by the Baltimore Sun:
Flying knees, heavy punches and elaborate limb twisting have made mixed martial arts one of the nation's fastest-growing sports attractions, but Maryland has steered clear of the spectacle - until now.
The state's first sanctioned mixed martial arts card, made up mostly of local fighters, is scheduled for Oct. 24 at 1st Mariner Arena, according to Patrick Pannella, executive director of the Maryland State Athletic Commission. The event will be the culmination of a long battle by local trainers and fans to gain acceptance.
The sport's sometimes bloody bouts have raised controversy because of their violent nature. But the spectacular knockouts and exotic fighting techniques have also led to explosive popularity. Ultimate Fighting Championship, the popular face of the sport, has drawn sellouts at arenas across the country, and more than 1.7 million households paid $55 a pop to view its July 11 show.
