MMA fights heat up club’s ‘cool’ factor

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Heather Stanton
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  One of the fastest growing sports in the world will come to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Feb. 19 as part of an initiative to make club-sponsored events "cool" again.

Thirteen competitive mixed martial arts cage fights, four of which will be for a title, will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the 916th Air Refueling Wing's new Corrosion Control Hangar, building 4822. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

"We have pulled the best fighters from the best gyms in North Carolina," said Capt. Brandon Wengert, 4th Force Support Squadron sustainment services flight commander. "Fighters from all over the state were begging to get on this card because they felt it was a chance to give back to the military who give so much for them. We literally had the pick of the litter on North Carolina talent."

MMA is a full-contact combat sport allowing a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional fighting techniques in competition, said Tech. Sgt. Nathan Rubin, 4th FSS sustainment services flight program manager.

Though the night's entertainment may not be appropriate for young children, MMA fights are the fasting growing sports among the base's core audience, 18- to 32-year-old service members, according to Rubin.

"There are knockouts, blood, submissions, adrenaline and screaming involved," Wengert said. "This is a sport where people literally punch and kick each other in the face ... but nothing associated to this event is beyond what is shown on standard, non-rated television. The level of professionalism and respect that goes with these acts is amazing to see in person."

MMA fights are currently shown on various TV networks without a censorship rating, according to Wengert. As with all base events, there will be immediate intervention should any situation push acceptable limits.

"If (fighting) is not your thing, you probably should not come," Wengert said. "If you are borderline on coming, you probably should come as there is an energy associated with MMA fights that cannot be duplicated by much. The atmosphere is unbelievable."

Tickets to the event are available for anyone with base access to purchase from squadron booster clubs, Outdoor Recreation, the community center or the consolidated club for $20. For each ticket purchased through squadrons, $5 is given back to the booster club. Off-base personnel who can have base sponsorship are more than welcome to attend.

"This is just one of many events scheduled by the club," Rubin said. "We're excited about our 2010 calendar of events, we have comedy shows, live bands and more."

For more information about the MMA fight or other club-sponsored events, call Rubin at 722-0712.

(Editor's note: This is part one of a two-part series about the MMA fight night on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.)