So you may remember from a while back that I mentioned that I am taking a Capoeira class. Ok, you don't remember, no sweat, I'll remind you: I'm taking a Brazilian martial arts class called Capoeira, but more on that later. In any case, my Capoeria master is also involved in several other forms of martial arts and is well-respected in the Dominican professional fighting world. Not to mention, one of his students, Diego, is arguably one of the best Tae Kwon Do and Mixed Martial Arts fighters on the island (and a friend of mine!)
A couple weekends ago, Diego was invited to fight in a professional MMA show at Ocean World Casino in Puerto Plata and my Capoeira master was invited to referee.
And since I had nothing going that Saturday and have never seen a real MMA fight in person, I thought it would be cool to check out the action.
I was right. It was awesome. I´m talking hanging-on-the-edge-of-your-seat, ruthless, cringe-worthy, white knuckle-excitement kind of awesome.
A couple weekends ago, Diego was invited to fight in a professional MMA show at Ocean World Casino in Puerto Plata and my Capoeira master was invited to referee.
And since I had nothing going that Saturday and have never seen a real MMA fight in person, I thought it would be cool to check out the action.
I was right. It was awesome. I´m talking hanging-on-the-edge-of-your-seat, ruthless, cringe-worthy, white knuckle-excitement kind of awesome.
The cage. Cue scary music. Once you step in there, you're on your own. No one is going to save you. You´ve got to stick it out for 3 rounds with a professionally trained fighter who wants to kill you.
I arrived at the casino at 8:00 p.m., but in classic Dominican fashion, the actual fighting didn´t start til 9:00 p.m.. That´s ok though, it gave me a chance to check out the surroundings, order a drink, and settle my jitters. I have to admit, I was really nervous for all the fighters. There were supposed to be 8 fights, if I remember correctly, with Diego fighting in the 6th.
I flinched and cheered and gasped through each and every round.
Boa, my Capoeira master, refereeing.
Knock out. Brutal!!
Pre-fight Picture (Diego is on the right)
In the heat of battle.
It´s a good thing the other people sitting at my table were also cheering for Diego (even though they didn´t know we were friends), otherwise I might have had to throw a few punches myself.
It´s a good thing the other people sitting at my table were also cheering for Diego (even though they didn´t know we were friends), otherwise I might have had to throw a few punches myself.
Waiting to hear the winner....
Diego´s victory dance
Post celebration with the coaches
For more cool pics, check / Para más fotos vacánas, chequa: Noche de Gladiadores on Facebook
For more cool pics, check / Para más fotos vacánas, chequa: Noche de Gladiadores on Facebook
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