Two Gila Valley mixed martial arts fighters are set to step into the cage on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Empire Championship Series’ “Immortals Collide” event in Las Cruces, a night that promises 18 contests for local sports enthusiasts.
According to gilavalleycentral.net, Klinton “Kamikaze” Whitmire will make his professional MMA debut in the co‑main event, facing Mario Molina in a 185‑pound middleweight bout scheduled for three five‑minute rounds. Whitmire enters the professional ranks with a 5‑0 amateur record and a recent amateur middleweight championship earned in June, when he stopped Jacob Snoeyink by technical knockout 1 minute, 14 seconds into the first round.
Also on the card, 33‑year‑old Daniel Montiel will compete in his first amateur MMA bout, meeting Alex Ortiz in a 205‑pound light heavyweight matchup scheduled for three three‑minute rounds. Montiel, who grew up in a family with a boxing background—his uncle trained Oscar De La Hoya—has a lifelong connection to combat sports and now seeks to test his skills in the cage.
Both athletes train at Desert Dogs Wrestling Club in Safford under coach Phillip Ornelas. Whitmire, a United States Army veteran, said his service and love of competition drive his desire to “fight for something bigger than myself.” He added that his new training regimen at Desert Dogs provides a structured, week‑by‑week plan that has him “ready for war.” Montiel, who previously worked 12‑hour shifts operating haul trucks at the Morenci mine, described his talents as “80% God‑given and the other 20% from my ability to hone the craft.”
The event’s announced fight card includes three professional and 15 amateur contests, offering a broad showcase of regional talent. Whitmire’s opponent, Molina, holds a 0‑1 professional record, but Whitmire emphasized that his focus remains on imposing his own fighting style, whether the action stays on the feet or goes to the mat.
Local fans can expect a night that highlights the dedication of athletes who have balanced work, family and military service to pursue their MMA ambitions. Whitmire noted that turning professional allows him to begin earning money for his performances, a step he welcomes after years of building his amateur résumé.
What’s next: The “Immortals Collide” event takes place on Nov. 14 at the Pan American Center, Las Cruces. Ticket information and additional fight‑card details are available through the Empire Championship Series website. Residents are encouraged to attend and support the hometown fighters as they aim for future championship opportunities.
Sources: gilavalleycentral.net
