Craig Daily Press / Looking for a few good men

As popularity in cage-fighting increases, so does the need for new fighters

Fighters from across the Western Slope have taken out their aggression on one another inside this 16-foot cage housed at Holistic Health & Fitness in Craig. Men have been the competitors in Rampage Promotions’ two fights, something promoter Karrie Booth said she wants to change by adding women fighters to the event. Enlarge photo — Photo by Hans Hallgren

By John Vandelinder

July 19, 2008

Boxing, karate, wrestling and good-old-fashioned street fighting.

For fighters in Rampage Promotions’ local cage-fighting circuit, these skills can come in handy.

But, according to founder Karrie Booth, they aren’t necessarily mandatory.

Many of the fighters who dare to step into the 16-foot, octagon-shaped ring are sons, fathers and husbands with no fighting experience, looking to let off some steam.

The result of those men going toe-to-toe has been a success for Rampage Promotions.

More than 1,000 combined spectators have witnessed the three previous area events, two of which Rampage promoted.

But, for the circuit to become the vision originally dreamt of by Booth and co-founder Josh Magnuson, more fighters are needed — preferably, women fighters.

“A lot of people don’t realize that just about everyone can do it,” Booth said. “It’s a sport that everybody can get involved in. Girls are really fun to watch and they draw a good crowd.”

Rampage’s next fight is scheduled for Sept. 27 at the Moffat County Ice Arena, allowing any interested newcomers ample opportunity to prepare.

To compete, interested fighters must be at least 18 years old, have their blood work done and obtain a signed doctor’s release.

Colorado State Boxing Commission requires Rampage Promotions to carry $5,000 in medical and accidental-death liability insurance on each fighter.

But, don’t be scared away when reading the word ‘death.’

“We’ve never had a serious injury,” Booth said.

“The only thing I heard about (in Colorado) was a guy getting bear-hugged and slammed to the mat, breaking his orbital bone,” Magnuson said.

Craig Physical Therapy owner Rich Sadvar has seen fighters pre-and post-match.

He said he hasn’t seen any major injuries in the sport.

“You see some dislocations, as well as tears in ligaments and/or muscles and tendons, but the probability for major injury actually has decreased.

“Flexibility is crucial for this kind of sport.”

CSBC official Mark Vantine said during last week’s fight in Meeker that referees don’t hesitate to call a fight at the slightest sign of injury.

“When we see a guy’s legs go limp, that’s it,” he said. “If they aren’t defending themselves, it doesn’t matter if they tap or not, we’ll stop it.”

Fighters train three times a week at Holistic Health & Fitness: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Tim Mills, CSBC official and World Karate Center fourth degree black belt, is hosting a fight camp Aug. 16 at the fitness center, as well.

Mark Niemi trained Thursday evening at Holistic.

Sporting a fresh shiner under his left eye from his first fight July 12 in Meeker, he spoke of what it takes to make the jump into the world of cage fighting.

“Looking back,” he said, “I learned mostly what I don’t know. But, really, it’s a commitment. It’s like a full-time job — if you want to do well at it.”

Booth said cardio is the biggest asset any fighter can carry with them into the ring.

Along with desire, drive and smarts.

“It doesn’t have to be a bloodlust,” she said. “It takes some brains.

“It doesn’t take any to get in there, but if you want to do well, you need them.”

John Vandelinder can be reached at 875-1793 or jvandelinder@craigdailypress.com