Mixed Martial Arts: New Age Fighting Comes to Athens

by Dima Abelsky
10/17/2007

If you haven’t heard of the new sport that is sweeping America, then you are a bit late, but just in time to see it for yourself next week in Athens.

The sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) has grabbed the nation by storm and doesn’t show signs of fading anytime soon. MMA came into the US combat sports arena in 1993 in the form of the no-holds-barred brawls of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Since then the UFC has grown into a legitimate fighting commission with rules and regulations. Fighters in a caged octagon, wearing fingerless leather gloves, fight three five-minute rounds until a fighter is knocked out, one fighter submits, or the fight is stopped by the referee. There are rules prohibiting strikes to the groin, back of the head, and eyes, but otherwise chokes and arm and leg submissions are fair game.

Many misconceptions exist about the sport, due in large part to the pervading media images of eye gouging and biting. MMA, in fact, is less dangerous than the hundreds of hits you take over 12 rounds in boxing, which has had over 1300 related deaths where MMA has none.

The allure of the sport comes from the combination of fighting styles, which used together are most effective. Fighters from across the world train in aspects of wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, and kickboxing to master the skills of grappling, throws, submissions, and striking. The sport is quite artistic, especially with the infinite grappling possibilities of submissions, evasions, and reversals.

Athens native and UGA graduate Forrest Griffin put our college town on the map by winning the Ultimate Fighter TV show for a UFC contract. Training with The Hardcore Gym on Commerce Rd. he choked out a tough Brazilian opponent in UFC 76 on Sept. 22, well on his way to contend for the Light Heavyweight title.

The Hardcore Gym is one of the sponsors for Athens Fight Night. The night will consist of around 10 bouts with many local fighters, and a few university students including Ryan Davidson and Jim Harrison. Trainer and co-owner of The Hardcore Gym, Rory Singer, who also has appeared on the Ultimate Fighter show and in the UFC, will make an appearance.

Athens Fight Night will take place on Oct. 19 at 7p.m. at the Athens Arena (280 Commerce Blvd). Tickets can be obtained through Ticketmaster starting at $20 or through the fight hotline at 706-207-8850.