Mixed martial arts hits back
Mixed martial arts returns to Perth on Saturday night, but not inside the customary cage.
K-Oz Entertainment's Bragging Rights 6 will be streamed live to a worldwide audience from an Olympic-size boxing ring at Kingsway Indoor Stadium.
The State Government overruled the WA Combat Sports Commission when it banned the use of the “cage” in MMA contests in March, much to the frustration of fighters, gym owners and promoters.
They argue the cage is safer and stops fighters falling through the ropes, but the Government says it does not send a good message to the community.
K-Oz Entertainment boss Grady Stewart is pushing on despite the ban and staging his first women’s MMA fight.
Queensland’s Rachel Sheridan will pit her judo and Muay Thai skills against German wrestler Pia Rosenkranz.
“I’m non-discriminatory; if a girl wants to compete, I want them to compete, too,” Stewart said.
In the main event, Joe “Massacre” Muir will face New Zealander Brogan “Arm Collector” Anderson for the interim light heavyweight title.
The card has been ravaged by injuries to the likes of light heavyweight champion Sam Brown, The Ultimate Fighter contestant Manny Rodriguez and bantamweight Will Chope.
But the live streaming arrangement with MMA website Sherdog means the remaining 18 professionals and amateurs have a chance to impress globally.
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans will be ringside, as will K-Oz heavyweight champion Soa Palelei, K-OZ middleweight champion Jesse Taylor and TUF contestant Xavier Lucas.
