Tacoma, WA (July 3, 2012) - Sterling Ford's push towards the top of the lightweight division has been anything but easy.

The Spokane, WA native lost twice in his first five professional bouts and literally had to travel all across the nation to rebuild his career. The well-balanced Ford fought whoever was put in front of him and earned a contract with Strikeforce in 2011, going 1-1 in the "Strikeforce Challenger" series. Overall, he's won seven of his last eight bouts but recognizes that a breakthrough victory is necessary to establish himself as one of the world's top 155 pound fighters.

On Saturday, July 14, Ford gets his opportunity when he takes on once-beaten James Marohl in the three round main event of Halquist Productions' "CageSport XX" at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma.

With a solid 6-1 professional ledger, Marohl's one of the west coast's fastest rising fighters. The Longview, WA native is a renowned submission specialist who scored first round stoppages in three of his last four fights. Naturally, Marohl is confident that he'll emerge victorious, but Ford is doing everything in his power to spoil his foe's plans.

Training twice a day in an elevated setting alongside MMA stars Benji Radach and John Albert, Ford respects his opponent while realizing the importance of this bout.

"James been fighting a long time, even longer than me," said Ford. "I remember during my first amateur fight he was already an experienced amateur fighter. He's a game fighter who always comes ready to go and has no quit in him. He's very tough and (likes using) submissions."

"I always look to stand up first and always gage my opponent in the first few minutes then I'll know what (plan of action I'll take). (My first goal is to always) come out aggressive and try to take care of him early because submission guys are always dangerous."

Ford, who's fought all across the United States, is also excited about returning to the Evergreen State.

"I'm huge on fighting in front of my crowd but I've fought all over the place during my career and it's been difficult. It's a great opportunity to me I'm here at home and this is much more enjoyable than fighting on the road the crowd is the best I plan on putting on a great show."

Topping the talent-rich undercard is a three round 115 lb contest between female stars "Slick" Sally Krumdiack and "Little" Patricia Vidonic. The winner of the Krumdiack-Vidonic matchup will likely land a significant fight in the immediate future.

Local rising stars Shane Jamie, Benny Vinson, Justin Harrington and Jared Torgenson are set to appear in separate fights, while Brent Knopp risks his perfect record against fellow undefeated fighter Darrio Mobley and Jerome Jones meets Byron Sutton.

All undercard bouts are three rounds.

The card is promoted by Halquist Productions and tickets starting at $35 can be purchased on ticketmaster.com or at the Emerald Queen box office.

Tacoma's very own Miesha Tate, a former world champion, Female Fighter of the Year and CageSport veteran, is the evening's special guest. Tate, 12-3, is available for a meet and greet, photo ops and autographs throughout the evening for all ticketholders.

More information is available on HalquistProductions.com.