You can always expect the unexpected from Chris Botelho.

He says if he has to talk a little bit of trash, that he will. Even if he has to do a dance, he'll do that, too.

The Hanford based mixed martial artist also guarantees non-stop action in his welterweight bout against Bakersfield's Josh McCartney (1-0) at the first-ever Palace Fighting Championship at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino on Thursday night.

"A lot of people will say this or that, but I want to come out and put on a show for the fans," Botelho said. "The fans are the ones that pay their hard-earned money. If they want to see me talk a little trash or do a little dance, I will do it. If they're going to remember one guy from the fights, I want it to be me."

But there will be 22 other fighters also trying to be remembered on the 11-bout card that features some of the Central Valley's top fighters.

"It's our goal to be able to bring the fans a lot of local guys and at the same time bring in some Ultimate Fighting Championship, Pride and World Extreme Cagefighting veterans," Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino Entertainment Director Christian Printup said. "This is going to be a promotion like no other in the Valley."

And for the first-ever event, Printup brought in a big name - Eric Esch, who is known as "Butterbean" or "The King of the 4 Rounders." Butterbean is scheduled for a 3-round, super heavyweight fight with Ensenada, Mexico's Sal Farnetti.

Butterbean is 7-3-1 in MMA and is coming off a loss to Rob Broughton in early December. The 5-foot-11, 370 pounder is one of the more exciting fighters in the world, compiling an 82-9-5 boxing record with 58 knockouts. He won the World Toughman heavyweight title five times, once defeated "Hurricane" Pete McNeeley by KO in the first round and lost a 10-round decision to World Boxing Champion Larry Holmes in 2002.

Also featured on the card is Lemoore's Poppies "Tachi Kid" Martinez (9-2). He will tangle with Bakersfield's Josh Gardner (4-7).

Botelho is 4-2 as a pro and last fought at the Palace against Hanford's Kenny Ento in August 2005. Botelho lost by armbar, but has since won three consecutive fights.

"You can expect a lot of standup and a lot of ground," Botelho said. "Just a lot of non-stop action. I don't know much about my opponent. I couldn't even tell you his name. I never want to know anything about who I am fighting. I just trust in my trainer."

The atmosphere at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino bingo hall should be electric, as nearly half the fighters are local fighters fighting in front of virtually a hometown crowd.

"To me it feels like a world title fight," Botelho said. "I'm fighting in front of my hometown crowd. But also there is a lot of weight on my shoulders. I have to win; there is no other option."

Also fighting on the card:

Oroville's Shawn Bias (8-3) is pitted against Oakland's Brandon Jinnies (1-0) in a lightweight fight.

Lemoore's Kenny Ento (6-1) takes on Tulare's Roy Arriola (1-1) in a welterweight bout.

Del Real (3-4) of Tulare takes on Madera's Rolando Torres (2-2) in a light heavyweight bout.

In featherweight action, Clovis' Ralph Lopez (1-0) tangles with Fresno's Shahob Nasbaradi (0-1).

Parlier's Mike Moreno (0-1) will take on Visalia's Francisco Magallon (2-3) in a welterweight bout.

In a welterweight showdown, Hanford's Chris Botelho (2-2) takes on Bakersfield's Josh McCartney (1-0).

Lemoore's Mickey Martinez (1-2-1) fights Taft's Billy Terry (1-0) in the welterweight class.

Hanford's Brian Huerta makes his pro debut in a heavyweight showdown with Taft's Tommy Contreras (0-0).

Sacramento's Dave Espinosa (1-0) takes on Sacramento's Nelson Ocampo in a bantamweight bout.

Weighins are slated for 3 p.m. at The Den sports bar located on the second floor of the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino on Wednesday.

Doors will open for the fights on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. with fights slated to get under way at 6 p.m. All fights are scheduled for three 3-minute rounds.

Tickets are nearly soldout, but about 50 are still available and they can only be purchased at the Tachi Palace gift shop or by calling 1-866-4-PALACE.

The reporter can be reached at 582-0471, ext. 3055.

(Jan. 16, 2006)