A UK promotion is to stage MMA fights between wheelchair-bound fighters for, as far as we know, the first time anywhere in the world.
“The Wheeled Warriors group and the Ultimate Cage Fighting Championships have joined forces to put on a series of bouts with fighters in wheelchairs and also amputees under MMA rules. It will take place later this year in South Yorkshire,” Fighters Only was informed today by Colin Woods, head of Wheeled Warriors.
“We have come together to bring both amputees and wheeled fighters into the ring to compete just like any other.”
“It is clear this concept is well-received and ahead of its time as very few would expect something of its kind to come to fruition so soon. To conclude, this is a great collaboration which surely will improve sports and will continue to grow for the foreseeable future. Both sides are gaining opportunities.”
The fighters will compete on specially-made wheelchairs that are adaptable to various sports such as basketball, football or even as an off-road vehicle for activities such as mountain-biking. Designed by SporTech DSC, they can also be used for both MMA and boxing.
Seriously though, those are good questions. I don't see how there could possibly be a grappling aspect of the fight. I mean, I'll give it a chance but it just seems like boxing to me.
I would understand if these athletes want to satiate their appetite to compete, but this, to me, is horrible. Too each his own, but I personally don't watch MMA cards to see competitors slug it out like street thugs. I'm always hoping to observe some amazing technique(s), e.g. footwork, striking, tdd, grappling, jj, sub defense...etc. This promotion can't showcase that.
I can't see how this is helpful to the sport and its validity. Blurgh.
meh i'm all for equality, i say good for them if they have enought participants for this, i'm sure the fighters themselves are just happy to be able to compete. I just wouldn't expect too much mainstream exposure for this. i mean they have adaptations of virtually every sport out there of disabled individuals, why not mma, just as long as they don't promote it as a freak show, have at it.
UK Promotion Planning First Ever Wheelchair MMA Fights | MMA NEWS 
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