Backyard Fighting; the Poor Mans UFC

Some individuals call it extreme backyard fighting (XBF) or backyard brawls, while others call it the poor mans version of the UFC. Regardless of what you call it, it is slowly becoming a popular underground sport. This article takes a look at this extreme sport.

My first experience with backyard fighting was in the movie "Every Which But Loose." In that movie, Philo Bedoe picked up extra cash by fighting outside the ring. Since that time, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has become a very popular sport. Besides being on television, they have very large pay per views.

Backyard fighting has recently been made popular by a fighter named Kimbo Slice. The You Tube web site has made a popular fighter out of Kimbo. You can find many of his fights on there. Kimbo is a legend in this style of fighting. Kimbo's old video crew is currently doing backyard fighting videos. These videos are getting millions of hits.

This type of fighting has become extremely organized. It is set up as the same way as ultimate fighting is conducted. You can use any form of fighting. Many types of martial arts are being used. Some fighters wear gloves, some are taped and many are bare knuckle fighters. The ring is twelve foot by twelve foot. A smaller ring makes for more action.

Extreme backyard fighting even have their own Facebook page. Another version of this backyard fighting is called the underground Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). They have a forum web site as well. There are some individuals that call it Full Contact Stupidity (FCS). When you view a fight, you often get that impression.

Espn's E60 recently did a segment on this extreme sport. Dhafir Harris is the promoter, matchmaker and referee. The fights have no time limits, no rounds and encourages non stop action. They are also unsanctioned. Most of his fights originate in Dade county Florida.

After watching several of the fight videos, I noticed that most of the individuals in attendance were from lower social economic backgrounds. Thus the title poor mans UFC.

I wonder if any laws are being broken? The fights aren't sanctioned, but is it wrong for two consenting adults to fight? I also wonder if there is betting going on with the fights?

One thing is for sure. It has a tremendous following. It is getting exposure both positive and negative.