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Rage in the Cage raises heat in Valley
Violent sport seeks to promote safe environment for fighters, fans By Mercedes Gunter Sports Editor
Cage: A barred structure for confining animals. Rage in the Cage: A no holds barred event where gladiators battle for respect, title and admiration. Roland Sarria, innovator and manager of Rage in the Cage, started the new sports entertainment event over three years ago at the Phoenix nightclub Rodeo Nights which is now closed. At this time, fighters of all disciplines came to the club to compete and show their fighting skills. Sarria had the idea to promote and start Rage in the Cage after going to various martial arts tournaments and remaining undefeated in his weight class. Rage in the Cage is a chance for fighters with different styles to compete against one another. While the event is now more extreme than ever and is drawing over 2,000 fans to fights, occurring about every five weeks, it is also focusing more on fighters¯ safety. But what is it about these events that has people coming back for more? How is it that an event like this can afford to admit children 12 and under for free? And how can they make sure that no one crosses the line and becomes too violent? When you first walk into Celebrity Theatre on 440 N. 32nd St in Phoenix, which is where the events are held, your eye immediately goes to the center of the building and an 8-foot octagon cage with pads on the sides in red and blue.
Sarria loves to hear the crowd. He and his master of ceremonies periodically try to get the crowd pumped. With the crowd cheering, the coaches shouting and the fighter¯s adrenaline running, the excitement is great enough to get people moving. Amid all the fervor, the fighter¯s safety is what comes first to Sarria. The Arizona Boxing Committee recently changed the rules to these fighting matches to ensure safety. According to the new rules of the boxing committee, a table set up right by the ring seats three members of the boxing commission. There are also three judges who sit along the edge outside of the ring and physicians stand close by. Sarria says, no blows to the head, closed fists or eye gouging are allowed. If anyone does an illegal move, the match is stopped immediately and the win awarded to the opponent.
Sarria says, úIt¯s not as violent as people think.î Sarria wants Rage in the Cage to be a family event, which is why kids 12 and under are free with a paid adult, and the boxing committee watches every move to ensure fighters¯ safety. The fighters for these events come from all over Arizona, California and even Nevada. Over 100 Rage in the Cage fighters have come from Brausa Academy. Sarria started the academy in November of 1996 and now has two locations where they will help train those who want to fight. The academy specializes in several forms of martial arts: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling and no holds barred fighting, all of which can be used inside the ring. In order to become a fighter for Rage in the Cage, you must have a physical once a year, Sarria says. That way, they can be sure that everyone is in good health To sign up, you can go to the website, www.rageinthecage.com, and fill out the online form. From there, one of the staff members will be in touch with you and go over the event procedures. |
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Last
updated: May 8, 2002 |
