There's Gold in Them Thar Hills

Florida has more mixed martial arts fighters than you can shake a two-by-four at. Although no one’s confusing the blood splattering on the mat for a source of alternative energy, the folks at Mixed Fighting Alliance are hoping to turn the local stable into a profitable spectator league. MFA’s debut...

By Bryan Falla

December 4, 2008

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Florida has more mixed martial arts fighters than you can shake a two-by-four at. Although no one’s confusing the blood splattering on the mat for a source of alternative energy, the folks at Mixed Fighting Alliance are hoping to turn the local stable into a profitable spectator league. MFA’s debut event, There Will Be Blood, showcases South Florida’s ass-kickingest talent in the form of a five-foot-nine, 240-pound monster of a man, Jeff “the Snowman” Monson. He has the gaze of a guy that’s about to tear your chest open and puree your heart in his morning protein shake — though it should be noted that he’s probably a wonderful, wonderful person.

Monson, a master grappler and MMA vet, will take on former Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight champ Ricco “Suave” Rodriguez in the headlining bout. Before that, catch former WWE wrestler Bobby Lashley take on Joshua Franklin, as well as a slew of homegrown brawlers. There Will Be Blood hits at 8 tonight at the American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Tickets start at $30. Visit ticketmaster.com, or call 786-777-1000.
Sat., Dec. 13, 2008

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