MONROE — Some two dozen top amateur mixed martial arts fighters from around Washington will gather Saturday night for The Battle in the Barn II at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds.
Fourteen bouts are scheduled, though that number could change in the remaining days, event organizer Ralph Taylor said.
“These are all amateurs that train at local gyms, though some of them are looking to turn pro,” Taylor said. “But most of them have six to 10 amateur fights.”
All the fighters are from this state, he added, and this event “is a big deal for them.”
Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and there will be music by a country rock band up until the first bout, which is scheduled for around 6:30 p.m. Matches are expected to last until around 9 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at the door, and are priced from $35 to $65.
The first Battle in the Barn was two years ago, Taylor said, and drew about 1,500 people. Based on early ticket sales and visits to the event’s web page, he expects a crowd upward of 2,000 and perhaps close to 3,000.
“We’re trying to create an event where everybody can have a good time,” Taylor said.
Benson Henderson, a former UFC champion who was raised in Federal Way, is expected to make an appearance, but will not be competing.
For information about the event, visit www.thebattleinthebarn.com,
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
