Woodward, Okla. — Steel-cage mixed martial arts (MMA) fighting returns to Woodward this Saturday, with several bouts featuring local fighters.

Amateurs, pros and super heavyweights are on the card for "Fists of Fury 4."  Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, with the action set to kick off at 8 p.m.  

Due to the past popularity of MMA events, Fists of Fury has been moved to Crystal Beach Stadium to allow more fans to attend.  Promoter James Morris said that some 500 persons had to be turned away from the last event in February as the crowd had filled the county fair barn to capacity.

He said the new venue offers "Plenty of room, no bad seats and no obstructed views."

Morris said he enjoys putting on MMA events in Woodward because they are appreciated and supported by area residents.

"Plus, (the crowd has) cheered many of these guys when they were in high school sports, and now they've come back trying to become professionals" in MMA fighting, he said.



LOCAL TO FIGHT FOR TITLE BELT

Mike "The Fightin' Firefighter" Wickware is one of the local amateur MMA fighters who is contemplating turning pro.

"I haven't made a final decision yet," said Wickware, who is a Woodward firefighter. "I think I'll have a few more amateur matches, and discuss it with my family."

So far Wickware's career is off to a good start.  During this weekend's fights, the undefeated Wickware will be competing for the amateur-level Oklahoma State Title Belt. He will be taking on another undefeated MMA cage fighter, Trent "Big Red" Wilkerson of Oklahoma City.

Wickware said he got interested in mixed martial arts shortly after he began his firefighting career.

"I went to a gym, looking for ways to stay in shape," and some cage fighters there caught his eye, he said.

"Mixed martial arts translates very well to firefighting," said Wickware. "The effort that is put forth in MMA really helps with firefighting skills."

He said his sponsor, Kwik Rentals, has been an integral part of the success he's experienced thus far.



OTHER LOCAL FIGHTERS

Another of the locals who will be seen in action Saturday is Josh Watson.  While attending Woodward High School, Watson played soccer and basketball and ran cross-country.  He graduated from WHS 2009.

Watson will be making his MMA debut after recently returning from 9-months service with the National Guard in Afghanistan, where his duties included patrolling in the mountains, searching for Taliban members.

When asked about how he got started in MMA, Watson said, "I had a friend tell me about it, and I thought I'd try it."

Saturday's match will be his first amateur fight.  His opponent has yet to be determined.

Watson is joined by several other local first-time fighters including Tanner "The Hammer" Smith, Charles "HK" Everett, Frankie Chandler, and Lynard Madara, all of Woodward.

Another local fighter Jarrett "Tops" Walden, of Fargo, will be competing in his second career cage-fight.  His record is 0-1.



AMATEURS TO FIGHT FIRST, FOLLOWED BY PROS

Organizer Morris said the amateur bouts, the match-ups for which are still to be announced, will kick off the evening's events.  The pros will face off later during the action, as will Wickware/Wilkerson in the Title Belt match.

Pro encounters include Sterling "The Iron Roughneck" Lenz (0-1) of Watonga.

"He was undefeated as an amateur," said Morris. "So after his loss in his professional debut in Woodward in February, he will be looking to turn things around."

Lenz will be squaring off against an undefeated pro, Ricky "The Razor" Boen of Oklahoma City, said Morris.



A COUPLE OF 'BIG BOYS' WILL SPAR

A super heavyweight matchup is also planned, Morris said.

"That will pit former pro football player and college football star Quinton Jones of Garden City, Kan. (a.k.a. 'The 1-Man Gang'), against Kekaula 'The Bodysnatcher' Hussey from Dallas, Texas," he said.

Jones tips the scales at 365 pounds, while Hussey weighs in at about 360, Morris said.

Ringside and general admission tickets are now on sale at United Supermarkets, Sam's CDs, and Razien Metals.  Tickets will also be available at the door. For more information, contact Morris at (817) 366-1784.