption. When the lights shine brightest, there are no excuses. No shortcuts. Just five rounds to define a career. The main event of AKA 53 will be a fierce title fight that perfectly reflects the main theme of the event – redemption vs. reign. The champion enters with a vengeance, continuing his streak of dominance and defending his own field. Opposite him is a challenger who has recovered from defeat, sharpened his tools and returned to competition.
Expect fireworks from the opening bell.
AKA 53 Full Fight Card
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino – Lake Charles, Los Angeles
MAIN EVENT
- AKA Lightweight Championship: Elliot Hebert vs. Hunter Smith
MAIN CARD
- Flyweight fight: Austin Soileau vs. Tyler Forsythe
- Featherweight fight: Nevan Driehuis vs. Adrian Smith
SUB CARD
- Amateur Heavyweight Championship: Ayden Bell vs. Marcos Serrano
- Catchweight 190-pound fight: Justin Carpenter vs. Keegan Williams
- Welterweight fight: Byron Walker vs. Landon Erickson
- Middleweight fight: Trey Duhon vs. Julio Melendez
PRELIMATES
- Featherweight fight: Jake Traver vs. Alex Sibrian
- KB middleweight fight: Caiden McDowell vs Mathew Barnard
- KB Featherweight Fight: Jayce Carpenter vs. Darren Stevenson
- Featherweight fight: Caydin Bass vs. Luis Larrazabal

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