Submitted to ESSAY Magazine
September 2008 Issue

As he waits backstage for his name to be called, he plays in his mind the battle that is to come and remembers all the work it took to get him here. He’s spent countless hours punching, kicking, wrestling and grappling. He’s sparred with a fresh opponent every round for five 5 minute rounds. He’s been put through extremely intense circuit courses designed to make him quit, but he never did. He has bruises, black eyes, cuts, scrapes, and a busted lip, yet he shows up the very next day to do it all over again. He’s had to count every calorie he puts into his body and tells himself, “I don’t eat for taste, I eat for performance,” as he chews down another piece of chicken breast. Like a machine day in and day out he’s repeated this cycle of pain for 8 weeks, as he sits waiting to enter the battleground; his battleground. His name is called and he makes his way down the corridor with his coaches and trainers. As he emerges from behind the curtain the crowd erupts into a frenzy of cheers, flashing lights, and his music; his anthem. He stands there for a moment soaking it all in. This modern day warrior makes his way to the arena; a 24 foot, 6 sided steel cage. He steps onto the battlefield and the culmination of 8 weeks of sacrifice, sweat, pain, and blood all comes to a head. When the bell rings, he comes out throwing punches and kicks then shoots in for a takedown. He passes his opponent’s legs and gains the superior position; side control. He then lands elbow strikes until his opponent turns over. He climbs onto his opponent’s back and secures a choke as his opponent taps out; his hand raised in sweet victory.

Today’s modern day gladiator events are called Mixed Martial Arts or MMA. The more popular shows that air regularly on Pay per View and cable are the Ultimate Fighting Championship, World Extreme Cagefighting, and Elite XC, however, there are many smaller “gateway” venues around the country. With the sport ever growing mainstream sponsors are recognizing the marketing potential, which will only help to grow the sport.

The techniques that the fighters use are borrowed from a variety of different styles of martial arts. The most prevalent are Boxing, Kickboxing, Wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, though you can find plenty of other styles used. Some of the fighters prefer to use a style called Sprawl and Brawl in which the fighter uses the sprawl technique from wrestling to keep their opponent from taking them to the ground while employing punches, kicks, and knee and elbow strikes. Others prefer to fight on the ground using a style called Ground and Pound. The fighters uses takedowns to get the opponent to the ground and uses strikes and joint manipulation called submissions to make their opponent give up or “tap out”. The most common ways to win are Knockout, Technical Knockout, and Tap Out.

MMA is not just for Men. Many events commonly feature women MMA bouts, which many times turn out to be the most exciting fight of the night.

Long gone are the days of marketing MMA as violent and bloody, as in the beginning of MMA in the US. Today’s MMA fighters are true athletes with Nutritionists, Strength and Conditioning Coaches, and Chiropractors. Many fighters train 2-3 times a day in order to hone their skill. In Texas, the sport is regulated by the Texas Department of License and Regulations with stringent rules and medical screenings. The events are closely monitored and strict adherence to the rules is enforced. Venues must have insurance for the fighters and safety is their first priority. Fighters must weigh in and fight in their weight division. Corner men must also be licensed to work cage side and referees must be licensed to work in the cage, as well as have working knowledge of the many different ways in which a fighter can win.

With the sport now being regulated, many athletes can make a living fighting. Sports nutrition companies, clothing companies and many other businesses have found that thousands of MMA fans pack venues and are prime locations for marketing. Companies often sponsor fighters with supplies, services, and or money in exchange for their logo on the fighter’s shirt and shorts much like NASCAR. It is not uncommon for fighters to have 10 or more sponsors.

When you ask fans why they watch MMA the response is always very similar. The action is extremely fast paced, and there are many ways to win. Fans have become increasingly educated with MMA and how a fighter wins. When you see a fighter get a position called The Mount, fans go crazy; because they know many times the fight will probably be over in an exciting way. Big punches, over the top slams and exciting submissions are what you see at these competitions. Some fights are over quickly, but because of the fashion in which these fights are won is why fans flock to see these athletes.

Professional fighter Ralph “The Machine Gun” Kelly from San Antonio will be fighting former Ultimate Fighting Championship, Heavyweight Champion Mark “The Titan” Kerr in Xtreme Pro Challenge July 26^th in Houston, Tx. For show time and ticket information log onto www.xp3promotions.com.

The next time there is a local show near you, check it out; you won’t be disappointed. You may very well see the next MMA Superstar.

Rudy Hernandez is owner and operator of the Spartan Pit of San Antonio and is a Professional MMA Fighter.

is a Professional MMA Fighter.