Vanderford wins MMA fight in Contender Series, improves to 5-0

Austin Vanderford’s extensive background as a champion wrestler paved the way for the 28-year-old from Ninilchik to win his fifth straight pro mixed-martial arts fight.

The former NAIA national champion and two-time state champion earned his second consecutive win via rear-naked chokehold as he got Angelo Trevino to tap midway through the second period.

The fight came was part of the Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series.

Vanderford, of Ninilchik High fame, is a 5-foot-11, 170-pound welterweight.

He currently trains with Grace Barra Portland in Oregon.