Mixed Martial Arts Event: Managua, Nicaragua

When I heard that there was going to be an MMA fight in Managua I was cautiously excited. I say cautious because you never know what level of fighters will be at these types of events. With VIP tickets going for $20 USD I figured it was worth the risk.  Elisha & I hooked up with some friends who also wanted to go to the fights. With some trepidation we drove to Managua for the big event. Our fingers were crossed as we hoped for a good tilt.

The MMA event was being held at Moods – a high end night club in the Galerias mall – in Managua.  The ring looked a little out of place in the middle of the club, in the area that must have normally been the dance floor. We made or way upstairs to the VIP section that overlooked the ring.  The tables that were placed around the railing were reserved (or already taken) which meant we didn’t have anywhere to sit or stand where we would be able to comfortably see the fight.

Luckily we spotted our friend Johnny G – at this point we knew we were all good.  As with most things the best way to get what you want is not to pay for it, but to know “a guy”. Johnny G has his hands in a little bit of everything in Nicaragua. Nica Life Realty, SanJuanSurf, Adelante Express and about five other things (that I don’t have all the details on) and MMA.

Two minutes after spotting Johnny we were seated in a private section of the club where we had concierge service for the open bar.  We were so close to the ring that we could reach out and touch the corner post from where we were seated. “Our guy” had hooked us up with some amazing seats.  We were stoked!

This fight was a televised event.  It was during a break an hour or so into the event when a reporter and camera man approached our group.  They were looking for a chele (white boy) they could interview in English so Elisha volunteered me.

The reporter asked me what my thoughts were regarding the talent level of these Central American fighters. They were as good as any of the “King of the Cage” fights that I have been to in Canada.  The venue was far classier than anywhere I’ve been to watch a fight – especially after our upgrade from the VIP section to the elite box. Thank you Johnny G – you are the man!

This has been one of our most fun nights out in Nicaragua. We will definitely be waiting and watching for the next big event so we can do it all again!