Elite Fight Night returns to Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana on Friday, November 6, 2026, for EFN 31: Combat for a Cause, an action-packed night of professional and amateur mixed martial arts featuring established fighters and rising prospects from throughout the region and beyond.
Taking place during Veterans Day weekend, EFN 31 will also provide Elite Fight Night and its fans with an opportunity to recognize and support the Veteran community. Elite Fight Night will make a donation to PsychArmor and use the event to help raise awareness for the organization and its mission.
“Some people come for the knockouts. Others come for the cause. This Elite Fight Night, you get to do both,” said Jesse Nunez, CEO of Elite Fight Night. “Your support helps PsychArmor offer free training and resources to Veterans, service members, and their families around issues like suicide prevention, the move from service to civilian life, and caregiving, while also teaching employers, doctors, and teachers how to show up for them. Get in their corner before Veterans Day.”
Tina Atherall, CEO of PsychArmor, added: “Our mission is to transform the way our nation engages with the military, Veteran, and first responder communities through the power of education and training.”
ATSAS VS. TAYLOR HEADLINES EFN 31
The main event will showcase hometown standout and rising professional prospect Valanti Atsas (10-1) against UFC and The Ultimate Fighter veteran Jesse Taylor (33-18).
Atsas enters EFN 31 following a victory at PFL Chicago and will put his momentum to the test against an experienced veteran with more than 50 professional fights. Taylor brings years of high-level experience into the EFN cage, creating a significant test for Atsas as he continues his professional rise.
Another featured professional matchup will see Hobart, Indiana’s Antonio Noel take on Brian Akins. Noel returns to the EFN cage following an extended break from competition while focusing on growing his family. Known for bringing an exciting style to the cage, Noel will look to make a statement in his return. Across from him will be Akins, an EFN fan favorite known for delivering entertaining fights. The matchup has all the ingredients for one of the most exciting bouts of the night.
Gary, Indiana’s Dash Harris also returns to action as he looks to establish himself as a professional prospect to watch. Harris will face Austin Cloe, the EFN amateur welterweight champion, who will make his professional MMA debut at EFN 31.
The card will also feature a strong collection of regional talent, including Chesterton standout athlete Eli Pokorney, Hobart’s Jaquan “J” Scribner, Chicago’s Yorkman Santana, Jose Salgado, Josh Martinez and Zach Fraser, among others.
FIGHT FOR SOMETHING BIGGER
EFN 31 is more than a night of fights. During Veterans Day weekend, Elite Fight Night is encouraging its fighters, fans, sponsors and community partners to join together in supporting PsychArmor and the communities it serves.
Fans who would like to support the cause can make a direct donation to PsychArmor here:
Tickets for EFN: Combat for a Cause start at $105.10. This show is a combination of reserved seating and standing room only. Ages 21 and up. The Hard Rock Live box office is open every Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on show days starting at 12 p.m. Visit Ticketmaster at https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/05006530E032379E
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is located at 5400 West 29th Ave. in Gary, IN, directly adjacent to the I80/94 Burr Street Interchange. For more information, call 219-228-2383.
About Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana:
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s $300 Million casino and entertainment destination opened to the public on May 14, 2021. Hard Rock’s premier 200,000-square foot entertainment complex features over 1800 slots and 80 table games totaling more than 2,100 gaming positions. In addition to the new Hard Rock Live performance venue, Hard Rock Casino’s five dining options include Hard Rock Café, Council Oak Steaks and Seafood, YOUYU Noodle Bar, Fresh Harvest and Constant Grind Coffee Shop and also features a retail shop. For more information, contact https://www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com.
About Hard Rock Live:
The new Hard Rock Live performance venue is outfitted with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. The sound equipment features an L-Acoustics K2 line array system with KS28 subwoofers and KIVA-II front fill. Hard Rock Live has excellent sightlines. Hard Rock Live can seat up to 1,894 with an overall capacity of 2,700 including standing room only.