EASLEY — Amateur fighters converged on the Upper South Carolina State Fairgrounds last weekend to battle for bragging rights and prizes in a toughman competition.

The event, put on by George Hines of Hines Promotions, offered participants the opportunity to prove their mettle against others in their weight class, with winners taking home trophies and a portion of the $2,500 total cash purse.

Fighters came from around the area, but one Pickens County native took home top honors in the heavyweight class, as 280-lb. Brad “the big Kahuna” Kuykendall outlasted his competitors to take first place.
Kent Dickare won the gold in the lightweight class, while Colby Aitone won the middleweight class.
Another notable local finisher was Easley’s Brook McCollum, runner-up in the lightweight class.
Hines Promotions is planning another event in Greer May 13-14.