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First Morgantown MMA Fight a Raging Success

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MORGANTOWN -

The Morgantown Events Center was packed on Saturday night with very eager MMA or Mixed Martian Arts fans that, for only the second time in the state of West Virginia, got to take in a fight live.

A lot of the fighters that fought on Saturday night were excited about coming home and fighting in front of a local crowd, but that path to get here was a long time coming.

"For roughly ten years, since 2001, we've been fighting to make MMA legal in West Virginia. Last year, we finally made it through with the help of a lot of guys, and actually UFC was very instrumental in helping us as well. We had a strong grass roots effort too from people like myself and from West Virginia so finally MMA is legal," Charleston MMA Gym Owner Butch Hiles said.

Now that the back story is out of the way, let's get to the fights. Six West Virginians were featured in 11 bouts throughout the night. The sold out Event Center received the sport well and for one local fighter, Nathan "Bamm" Bryant, receiving a welcome reception isn't something that he's used to.

"Just coming out to cheers instead of jeers, people supporting you, it's going to make it electric and fun. You're going to be pumped already to go out there and fight as opposed to 'Aw man, all these people are booing me,' you have a more positive attitude and mindset before getting into the cage," Bryant added.

Bamm put up a great fight and gave his opponent a big goose egg, but took a knee to the face which took him down. Don't worry, he'll rebound and fight again, but now that the gates are open expect Bamm, and this sport to break out throughout the state.

"West Virginia never saw a boxer make the big time, but West Virginia will see a MMA fighter make the big time for sure," Hiles added.

MMA fans, if you didn't get a chance to check things out at the Morgantown Events Center Saturday night have no fear, organizers did announce that they will be back for another bout in April so make sure you check out their web site NAAFS.tv for ticketing information.