Ten years after.

Almost one decade ago to the date, I started documenting my MMA road trips, scouting various events, meeting new fighters and telling others my tales of adventure.

One of the first events I covered was the very first event from an upstart promotion called the Ring of Fire in Denver, Colorado.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Like many of the events at the time, promoter Sven Bean’s beginning was humble, selling out a small ballroom at a Dave and Buster’s precursor named Red and Jerry’s and holding the fights in a small boxing ring, as cages were reserved only for the pay-per-view events.

While the event was low key, the fights were very well put together, and I still remember to this day a couple of no-named fighters competing on the card such as Nate Marquardt and Leonard Garcia.

That was a long time ago, and while I have heard that Sven’s event was doing well, I could never seem to break away from a story to revisit Denver.

A NEW LOOK, SAME FEEL
Not too long ago I received a late-night text message from a friend at Hollowpoint Combat Sports, informing me that one of his sponsored fighters was fighting on the card. He asked if I would like to hitch a ride to the Rocky Mountains with him. I am a very impulsive person, so I immediately packed my bags.

Upon arriving at the auditorium, I immediately noticed that this wasn’t the same event I had attended a decade ago.

The Magnus Arena had replaced the ballroom, and there was an attendance of well more than 4,000 fight hungry fans!

In addition, the boxing ring had been upgraded to an absolutely beautiful 30-foot hexagon and a lighting system that you could see from space!

The one thing that was not different was the feel, the electric buzz that certain events can generate, and the plethora of fighters were ready to make their mark on the world.

MEETING OLD FRIENDS
While walking the catacombs of the arena, I crossed paths with several familiar faces, including Alvin Robinson, Kit Cope, Mike Nichols and even Wanderlei Silva! But I was most delighted to run into Leonard Garcia, who has now made his fame in the WEC, as well as the man who arguably has the fasted knockout in MMA history … Duane Ludwig.

We chatted for quite some time about how far the event has come, as well as the careers of those that have fought for it. How this is the biggest event in Colorado and has fielded more competitors into the big leagues than any other event. How lives were changed because of the Ring of Fire!

EXPLOSIVE ACTION
This year, the Ring of Fire expands its territory, and I can honestly say that it is one of the best events in the Midwest, bar none.

If you are a fighter looking to actually make it somewhere in the sport, take a look at the roster of athletes that have moved directly from the Ring of Fire into the UFC.

If you are a fan, look forward to the explosive action that you can expect to see on one of their cards. I watch fights for a living, and these are the kind of fights that I like to watch!

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