Firefighters to take on cops in grappling cage match
They will grapple in a cage to determine whether firefighters or cops have the most grit.
The Guns-N-Hoses submission fight grappling face-off is the latest inventive fundraiser to be hosted by the San Bernardino City firefighters.
All proceeds, which event planners estimate should be between $7,000 to $10,000, will benefit fallen firefighters and law enforcement officers.
"It's another way that we try to address the age old issue: who is better, cops or firefighters?" said firefighter Tom Rubio. "And if we can bring folks into the city for an event and it benefits a charity, then it's an even better good cause."
The June 20 show will be held at Adrenaline Combat Sports & Fitness in San Bernardino. About 1,000 people are expected to be sitting ringside when the hand-to-hand combat begins.
The local "All-Stars" team will pit nine city and county firefighters against nine Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies.
Weight class will determine who faces off in two four-minute bouts within the large black cage.
Grappling matches combine wrestling, sambo and jujitsu techniques. Striking, biting, eye gouging and hair pulling is not allowed.
"We're not trying out for the Mixed Martial Arts event. We've all got day jobs we've got to return to," said Wayne Womack, a city firefighter who is organizing the event. "We enter into the cage as competitors and we leave as lifelong brothers."
Points are awarded for various actions or positions. Contestants win the most points (four) if they pull off the back mount position. A winner is declared once someone "taps out," or indicates that they cannot continue grappling.
Ricardo Ponce, co-owner of Adrenaline Combat Sports, said he and his brother decided to open their venue for the grappling match because "it was an awesome idea."
Several firefighters who are signed up to grapple in June have been coming in for training, he said.
Event organizers say the grappling match will be a PG-14 show and is appropriate for teens and adults. Prior to the match, there will be a moment of silence to honor fallen public servants and a performance of "Amazing Grace." Food and ring girls will also be on hand.
For more information, call Wayne Womack at (949) 584-8139 or e-mail wayne@badgefights.com. Also, check out www.badgefights.com.
The firefighters should jump the cops and beat the shit out of them like the way those cops beat down that firefighter in Pomona.