Fighting Challenge ready to kick-off

Chris Humphreys
Published: June 27, 2008

Tonight at 7 p.m. in the Heritage High gym, 17 amateur mixed martial arts fights are scheduled as a part of the Elite Fighting Challenge.

The fighters are made up of local enthusiasts and contestants from up and down the East Coast. The fights will consist of three three-minute rounds with a minute rest between rounds.

“Some of the guys are amateurs that are fighting because they love the sport and some are guys that are trying to become pros,” said Mike Troxel with the Elite Fighting Challenge.

The fights will be governed by the Global Combat Alliance’s rules, meaning the they will closely resemble most mixed martial arts fights with one exception — knee and elbow strikes will only be allowed while standing and not when a fighter is on the ground.

“Since these guys aren’t getting paid, they shouldn’t be getting kneed or elbowed while they’re on the ground,” Troxel said.

This is the second event in the last year. The last event was in February at the Lynchburg Armory. The plan is continue putting a couple of shows in Lynchburg a year.

“We had a great time last time and there was a great atmosphere,” Troxel said. “It will be a great event with good production.”

General admission is $25 and two professional fighters, Richard “Cleat” Crunkilton and Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis, will be on hand to sign autographs. Davis has a 19-5 record and recently took part in Ultimate Fighting Challenge 85. Crunkilton has a 17-1 record in World Extreme Cagefighting.

There will also be an after-party at Buffalo Wild Wings, where the fighters and ring girls will be in attendance.

“Sometimes on TV you don’t get to know the fighters,” Troxel said. “They’re normal people and like to hang out. They’re great guys and like to have fun.”