There is no doubt that Washington is ready for MMA and Saturday night at the D.C Amory it is an eight fight card and the man who put it together Bob Hisaoka the man who started Washington Combat has a feeling that his first effort will be a success.
I spoke to the local businessman about MMA and its debut in the Nation’s Capial.
JW: Tell me why Washington was ready for MMA?
Hisaoka:”We are fortunate to live in an international city and there might not be a more world wide sport than MMA. Asia, Europe and now North America have embraced the sport and it is a true mainstream sport. As you know it is the fastest growing sport in America and you can’t turn on the TV without seeing a new MMA shows on CBS and ESPN. So with that base I felt this is a great time to bring a sport that I am passionate about to my home town.”
JW: You have put together a card is very impressive for a first time show.
Hisaoka: I really wanted to present a ballanced card that had some local flavor along with some guys that are true international names and through the help of my good friend and match maker Fernando Yamasaki I feel that we have been able to do that. We are proud that we could put together a card that features the likes of Gary ‘Big Daddy’ Goodridge vs. Pedro “The Rock” Rizzo (main event) and Jordan Smith vs. Gustavo “Ximu” Machado. that is a solid top of the card.
The official “Battle of the Legends” weigh-in will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in room 140AB on Friday, May 14 from 6-9 p.m. This event is open to the public and will feature appearances by MMA celebrities including Kenny Florian, Demian Maia, Marco Ruas, Mike Swain.
You can get tickets at the Amory Box office and there are a special deal for members of the miltary.
Check out their website http://www.washingtoncombat.com/
