Shogun MMA Fight To Pack The House In Baltimore This Weekend
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- One of the country's fastest growing sports is returning to Baltimore this weekend.
As Mike Schuh reports, a regional mixed martial arts contest is expected to pack the house at the Royal Farms Arena.
Strong men come to WJZ. The big guy in front is John Rallo. He brought mixed martial arts to Maryland.
Binky Jones, the man in the orange tie, is a fight veteran. He's more comfortable in a mixed martial arts ring. At age 44, his nickname is "Father Time."
"I'm still here, man. The 'Father Time' came from John with me training with a bunch of guys who's just 21, 22," said Jones. "You're nervous when you're walking out there on that field, that court or inside the cage. You're a little nervous. But when it's time to go, you believe in your training, you're ready to rock and roll."
Ten times Rallo's Shogun Fights have packed the arena. This weekend, number eleven comes to town.
"Our sport, unless it's a championship fight, it's three five minute rounds. So the action is usually fast and furious," said Rallo.
There is enough demand for MMA fights that Rallo brings local and regional fighters together. It's a stepping stone for some.
And who knows if the next guy seen in the cage at the arena will be on national TV in no time.
"You know, we're a regional promotion. But I'm hoping that one day we'll have somebody from Baltimore wearing one of those belts," Rallo said.
That show is Saturday night. Tickets range from $30 to $250. There is a warm coat, hat and glove drive for those attending the fight.
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