Lake Charles, Louisiana — AKA 53 Countdown – Hebert vs Smith 2 isn’t just another fight night. It’s a story of rivalry, redemption, and championship dreams. Two fighters. Two gyms. Two cities. One gold belt.
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, the cage door closes inside the iconic Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, and when it does, all that matters is heart, skill, and who wants it more.
In the main event, AKA Lightweight Championship takes center stage at AKA 53 as reigning champion Elliot Hebert defends his gold against hungry contender Hunter Smith in a showdown fueled by pride, rivalry, and championship ambition. Hebert looks to solidify his reign atop the division with another dominant performance, while Smith steps into the spotlight determined to seize his moment and claim the belt for himself. When the cage door shuts at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles, it won’t just be about rankings or records — it will be about heart, grit, and which lightweight is willing to push further when it matters most.
For the champion, it’s about legacy. For the challenger, it’s about redemption. When the lights shine brightest, there are no excuses. No shortcuts. Just five rounds to define a career. The AKA 53 headliner features a heated title clash that perfectly embodies the event’s theme — redemption versus reign. The champion enters with momentum, riding a dominant streak and defending his home turf. Across from him stands a challenger who has rebuilt himself after a setback, sharpened his tools, and earned his way back into contention.
Expect fireworks from the opening bell.
AKA 53 Full Fight Card
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino – Lake Charles, LA
MAIN EVENT
- AKA Lightweight Championship: Elliot Hebert vs Hunter Smith
MAIN CARD
- Flyweight Bout: Austin Soileau vs Tyler Forsythe
- Featherweight Bout: Nevan Driehuis vs Adrian Smith
UNDERCARD
- Amateur Heavyweight Championship: Ayden Bell vs Marcos Serrano
- 190 lb Catchweight Bout: Justin Carpenter vs Keegan Williams
- Welterweight Bout: Byron Walker vs Landon Erickson
- Middleweight Bout: Trey Duhon vs Julio Melendez
PRELIMS
- Featherweight Bout: Jake Traver vs Alex Sibrian
- Middleweight KB Bout: Caiden McDowell vs Mathew Barnard
- Featherweight KB Bout: Jayce Carpenter vs Darren Stevenson
- Featherweight Bout: Caydin Bass vs Luis Larrazabal
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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