What compels a fighter to enter the octagon? Is it glory? Is it for the love of pain? Whatever the reason, it takes a special breed to agree to such violence. Sure there are rules in Mixed Martial Arts, but really once that bell rings, make no mistake about it, it’s a brawl.

Nearly 5000 fans saw 10 fights this past weekend at CageFest Xtreme All-In at the Ted Constant Center. Most of the nights fights didn’t make it out of the first round. Even the main event was quick. Kyle Baker defeated Drew Fickett with a tap out just 1:37 in the first round.

The crowd seemed to enjoy the quick action, quick results from some of the undercard.  The women’s fight between Stacy Grant and Linda Cunningham went the distance. Grant won by decision.

While going the distance prolongs the excitement, fight fans love to see fights won by submission. You know the arm bar, leg bar and the choke. Virana Brown from Richmond was choked out by Robert Conner. Brown told me after the fight that his time out was “peaceful.” Brown said he felt refreshed after regaining his senses.

It’s easy to see how this type of fighting is not for everyone. And it’s also just as easy to see the appeal of man to man combat. Fight promoter Ricky Piece says he can’t wait to bring MMA back to Hampton Roads. And that’s good news for local fight fans.