By Quintin Harlan, Herald Bulletin Sports Writer
ANDERSON — Ring announcer Joe York’s signature line seems the best way to describe the end of all the waiting for tonight’s War in The Yard mixed martial arts card at Hoosier Park.
“It’s time to get nasty,” York exclaims before every main event he’s announced.
York will be one of five local participants involved with tonight’s first-ever MMA show at Hoosier Park.
The four others that will be in the cage that evening will be Anderson fighters Troy King and Tristan Yunker, Pendleton’s Kevin Barkdull and referee John Manley, a local attorney based out of Pendleton.
“I’ve been doing this (officiating MMA matches) for 10 years,” said Manley. “Doing of show of this quality means a lot too me.”
“I’m thrilled for the entire thing,” said York. “My hope is that this show sets the standard for MMA in Indiana.”
That seems to be the goal of promoters Gary Meyers, Steve Fritz and David Wells.
The card has 10 fights and Meyers is proud to tell anyone that none of the fights will be easy.
“There will be no walkthroughs,” Meyers said during Friday’s press conference. “Every one of these fights is going to be tough.”
For Fritz, Friday served as a time for publicly thanking and apologizing to everyone involved in the card.
“I just want to thank all the fighters for putting up with all the late night phone calls from me,” said Fritz. “I have some friends (fighting) on this card and I’ve made some new friends here as well.”
In all there will be 10 fights on the card which gets under way at 8 p.m. The fights will be in the Hoosier Park yard just north of the racing picnic area.
There will be two women’s bouts on the card. Buffi Hayes (2-2) will take on Suzy Smith (2-2) in a women’s featherweight match. Jodi Sprague (1-0) will take on Priscilla Brownfield (0-0) in a women’s flyweight contest.
“I’m looking forward to having the fight of the night,” said Sprague.
“I just want to thank the fans,” said Smith. “The fans are what make this (MMA) happen.”
The night will begin with a pair of light-heavyweight contests. In the opening fight of the night, Lorenzo Hood (4-0) will take on David Morris (4-3). The second fight on the card will feature a rematch between Chris Price (14-3) and Anderson’s Troy King (15-5).
In a featherweight bout, Tommy Hayden (5-1) will battle Dustin Neace (27-13-1).
A “Battle of Indiana” will then take place as welterweights Daniel Head of Kokomo and Pendleton’s Kevin Barkdull will collide in the cage.
“All I can promise is that after tomorrow, I’ll be in the first row for the rest of the show,” said Head.
“I just want there to be fireworks,” said Barkdull.
Anderson’s Tristan Yunker will step into the cage to take on Keith Wisniewski in what is billed as a “Super Bout.”
In the first of two main events, Ryan Stout will clash with Ryan Thomas.
“This is the best training camp I’ve ever had,” said Stout. “He’s a tough opponent and I’ll expect him to bring out the best in me.”
“There’s going to be fireworks,” said Thomas. “Anderson really supports the fighters, I’m happy to be here.”
In the evenings main event, UFC veteran Jason Gilliam will take on Jon Meyer in a welterweight contest.
“I’m just happy to be here and Gary is someone I’ve looked up to in wrestling for a long time,” said Gilliam. “I’m happy to be dealing with him.”
The show gets underway at 8 p.m. Tickets are still available at Shelby’s Gifts at Hoosier Park. The show will also be available on Internet pay per view for $20 at 323link.com.
Special guests scheduled to appear are UFC welterweight contender Chris “Lights Out” Lytle along with fellow Season four castmate of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ “Mr. International” Shonie Carter. Former MMA competitor and original American Gladiator Terrance “Cobra” Crumpton will be one of the judges for the evening.
“I want to thank everyone for having me,” Carter said to the crowd at the weigh ins. “I want to thank (Hoosier Park) for having this and I’m looking forward to helping anyone I can.”
