Mixed martial arts fights its way into local venues
Dustin Kim had a little more than a week for the cuts and bruises plastered across his face to heal before starting a new job at a major financial institution.
The Arlington Heights man made his mixed martial arts amateur fight debut recently at Durty Nellie's in Palatine. And while Kim narrowly lost his exhausting bout by a split decision to Jake Powell of Round Lake, his new employers will likely see his pummeled mug at some point.
"My friends and family think I'm nuts, but I can't wait to get back out there," the DePaul University graduate and financial analyst said. "The adrenaline rush, the challenge involved ... I just love it."
Mixed martial arts - a combination of jiu-jitsu, tae kwon do, karate, boxing, wrestling and other combat styles - is making its way into more and more suburban venues able to accommodate the massive cage and droves of enthusiastic fans. There's no Hulk Hogan-esque choreography, protective headgear or regular boxing gloves; just two barefoot men wearing shorts and small fighting gloves ready to strike.
So what's the draw to a sport that on occasion leaves an unconscious fighter in its wake? Why are more local bars packing 'em in with the one-two punch of bouts and beer?
"Everybody stops and watches the scene of a car crash," said Scott Fischer, vice president of The True Fighting Championships, a promotional company that organizes MMA fights at the Elgin Roadhouse with 1,200 in attendance. "There's a gladiator aspect to this that people love to see. The bloodier it gets, the more you get excited. That's not what the sport is about, but that's the reality."
MMA events feature bouts of various weight classes and typically consist of three five-minute rounds, though they often end much earlier.
Victory is decided by a knockout if a fighter becomes unconscious, or by a submission if a fighter taps out and concedes defeat. A technical knockout occurs when a referee stops the match because an opponent is too badly injured or can't intelligently defend himself.
Should the fighters last all three rounds, a panel of three judges uses a point system to render a decision.
With so many fights taking place closer to home, more spectators who've watched professional Ultimate Fighting Championship events on Pay-Per-View at packed bars are curious to check out the sights and sounds only live combat can provide.
From the metal music blasting between matches to the cat calls going out to scantily dressed women informing the crowd of the upcoming round, the amateur events mimic the big leagues.
First-timers can expect drinks specials, buff bouncers who ensure an orderly crowd and a tuxedo-clad emcee conducting post-fight interviews.
They're also likely to become fast friends with MMA fanatics so enthusiastic about the sport, they'll gladly share the rules and culture with strangers.
"I love the energy and the awesome music and the violence. Nothing beats live," Cary resident Jo Obrochta said. "I'm sure a lot of people back in the day said football was barbaric, too."
Area athletes can choose to train at more than a dozen suburban gyms specializing in MMA. Some are known for routinely producing talented and technically proficient fighters, such as Curran Martial Arts Academy in Crystal Lake. One such fighter is 28-year-old Chris Hartwig of Wonder Lake, who handily won his fight last month at Durty Nellie's in just over a minute thanks to a rear naked choke hold.
For Hartwig, MMA isn't about beating people up.
A former football player at Quincy College downstate, he said fighting satiates his athletic drive and keeps him from becoming complacent and out of shape. He trains up to three hours a day on top of his 50-hour workweek.
Undefeated in three fights since making his MMA debut last November, Hartwig said many people not familiar with the sport are surprised to learn most competitors are regular people and often college graduates.
"Some people have the misconception that fighters are just street thugs," Hartwig said after his latest victory while medical staff measured his vital signs. "Martial arts are about discipline and character."
Brett Brendel of Woodstock, who trains with Hartwig, points to the camaraderie between fighters. Competitors shake hands and even hug after fights. They don't hold grudges and can often be seen talking shop over a post-fight drink.
"There's absolutely no animosity because everyone has so much respect for each other," Brendel said. "It's about two martial artists agreeing to compete to see who is better."
Still, there's no doubt a good portion of the crowd craves the blood and submissions so extreme they render a fighter unconscious. And some of the most vocal spectators are female.
Hoffman Estates resident Julie Fasano has been watching UFC on TV for several years and came to Durty Nellie's with best friend Erin Roach of Palatine for their first live fight. She works at a psychiatric hospital, where out-of-control patients often need restraining.
"It's kind of cathartic to not have to intervene like I do at work," Fasano said. "There aren't too many events in the Northwest suburbs, so we jumped at the opportunity once Nellie's started having them."
Brendel encourages anyone to come out and watch, but said the sport is not for the squeamish. The possibility exists that fighters might hyperextend and break limbs, or pass out rather than tap out.
"We ain't playing tennis here," he said.
Upcoming bouts
Some times are yet to be determined. Call or check the Web sites.
• 8 p.m. Friday, March 5
Friday Night Fights at the Roadhouse
200 Prairie St., Elgin
(847) 695-4454 or www.roadhouseelgin.com
• 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 12
Ruckus II at Venuti's Banquet Hall
2251 W. Lake St., Addison
(630) 742-2839 or www.ruckusentertainment.net
• 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 16
MMA Fight Night at Durty Nellie's
180 S. Smith St., Palatine
(847) 358-9150 or www.durtynellies.com
• Friday, March 19
Team USA vs. Team Ireland at the Roadhouse
200 Prairie St., Elgin
(847) 695-4454 or www.roadhouseelgin.com
• Saturday, April 24
Ultimate Fighting at Jesse Oaks
18490 W. Old Gages Lake Road, Gages Lake
(847) 223-2575 or www.jesseoaks.com
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