Some elite mixed martial arts fighters might be coming to a base near you. A former Marine who helped coordinate an MMA combat clinic at three West Coast Marine bases in October is hoping to bring a similar event to the East Coast this spring.
The East Coast events will likely mirror events held at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., and MCAS Yuma, Ariz., this fall. All three taught boxing and wrestling techniques from the pros, included famed Ultimate Fighters Randy Couture and Gray Maynard. The clinics also included lessons from combat-experienced fighters on how to incorporate MMA on the battlefield.
“I care about the Marine Corps so much because I’ve been in the boots, and I’ve been downrange,” said former Cpl. Lex McMahon, son of the late Marine Col. Ed McMahon, who is best known for his role as Johnny Carson’s longtime sidekick on “The Tonight Show.” “This is a no-brainer. It’s my way of giving back to the Corps and all the Marines that were there for me and my family when my father died.”
In fact, McMahon told Marine Corps Times he also would like to bring a similar event to Marines stationed in Afghanistan, although details are still being worked out. He is working with Marine officials on three options:
- A clinic like those on the West Coast.
- A meet-and-greet morale tour.
- A live fighting event.
McMahon also is looking to bring a live fighting event back to Camp Pendleton and possibly MCAS Yuma. The event, called “Pure Combat,” is likely to target about 10,000 Marines and their families and will probably be held in the football field behind the Paige Field House at Pendleton. Plans are too preliminary for Yuma, he said.
If you’re wondering what the events might look like, here are some pics from the October clinics.
Staff Sgt. Jonathan Walsh, a Mixed Martial Arts fighter from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, explains the importance of distance to surrounding Marines during a MMA visit Oct. 27. During the visit MMA fighters taught Marines the basics of MMA techniques. (Cpl. Deanne Hurla / Marine Corps)
Tahi Burns, MMA instructor and fighter, critiques Sgt. John Hall, weapons technician, 1st Marine Division, on proper grappling techniques during a special MMA clinic for Camp Pendleton Marines at Paige Fieldhouse on Oct. 26. (Lance Cpl. Damien Gutierrez / Marine Corps)
Jorge “El Conquistador” Rivera, MMA fighter, and Matt Phinney, boxing instructor, demonstrate striking techniques for Marines in the gym at the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., on Oct. 28. Train the Troops, sponsored and organized by Ranger Up, an MMA clothing company, visited the station to teach Marines mixed martial arts. (Cpl. Laura A. Mapes / Marine Corps)
Tim Credeur, MMA instructor and fighter, explains the proper procedures for handling a down opponent during a special MMA clinic for Camp Pendleton Marines at Paige Fieldhouse on Oct. 26. (Lance Cpl. Damien Gutierrez / Marine Corps)
