IRON MOUNTAIN -- Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) events pack crowds into arenas and convention centers throughout the country.
At what expense do fighters compete?
A five-year study done by the John Hopkins University School of Medicine revealed statistics about injuries after analyzing 171 matches and 220 fighters. Sixty-nine of the fights ended with at least one injured fighter.
Facial lacerations were the most common injury, followed by hand, nose and eye injuries. The overall study cited "No deaths or critical sports-related injuries resulted from any of the regulated matches during the study period."
Brothers Tim and Matt Hallock are both fighters and conduct MMA training at Studio 360. They say although critical injuries aren't common, it’s always a possibility. Anyone contemplating entering the ring needs to prepare themselves. Rushing into the ring could be risky.
“You really want to train first. I’ve seen people come here for three days and then literally go for a fight and get destroyed in a minute and a half,” says Matt.
The brothers give their clients a mixed workout strengthening the body from all angles.
“We train jiu-jitsu, judo, boxing, kickboxing and some wrestling as well,” says Tim.
Matt and Tim say the long durations of training are crucial to condition the body to endure the rough contact.
“You got to break down every muscle. It’s the best way to do it, it's the only way to do it,” Matt says.
Both brothers add the best fighter isn't all muscles...you need heart to survive the sport.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC