Young Guns Amateur Cage Fighting

Tired of all that fake, scripted, cartoonish WWE bullshit? Lots of testosterone-fueled guys apparently are, which explains the huge rise in popularity in mixed martial arts matches like those held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship league. At today’s Young Guns Amateur Cage Fighting match, real fighters will shed real blood. They utilize every fighting style, from jujitsu, karate and wrestling to judo, kung fu and boxing. But promoter Saul Soliz is quick to dampen any visions of a free-for-all. “This isn’t like a barroom fight. These are athletes who have cross-trained for two or three years before they even step into a ring,” he says. “They have to develop not only their grappling and striking abilities but also a mental toughness.” Each of the ten scheduled bouts will take place in a specially constructed 20–by-20-foot padded regulation cage smack dab in the middle of the floor. Cool, huh? 8 p.m. Verizon Wireless Theater, 520 Texas. For information, call 713-629-3700 or visit www.verizonwirelesstheater.com. $20 to $100.
Sat., April 5, 7 p.m., 2008