Mixed martial arts catching on in Central Illinois

PONTIAC - Some say it's violent and brutal, but those who love it say that it's a test of skill and determination as the "fastest growing sport in America," mixed martial arts, continues to gain popularity in smaller communities.

"It appeals to a lot of guys obviously and I can understand how people can view it as being violent, but it's actually more like a huge chess match … because there are a lot of disciplines that you need to learn," said Chuck Painter, owner of Pontiac MMA.

MMA is a hybrid sport that combines elements of boxing and kick fighting with other techniques like ju-jitsu, grappling and wrestling, Painter said. Two people enter a ring or octagon and can win by either knockout, submission or judge's decision.

The sport came into the forefront of American audiences in 1993 with the formation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which now televises numerous matches on cable and pay-per-view and even spawned its own reality show. MMA continues to become more recognized and visible as smaller communities, like Pontiac, see their own gyms and organizations start to form.

Pontiac MMA started slowly in the spring of 2007, Painter said, but quickly gained a following of dedicated fighters, who go on to compete in events held outside the city. One fighter, Ryan Mays of Pontiac, said that he had been working out at Pontiac MMA for eight months and is preparing for his very first fight.

"A couple of buddies told me about it, and I know that some people might think it's a little roughneck but I like it," he said. "You do get to punch people and not get arrested for it."

Painter originally got into the sport about three years ago, and like Mays, it was introduced to him through friends. He said that he was late to the sport as his first fight was done when he was around 40 years old, but Painter continues to test himself and his abilities.

"I wasn't in the military, but I've been a prison guard for 18 years and I always thought I was tough," Painter said. "Like I always tell my guys, you can be the toughest man in the world and never leave your house."

"This is about testing my skill levels, and there is really no hatred or anger involved."

The fast-growing sport continues to grow in Pontiac. Painter said he is looking to move the organization from its 215 W. Madison Street facility to a bigger space by this spring. There are currently eight fighters that train regularly, but Painter said that there are often more at any given time.

Painter said that Pontiac MMA is open from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday with the men training on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while women train on Tuesday and Thursday. Entry cost is $30 a month. More information is available by calling (309) 825-5022.