Evecon Raju is marking its anniversary event with an unprecedented main event. For the first time in history, a former fighter from the world’s largest MMA organization, UFC, will step into competition on Estonian soil, as Kristjan Tõniste faces Mexican star Rodrigo “Kazula” Vargas in the main event.
“Raju 20 will be the most anticipated event in the series’ history, because we are bringing a true superstar to the main event. No Estonian has ever before faced a fighter of this caliber on home soil. Estonia’s top fighter Kristjan Tõniste will soon face the most famous opponent of his career. Rodrigo Vargas was forged in the world’s biggest MMA arena, the UFC, and this fight will mark a completely new milestone in the history of Estonian combat sports,” said Ott Tõnissaar, CEO of Evecon Raju.
Photos: Press day photos, Raul Mee
Who is Rodrigo “Kazula” Vargas?
40-year-old Rodrigo Vargas, from Mexico City, is a professional fighter with an international background (record 16-7), the vast majority of whose wins have come through impressive knockouts or submissions.
The brightest moments of Vargas’s career took place between 2019 and 2022 in the UFC, where he took part in four high-level fights:
- Win at UFC 261: In April 2021, he earned a win against China’s Zhu Rong by unanimous judges’ decision.
- Historic clash in London: He fought his most famous match in March 2022 at the sold-out O2 Arena in London, where his opponent, British freestyle wrestling superstar Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett, defeated Vargas by rear-naked choke.
- LUX Fight League champion: After his UFC career, the Mexican has not slowed down, as he was crowned lightweight champion of LUX Fight League, one of Latin America’s largest and most prestigious MMA organizations.
An Estonian partner and an architecture degree
In addition to his impressive athletic career, Rodrigo Vargas has a fascinating backstory that makes his arrival to compete in Estonia much more than just another fight abroad. Vargas’s connection to Estonia is strong, as the Mexican top fighter’s wife is Estonian. This makes his upcoming performance in front of the Estonian audience especially meaningful for both him and his family.
Vargas also successfully breaks classic stereotypes about combat athletes, as he is an educated man. Vargas holds a higher education degree in architecture.
Evecon Raju 20 fight card
On October 10, Evecon Raju 20 will bring the most anticipated fight in Estonian MMA history to the audience at the Tondiraba Ice Hall, and Madis Mäeste will also end his career at this event. Maikel Astur will compete in the co-main event. The fight card also includes Yevhenii Kabanets, Raigo Kutsar, and Allan Volosatõhh.
