MMA fighting returns to Hastings with tighter regulations
by
Jordan Shefte
Story Created:
Jan 19, 2012 at 6:49 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Jan 19, 2012 at 7:33 PM CDT
It's one on the most popular sports in the country. MMA fighting.
People love to see the action up close. But, Hastings residents haven't been able to watch ringside.
Four years ago, the city placed a ban on unsanctioned Mixed Martial Arts events at the city auditorium.
That happened when an event four years ago got out of control.
But event organizers say this time they have a 1-2 punch that should lead to a different story.
News 5's Jordan Shefte talked with one of the event organizers Thursday about what they say is going to make the difference?
This is a sanctioned event, meaning it has been approved by the Nebraska athletic commissioner. Also, there will be much more security. It's all an attempt to bring MMA back to Hastings.
On Saturday night, these chairs will be filled with spectators all waiting to see the first Mixed Martial Arts fight in Hastings in four years.
"They deserve to be able to fight in front of their home town," said event co-organizer David Worrell.
The last time a fighting event was held in the city, things didn't go as planned.
"Pretty much it was just a bad situation," Worrell said.
Between fights breaking out outside the ring and sexual behaviors stemming from the ring girl, the incident resulted in a city ordinance banning fights from the city auditorium.
"None of the people that were connected with that have any affiliation with this," said Worrell.
For this weekend's event, the fights are taking place at the Adams County fairgrounds. Organizers had to receive a vote from the Ag Society before the new gig was a go.
"We set down the guidelines that we normally do and they adhered to them and we rent our facility," said President of Adams County Ag Society Lee Hogan.
Organizers say that this event being sanctioned will make all the difference.
"The fighters that are coming in are more governed by the state of Nebraska, each one of them are fight licensed and they got their bloodwork in and they have to obey certain laws and rules," said Worrell.
Organizers are aiming for a family friendly event this time around.
One that goes off without a punch; at least outside the ring.
"We've set up the security that will be here. There should be no issues at all," Hogan said.
The doors open on Saturday at 7:00, and the fights begin at 8:00.
It is a twelve-fight card, featuring six Hastings Fighters.
News 5 talked with City Administrator Joe Patterson on the phone Thursday. He said that the city has not yet been approached about lifting the ban, but probably would not consider it because of their experience.
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