SUBMITTED PHOTO The Ascendancy Fighting Championship will have a show at the Tama Ballroom on Saturday, Oct. 14, starting at 6 p.m. Marshalltown area fighters such as Cyrus Mathes, center, will compete.

Fight fans in Marshall and Tama counties will have a chance to watch local athletes compete in the Ascendency Fight Championship (AFC) on Saturday, Oct. 14 in Tama.

Held in the Tama Ballroom, participating fighters from Marshalltown include William Alman, Lawrence Dye, Cyrus Mathes and Micah Youngbear.

AFC owner Matt Rider, 41, of Ankeny, said he tries to bring bouts to the Marshall and Tama counties area frequently . . . but not enough to make it watered down or for the enthusiasm to go stale.

“All of these fighters always bring a fun crowd with them,” he said. “Cyrus Mathes is one of the two best junior [kickboxers] in Iowa.”

Mathes will fight Kale Myers for the junior title during the Tama event.

The fun crowd is a big reason why AFC continues to return, and Rider said he has been showing in Marshalltown the past several years.

“Event attendance is always hit or miss,” he said. “But Marshalltown and Tama — those fans really enjoy their combat sports, and they support their fighters. It is always a high-energy crowd, which makes it fun. The fighters also do a good job of supporting each other.”

Rider said there has been an increased interest in combat sports in the local area, and credits the success of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The UFC has helped make the sport more mainstream.

“Before, people thought this was just a bloodsport,” he said. “The UFC has helped bring it to the average Joe’s home. People understand the MMA (mixed martial arts) events are not just some Mad Max movie – fighters getting into the cage and beating each other. These might be former accountants, teachers, who follow rules and regulations.”

In fact, MMA is now part of the Iowa Athletic Commission, which ensures licensing and registration for events. That also means athletes younger than 18 cannot compete in MMA fights, but can only participate in kickboxing.

After the bout in Tama, Rider said he will look at the different options in Marshall and Tama counties for future events. One fight event was scheduled in Marshalltown this month, but unfortunately, it was canceled.

“It is dependent on the gyms,” he said. “I know the fans are ready to go.”

AFC EVENT DETAILS:

Location: Tama Ballroom, 1411 E. 5th St., Tama

Date: Saturday, Oct. 14

Time: 6 p.m.

Tickets: $30 general admission, $45 for table, $55 for ringside

Order: nitrotickets.com or at the door

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 211 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.