Scheduled guests include UFC Hall of Famer and former bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, MMA pioneer Gina Carano, UFC and boxing veteran Nate Diaz, longtime promoter Scott Coker and unbeaten boxing contender Vergil Ortiz Jr.<\/p>\n
There will also be meet-and-greets and photo opportunities with several of the athletes and personalities at the event, billed as the first of its kind on the Napa Valley floor.<\/p>\n
![\"Napa](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/TPD-L-napaknockout-01.jpg\")
Napa Knockout will feature several rounds of boxing and MMA action in an outdoor ring alongside premium wines, food trucks and a silent auction at Raymond Vineyards in St. Helena on Saturday, July 25. The event is a fundraiser for the California State Athletic Commission Fighter Pension Fund. (Boisset Collection)<\/p>\n
Napa Knockout grew out of Raymond proprietor Jean-Charles Boisset\u2019s longtime interest in boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts, he said in an email to The Press Democrat.<\/p>\n
\u201cI trained at a local studio here in Napa for many years and have seen the positive impact that the discipline, structure and competitiveness of training brings to young lives,\u201d he said. \u201cIndeed, our estate manager at Buena Vista Winery was once my teacher!\u201d<\/p>\n
Boisset teamed up with longtime friend and California State Athletic Commissioner Ron Fiore to organize the event. Proceeds from ticket sales, auction bids and donations will benefit the California State Athletic Commission Fighter Pension Fund, which supports retired combat athletes.<\/p>\n
\u201cCalifornia is the only state in the nation supporting the sport this way, and we are proud to contribute,\u201d Boisset said.<\/p>\n
![\"Raymond](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/TPD-L-napaknockout-02.jpg\")
Raymond Vineyards proprietor Jean-Charles Boisset hosts Napa Knockout at Raymond Vineyards in St. Helena on Saturday, July 25. The event is a fundraiser for the California State Athletic Commission Fighter Pension Fund. (Moanalani Jeffrey Photography)<\/p>\n
The fight card features several top prospects in boxing, kickboxing and MMA, including two competitors with North Bay ties.<\/p>\n
Windsor native and former NFL player\u00a0Phil \u201cScooby\u201d Wright (1-0) faces Redding\u2019s Eddy Herrera (1-0) in a three-round amateur light heavyweight MMA bout.<\/p>\n
Wright, 31, starred at the University of Arizona before playing linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals. He turned his focus to mixed martial arts last year and won his amateur debut with a first-round knockout in less than 10 seconds.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really excited about this next chapter,\u201d Wright said in an email. \u201cMartial arts has always been something I trained in during the football offseason. Now I\u2019m excited to fully commit to this next path and see where it takes me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wright said the opportunity to participate in Napa Knockout is \u201creally special.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThroughout my football career, I always wanted to make big plays, bring excitement and put on a show,\u201d Wright said. \u201cThat\u2019s exactly what I\u2019m looking to do here, go out, do my thing and show everyone what I\u2019ve been working on with (trainer Gilbert Melendez and his team) the Skrap Pack over the last few months.\u201d<\/p>\n
Also on the card, Napa native Antonio Vasquez (1-1) faces Tre Orlando (7-0, amateur record) in a three-round lightweight MMA bout. The lineup also includes a three-round kickboxing match between Bay Area fighters Matt Baker (4-3-1) and Tony Charles (3-5), and a boxing exhibition featuring San Francisco Junior Olympian and 24-time national champion Marley McNealy (17-2, 5 KOs) against an opponent to be announced.<\/p>\n
Beyond raising money for retired fighters, Boisset said Napa Knockout is an opportunity to introduce new audiences to Wine Country.<\/p>\n
\u201cWine is culture, and celebrating wine in concert with sport brings new people and new occasions to the wine world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
IF YOU GO<\/p>\n
What: Napa Knockout<\/p>\n
When: Saturday, July 25. Doors open at 3 p.m.; fights begin at 5 p.m.<\/p>\n
Where: Raymond Vineyards, 1584 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena<\/p>\n
Admission: General admission tickets start at $500; ringside tickets are $1,000<\/p>\n