Blog #9 Would you go to an amateur MMA event?

Some weeks I have absolutely no idea what I will write about. Some weeks I’ve done something weird and wonderful and know exactly what I’m writing about. Fortunately, I’ve just had a weird and wonderful week.

Over the last weekend, I had a good friend come crash on my couch. He had come up from Albany to watch a couple mates of his fight in an amateur MMA event. The event was called DMMA 8 and was run by a Perth-based group called Domination MMA.

Now I’m not really an MMA or fighting fan, got nothing against it just never been interested. I’m glad I got the chance to check it out though. It was a really fun time and some of the fights were really entertaining. The only real complaint I have is the entry price. $75 is far too much if you ask me. Yes, the event did last a long time and was good fun but I think it was a bit steep.

Since I knew nothing or no one I chose who I was supporting each fight on the spot. I quickly decided that I would support the fighter who had the better walkout song. I gotta say, there was a broad range of songs getting walked out to. Some were shockers and just did not fit the vibe, like this one bloke who played some goofy country song. I was pleased to see two people walk out to songs by my favourite band Oasis. Another bloke walked out to the Skyrim theme.

Another fantastic addition to the night was alcohol. The venue had a pretty well-priced bar. I did not expect myself to be at a MMA event but that’s exactly why I did it. I’m obsessed with doing new and interesting things at the moment and this was one of those things. I had a good time. If the events were cheaper I could see myself going more often.

Watching the fighters get up there and give it their best was so impressive though. It was a mix of men and women fighting throughout the night. The first third of the night were all first-time fighters. This first set of fighters had just begun training in the past couple of months. Every single fighter no matter the heat or experience level was really invested in doing their best and you could tell.

I can only imagine the personal satisfaction from training for months for an event like this and giving it your all. I’m not sure if I would do MMA myself but I certainly would love to find something that inspires me enough to commit like those beginners had. It cannot be easy getting in front of a crowd, standing in a big octagon and trading blows with a stranger.

While I cannot see myself competing I did get an idea of why people would watch this. Some of the fights, the more technical ones did get a bit slow and boring. But when there was a good matchup and they were both trading blows, damn it was a fun watch. There were some pretty insane moments. One guy throwing another across the octagon. Another guy getting knocked out in about 20 seconds. At one point I look up from my phone only to see one bloke holding another upside down by his legs.

Sitting there with a cold drink watching two people punch the shit out of each other can be really fun. I’m a pretty peaceful guy but I’m only human. I don’t know what it is but watching someone land a massive hit is one of those things you cannot look away from.

I went to the event not sure what to expect but knowing I would have something to write about. I’m glad I went though it was interesting and entertaining as hell. If you get the chance to go to an event I recommend it. Maybe wait till the later heat if you want to skip to the best bits but definitely worth checking out.

This week at the moment I have another friend coming up to stay and I’m getting another tattoo. I will certainly have plenty to write about. Thanks for reading.