Story Published:
Dec 1, 2008 at 4:16 PM CST
Story Updated:
Dec 1, 2008 at 4:16 PM CST
CARTHAGE, Mo. -- During the past decade, cage fighting has exploded into mainstream America. Shows featuring that sport are among the most-watched shows on cable television. In southwest Missouri, even children are into the action, which is why some state lawmakers want it stopped.
The fights are fierce. Grown men unleash a mixture of martial arts in a cage.
"Now for people to compete, there are competitions going on every weekend. It has grown that drastically that quickly,” said Rudy Lindsey, a mixed martial arts trainer and fight promoter.
They’re fueled by brutal brawls featured in leagues like the Ultimate Fighting Championship on television.
"I like all contact sports. I like to be in there,” said one fighter.
The once underground sport is breeding a new generation of fighters. Boys, and even a couple of girls, ages 6 to 16, compete in mixed martial arts.
"They think we're just out there putting each other down and fighting -- cockfighting -- but it's nowhere close to that,” said Hayden Swinehart, 10.
Hayden, along with his sister and older brother, are honor roll students. They're also cage fighters. Each has competed in youth mixed martial arts for three years.
"Most people ask me what's it's done for you. I tell them self-respect. They think that's silly,” said another fighter.
Children wear protective gear. A referee, doctor and coaches can stop the match at any time. But, like their adult counterparts, the children fight in a cage.
"We set up the rules so that there was not going to be an injury,” said Lindsey.
Lindsey began competing in MMA six years ago. After interest in MMA swelled among young wrestlers in Carthage, Lindsey started the Garage Boys Fight Crew.
"People ask, ‘How can you compare this to football and baseball?’ Football is a full contact sport; so is mixed martial arts. There are more injures in baseball than mixed martial arts,” said Lindsey.
"When the goal of a sport is to choke your opponent into submission so they can tap out, I have a problem with that,” said Dr. Scott Dattel of Kansas City Pediatrics.
Dattel concedes all contact sports carry a risk of injury. But he warns youth that MMA can promote aggressive behavior and cause damage.
It appears Missouri is the only state to allow sanctioned youth cage fighting. It's a misdemeanor in many states.
In April, some state legislators introduced a bill to ban youth cage fighting in Missouri. The bill didn’t pass.
"Most of the people who are making laws and accusations don't really understand the sport and aren’t taking the time to truly understand the sport,” said Lindsey.
The Garage Boys Fight Crew is about to open for another season. It appears, however, the biggest battle facing these aspiring UFC stars will be fought in the state capital instead of a cage.
"I hope they will let us do it again. It will get us ready if we go pro,” said Hayden.
Lawmakers say a committee hearing on the re-filed bill could come as early as January. Some fans say trying to ban the growing sport will only force it underground.
