As the capital city of the Lone State, Austin, TX is home to all kinds of events – from live music and entertainment to technology and conventions, the city is a hub for all kinds of happenings. In March 2012, this is no different as thousands upon thousands of people flock to Central Texas for South by Southwest (SXSW). This year however, there’s an added attraction beyond the interactive festival as two distinct crowds of people flock down I-35 and HW 290 for yet another special attraction – Texas MMA action to be exact.
This time around, it’s the fighters of Houston versus the fighters of Dallas/Fort Worth.
That’s right, after years of speculation and independent growth it’s finally happening. Texas’ two largest hotbed MMA communities are finally getting together to decide which city reigns supreme for the very first time. Ever since its announcement in late January, both cities had been abuzz with excitement as old rivalries are set side and new alliances, however uneasy, have been made for the sake of regional pride. Even Dallas and Fort Worth are on the same side for this one, as improbably as it may seem.
As the first bell nears on event night at the Frank Erwin Center, the tension in the air is palpable as Houston and DFW’s fighter reps warm up in their respective locker rooms. This is meant to be a ‘friendly’ battle all for the spirit of competition but who are we kidding? Both sides want to accomplish only one thing and that is victory. They’re going to fight their asses off to accomplish it. Outside of guys locked up in national (Zuffa) contracts or nearing one, coaches of both cities have assembled the best they have to offer for this fight night. Prominent coaches like Guy Mezger, J.D. Shelley, and Sayif Saud have gotten together to draft the rosters on the DFW side while Bob Perez, Tony Orozco, and Saul Soliz have done likewise in putting together the Houston team. Even the sponsors have gotten into the action. Cruz Combat, DOM Fight Gear, and Glenn Vo DDS have been commissioned to outfit the Dallas team while Armbar Submission Gear and ProFormance Mouthguards do likewise for Houston. Then of course there are the managers, like Brett Boyce (Made to Win) and Matt Rossini (Imperial Fight Mgmt). Both guys and others in their profession like Rafael Casias and Team B3 have also made the trip down for this monumental occasion.
Peeking into the crowd, it couldn’t be any clearer that this card is all about pride. On one side you have fans clad predominantly in cowboy blue while the other side of the arena is filled to fans donned in their battle red. There are locals present to check out the action but everyone has picked a side. Judging the crowd in attendance, they’re all Texans to be sure but today they’re more Houston or DFW more than anything else.
So the time for the first bout nears. Dick Cole, Greg Alvarez, Gus Calderon, and the rest of the TLDR are seated and ready. Press row is packed with Paul Erickson, Barry Laminack, Spida Garay, Sean Malone, Roland Gamez, myself, and many more present to check out the action. Patrick Patlan, Kevin Hancock, and Don Turnage all await their turn to officiate while Kerry Hatley is at cage center ready to get the night underway.
The music (all Texas artists) suddenly stops as the lights dim elsewhere around the arena besides the cage which is suddenly illuminated for the jam-packed crowd in attendance.
“TEXAS! ARE YOU READY FOR THE 1st TXMMA Grand Prix?” says the tuxedo-clad announcer on the microphone as he faces the HDNet Fight cameras.
The lights dim. The music kicks up as the bass reverberates throughout the packed arena. The crowd roars as the first fighter steps up the ramp….
It’s time.
Houston vs. DFW is underway.
Who wins this battle between two great Texas MMA cities?
VOTE NOW!
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