BLOOMINGTON - Combining elements of boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and jujitsu, the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) has boomed in popularity thanks primarily to the high-profile Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Twin City fans can get a taste of the action during tonight's MMA Evolution II, a 13-fight card beginning at 7 p.m. at the Interstate Center.

T.J. Mohler, a 29-year-old Mount Pulaski native who operates a MMA gym in Bloomington, is one of event organizers and holds a black belt in karate and judo.

"There are so many more angles to add excitement with MMA," Mohler said. "Boxing is simply stand-up striking. This has not only stand-up striking with hands but also with feet and you can also go to the ground and get submissions.

"A lot of guys like to stand up and bang. A lot of guys are making the transition from wrestling, boxing or kick boxing. We've got a couple of fighters that are actually doctors. It's not just scrappy kids."

MMA fighters wear four-ounce, open-fingered gloves and fight in a cage or octagon. The action-filled bouts, which were recently featured in a cover story in Sports Illustrated, usually end with knockouts or submissions.

There will be four professional and nine amateur fights on tonight's Illinois Boxing Commission-sanctioned card in divisions ranging from heavyweight to flyweight. Professionals will fight three five-minute rounds while amateur bouts will be three three-minute rounds.

Ringside tickets are $35 and general admission is $25.

"Ticket sales are going great," Mohler said. "We'll be back in Bloomington in October and maybe sooner if the crowd is really there Saturday night."