MMA Expo This Weekend

Now, Hawaii has always been huge for mixed martial arts.  From watching it on TV and the Blaisdell, to supporting it by buying the clothing, and, in some cases, participating in it, Hawaii has played a big part in the growth and popularity of MMA in the country.  In fact, some of the better fighters in the business have made Hawaii a training center for their exploits.

So, it really comes with much shock that the first MMA expo is happening this weekend.  You would think that this would have occurred sooner, but I guess not.

Over 200 MMA and fiteness exhibitors will be on hand for the three day event, which also promises appearances from the biggest names in MMA, such as local heroes Egan Inoue and Niko Vitale, fitness models Brandy Leaver and Priscilla Tuft, two time women’s boxing world champion Mia “The Knockout” St. John, Tanoai Reed aka TOA from American Gladiators, and the undisputed UFC light heavyweight champion “The Prodigy” BJ Penn.

There’s also the PACSUB grappling championships going on at during the expo, so there’s tons of action available this weekend.

The expo runs this weekend: Friday, 3pm-10pm; Saturday, 9am-9pm; and Sunday 9am-5pm at the Neil Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.

Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for military (with valid ID), $3 for kids 7-12 and free for kids 6 and under.  Three day passes are also available for $18.

For more information, check out Hawaii MMA Expo.

EliteXC: Return of the King

This Saturday marks the return of EliteXC to the Blaisdell Arena.  Besides EliteXC, it also marks the return of KJ Noons to the ring as King Karl defends his World Lightweight Title against the very dangerous Yves Edwards.  Also on the card is local hero and iCON middleweight champion Kala “Kolohe” Hose taking on Geoff Bumstead, MMA star Nick Diaz, and state champ Mark Oshiro returning to action.

All this goes down at 3pm this Saturday at the Blaisdell Arena.  You got three option to watch this fight.  You cna watch it live at the Blaisdell, where tickets are going fast; the Main Card on Showtime; or the prelims on proelite.com (membership required).