MURFREESBORO – The Mixed Martial Arts Club of MTSU had a huge success with their charity fight event on Saturday, February 6th. More than 4,500 fans showed their support for the growing sport at MTSU’s Murphy Center.

“Our goal was to have the biggest amateur fight in Tennessee,” said Anthony Gomez, president of The MMA Club. “We had record sales, and I want to thank all sponsors and fans for that.”

The night kicked off with a series of undercard fights. There were a number of competitors who were making their debut in the ring. Tom Adkins was the first champion of the evening.

“It feels great,” said Adkins, who has been training for about a year. “I want to thank my component for stepping in.”

Hunter Pierce was one competitor of the 13 main fights. With a 4-0 record, Pierce has been fighting six years. A submission fighter, Pierce’s fighting technique is to get his competitor to the ground and tap out.

“Basically, it means I can put anybody on the ground I want,” explained Pierce.

In order to train for a fight, Pierce spends months dieting, working out and watching videos of his opponent to learn his fighting style. For this particular fight, Pierce leaned down to 185 lbs from 245lbs over the course of a year. The day of the fight, he tries to take it easy by sleeping in and eating a lot of carbs.

The event also had a special appearance by UFC Hall of Famer, Ken Shamrock. Shamrock was the first ultimate fighter to enter the Hall of Fame, making him a real pioneer of the sport.

Shamrock began the night with a moment of silence honoring all of those Americans who live and fight overseas to help us live the lives we love. During intermission, he called all fans to the ring for pictures with him.

“I know these guys are pumped to be here, and I am pumped to be a part of this event,” said Shamrock. “One day, one person in this ring will wear that UFC championship belt,” he went on to say about the fighters.

The MMA Club of MTSU is a new organization, only having formed in September of 2009. “Guardian MMA is a sponsor of the club, but we are still looking for ways to really spread the word about us and get people involved,” explained Gomez.

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PHOTOS HERE!!