Local Fighters Take Center Stage at Lewiston, Idaho’s Clearwater Combat MMA Event at Clearwater River Casino
Mixed martial arts fans in Lewiston, Idaho, are in for a packed night of action as Clearwater Combat returns to the Clearwater River Casino and Lodge for an 11-fight card featuring local talent alongside experienced fighters from across the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
The event, organized by former UFC fighter Austin Arnett of the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, was set for 7 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at the Clearwater River Casino and Lodge. Tickets were available through the casino’s website heading into fight night, with Arnett indicating the event was on track to sell out — as every Clearwater Combat card has since the COVID-19 era.
Last-Minute Addition Elevates the Card
Arnett was up unusually late Thursday night working through a lineup challenge. With fighter Matheus Pereira unable to compete due to injury, Arnett scrambled to replace a main card bout and landed a notable co-main event matchup between Canadian fighter Jag Bhullar (11-1) and Californian Mike Morales (7-11). The two had been scheduled to fight at another event in southern Idaho before that card was canceled, and Arnett was contacted by the promoter to absorb the fight.
“That one kind of fell in our lap because of some other people’s misfortune,” Arnett said. “We were lucky enough to get a big fight like that.”
The addition of two experienced fighters with combined professional records brings regional and national credibility to a card already loaded with local matchups that Lewiston fans have come to expect from the Clearwater Combat brand.
Lewiston Fighters in the Spotlight
Much of the card’s excitement centers on fighters with deep roots in the Lewis-Clark Valley. Lewiston’s own Nate Sahme (1-0), who trains at Valley Karate of Lewiston under Steve Smith and has spent recent months cross-training at Arnett’s Martial Arts America, will step into the co-main event against Spokane’s Nick “Quick Draw” Beirl (1-0).
“Nathan’s a really tough fighter,” Arnett said. “He’s fought at our casino probably six or seven times at this point. Always puts on really exciting fights. And now he’s looking to take his second pro fight. So he’s kind of looking to just build up the ranks.”
Arnett called the bout between Zander Johnson (4-2) and Aurelio Morales (4-4) the “people’s main event.” Johnson, a former Lewiston High School wrestler, is just 21 years old and trains five days a week at Arnett’s gym. His opponent, Morales, trains in the Boise area but is a graduate of Orofino High School, giving the fight a distinctly Idaho flavor.
“He works his butt off,” Arnett said of Johnson. “And I think his potential is unlimited.”
One of the more compelling storylines on the card involves Marcisio Noriega, a Lapwai High School alum who made his name on the basketball court before transitioning to the cage. Noriega will make his amateur MMA debut against Jeremiah Seaver of Grangeville, who also steps into his first amateur fight, bringing a boxing background with him.
“He’s picked up things really quick, works really hard,” Arnett said of Noriega. “He’s been one of the more disciplined students that I’ve had in a long time.”
Lewiston’s Jamison Hunt (3-1), who trains at Underdog Martial Arts, rounds out the local contingent, taking on Jacob Guertin of Moses Lake, Washington.
The community enthusiasm surrounding these events speaks to a broader revival of combat sports culture in the region. Clearwater Combat has become a consistent sellout, regularly drawing crowds of approximately 1,600 fans. Arnett credits the Lewiston faithful as among the most spirited in the Northwest.
“I go to all these events all over the Northwest, and I really believe that there’s not a better crowd than Lewiston,” Arnett said. “Nobody gets as loud and excited.”
The series has grown significantly since Arnett’s late father, Frank Arnett, first began hosting fights at the local casino in 2008. Austin Arnett took over operations in 2021 and has continued building the brand with a dedicated team, drawing fighters and fans from across the Pacific Northwest and into Canada.
For Lewiston residents looking for more ways to engage with the community this spring, the Twin County United Way Day of Caring on May 1 offers another opportunity to connect with neighbors across Nez Perce County. More family-friendly events earlier this season drew strong crowds as well, as seen during Easter celebrations across Nez Perce County.
What Comes Next
With Saturday’s card expected to sell out and local fighters gaining experience and recognition, Clearwater Combat appears poised to remain one of the premier regional MMA events in Idaho. Arnett has built a reliable platform for Lewis-Clark Valley fighters to develop professionally, and events like these continue to put Lewiston on the map within Pacific Northwest combat sports circles. Future Clearwater Combat event dates had not been announced as of press time. Fans can follow updates through the Clearwater River Casino and Lodge website.