Welcome

Date March 2, 2008

Welcome to the home of Fighting Words.

Mixed martial arts has transformed from a predominantly underground combat sport to the world’s premiere proving ground for fighting. The mainstream success the Ultimate Fighting Championship has brought to MMA since its foray into network television with the Ultimate Fighter reality show in January 2005 has made mixed martial arts the “new boxing” for the younger generation.

While its popularity has only recently come to fruition in the mainstream world, it has long been huge in the islands. Icon Sport (formerly Super Brawl), has been holding successful events here since the mid-90’s. With the MMA boom in full effect, organizations such as K-1, X-1 and EliteXC have all held shows here, with more on the way.

In April 2005, Niko Vitale knocked out Masanori Suda in front of 6,000 fans at the Blaisdell Arena to bring the then-Super Brawl world middleweight championship back home to Hawaii. A month later, just before my 22nd birthday, I sat down to cover my first MMA show not knowing the difference between a rear naked choke and an armbar. When Tank Abbott knocked out Wesley “Cabbage” Correira with one punch in the main event of Rumble on the Rock 7 that night, I was hooked.

Fighting Words will be all about, to me, the most enjoyable sport in the world. It will provide a forum to discuss everything related to MMA. From previewing upcoming fights to the latest on local and national shows, we will track Hawaii’s best fighters around the world and give you a chance to share your thoughts and opinions.

Enjoy.

Category Posted in Fighters, Fights