Mixed martial arts event on tap tonight at Interstate Center

Font Size:
Default font size
Larger font size

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."

Print Email

Sponsored Links

 
Sponsored by: