This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A strip club bouncer who suffered a broken nose, shattered eye socket and several bruises and cuts is suing a mixed-martial-arts promoter who inflicted the injuries.
Jacob Alba is suing Mike Stidham, who was convicted of felony assault last week, for inflicting physical and emotional harm during a fight at Show Club (formerly Southern X-Posure). He is asking for an undetermined amount of money that will cover lost wages, medical expenses and general and punitive damages.
Stidham, 43, who runs the state's biggest mixed-martial-arts promoter, Ultimate Combat Experience, which hosts sanctioned fights around the state, was celebrating with new league recruits at Southern X-Posure in South Salt Lake on Jan. 11, 2009. During the criminal trial, Alba testified a dancer told him the defendants were making crude comments. Alba said he confronted the men. There was conflicting testimony about who challenged whom to a fight.
Alba testified that as he and the defendants were walking toward the door, Stidham's companion lurched backward into him. When the men moved into view of a surveillance camera, Alba is seen pushing Stidham, then punching at Stidham's companion and then back at Stidham. A melee ensued with Alba and Stidham on the floor and others running to both men.
Stidham was convicted of a third-degree felony, which is punishable by up to five years in prison. He will request probation only.