Rumble in the Park

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

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Gene Haagenson
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7/16/2008 Fresno, CA (KFSN) -- The normally calm and peaceful Woodward Park is about to be the scene of a violent encounter.

Cage fighting combines boxing, kick boxing, wrestling and martial arts into one sport. Contenders often square off inside a cage, or a boxing ring. It's entertaining, and a regular feature at Indian casinos. The move to Woodward Park, with an event called "Rumble in the Park," is a first.

Like a boxing match, a cage fight, or mixed martial arts contest pits two men, or women, against each other in what can be a real brawl. "It's basically like a bare-knuckle fight, you know, and you can grab, you can clinch, you can toss, you can throw the guy, do whatever you want," said Mixed Martial Arts trainer Kru Jasper Tayaba.

Tayaba is a long time cage fighter, who now teaches mixed martial arts techniques to professional fighters, and folks who just want to get in shape, at a north Fresno gym. Despite the violence, mixed martial arts contests are increasingly popular, that's why the City of Fresno is eager to bring them to the Rotary Amphitheatre in Woodward Park. "I think the public will accept it and the event will probably be sold out," said Randall Cooper, Fresno Parks Director, "Some people might not feel it's appropriate; people beating each other up in the park. It's still a public park they have boxing matches all over the country in parks and this is just another action sport that's full contact."