Cris Cyborg, Nate Diaz and MMA Legends Highlight Fight Night San Jose 5

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Fight Night San Jose 5 continued its momentum as one of Northern California’s premier combat sports showcases, bringing together MMA legends, celebrity guests, and emerging fighters for an unforgettable evening at Tech CU Arena on June 13.

The event was promoted through a collaboration led by former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion and former WEC Champion Gilbert Melendez, whose continued commitment to developing the next generation of fighters has helped establish Fight Night San Jose as a staple of the Bay Area fight scene. The card featured a mix of professional MMA bouts and appearances from some of the sport’s most recognizable names.

One of the evening’s biggest attractions was the appearance of 18-time MMA World Champion Cris Cyborg. Cyborg spent time meeting fans, signing autographs, and taking photos during a special fighter meet-and-greet that drew long lines throughout the arena. The appearance provided local fight fans with a rare opportunity to interact with one of the most accomplished champions in combat sports history.  Cris Cyborg competed at San Jose Fight Night III where she defeated Precious Harris McCray. in a professional boxing fight.

The event also attracted several notable figures from MMA and entertainment. UFC superstar Nate Diaz made an appearance, receiving a strong reaction from the Northern California crowd. Diaz remains one of the most popular fighters ever to emerge from the region and continues to be a fan favorite wherever he appears.

Former Strikeforce middleweight champion Eugene Jackson was also in attendance, adding another chapter to the event’s strong connection to the rich history of Bay Area mixed martial arts.

Adding to the celebrity presence was martial arts icon and “Childhood” film and television star Ernie Reyes Jr.. Reyes, whose influence spans generations of martial artists through his work in movies, television, and live performances, was warmly welcomed by fans throughout the evening.

Inside the ring, Fight Night San Jose 5 showcased several competitive professional MMA contests. The card was headlined by Joe Thurrott against Albert Gonzales, while additional featured bouts included Temuujin Ulzii-Orshikh versus Edmund Kwan, Chuck Campbell versus Kyle Clark, and Andre Soukhamthath taking on Hector Fajardo. The event continued the promotion’s mission of providing a platform for regional prospects and experienced veterans to compete in front of passionate Bay Area fight fans.

The combination of rising talent, veteran stars, and appearances from some of the biggest names in combat sports created an atmosphere that reflected the rich history of mixed martial arts in Northern California. With the support of Gilbert Melendez and the continued growth of the promotion, Fight Night San Jose continues to establish itself as an important stage for both future champions and the legends who helped build the sport.

As the crowd filed out of Tech CU Arena at the conclusion of the night, one thing was clear: Fight Night San Jose has become more than just another regional promotion—it has become a celebration of California’s deep combat sports culture.