MMA fighters and spectators come together to support veterans
By: DAVID KLOECKENER
Assistant Sports Editor
On Saturday Oct. 26th, the Chaifetz Arena will be hosting Warriors for Heroes MMA vs. PTSD. Doors open at 6pm and festivities (singing of National Anthem, introducing fighters, judges or referees, etc.) start 6:30. The first fight will start at 7pm. Event coordinators and staff are looking forward to having a good event to support veterans.
“We’re hoping to raise a lot of money for returning veterans,” Dave Mirikitani, Director of Promotions said. “That’s the goal of this event.”
The organization helping put on this event is the Adam Muffler Memorial Orga (AMMO). AMMO was started this year in memory of Adam Muffler who served two tours overseas and committed suicide after starting his MMA career. Muffler was a fighter from the St. Louis area who had PTSD and was 1-1 in his fighting career.
When looking at the national average for suicides amongst military personnel who come back from overseas with PTSD is high with 22 soldiers a day.
According to Mirikitani, MMA is a good sport for veterans because it has some of the same skills as when they were in the military.
“These guys are doing whatever they can do to make the best of their lives and MMA is a good way to do that,” Mirikitani said. “It’s a good way to relieve aggression and a way to be apart of a team.”
There will be 22 men and women fighting on Saturday including STLCC alumnus Mark “Tricky” Dickman. Dickman is a two time All-American wrestler while in the wrestling program at the Meramec campus in ’02-’03.
Dickman has an overall of 6-1-0 in his MMA career. He has held titles such as Cage of Honor Lightweight Champion and Shofight MMA Champion.
All proceeds will go to rehabilitative treatment for returning veterans suffering from PTSD. For tickets and donations, visit http:/ammo-usa.org.
