MMA: Romero edges Sayers in five rounds

West Fargo's Dane Sayers was handed his first Mixed Martial Arts career loss after going the full five rounds against Tat Romero on Jan. 23. It was a one-point decision, as Sayers fell 48-47 to the Minnesota Iron Range native in the 170-pound-class bout.

With the win, Romero now is the MAX Fights Welterweight title holder. Sayers currently holds the MAX Fights Middleweight Title and has a professional MMA record of 7-1.

"The main event was a five-round, back-and-forth all out war," said Damian Holznagel, MAX Fights promoter. "Dane made good use of his kicks. ... Tat had his way on the ground, for the most part."

"I'm not bummed at all about losing," Sayers said. "I had an awesome time during that fight and enjoyed every minute of it." He said his hope is to fight five more times this year.

Undercard results from Saturday's fight are as follows: Chase Kerber over Josiah Fritzhuspen, referee stoppage; Nick Larsen over Dan Jones, guillotine; Dave Duncan over Mike Towers, armbar; Dominick Oliver over Alex Englehardt, decision; Nathan Wagner over Chance Western, referee stoppage; T.J. Medrud over Shane Dezee, guillotine; Jade Pergande over Travis McCullough, strikes; Kyle Olsen over Ben Wicks, decision; Chris Bachmeier over Jeremy Englehardt, decision; and Cole Konrad, RNC.

Sayers is a 2006 graduate from West Fargo High School and currently lives in West Fargo with his wife, Megan, and son, Aden. Sayers is the son of Dale and Bonnie Sayers, West Fargo.