Tallahassee, FL - Trapped inside a caged octagon measuring 20 feet by 20 feet can be a daunting challenge. Throw in someone beating you down while in there. Well, then you have what's taking place in the a mixed martial arts fight.
MMA fighter Josh Samman says, " A lot of fighting is sort of a territorial thing, and I think that we'll be defending our territory well. "
Samman will be fighting once again in Ubersmash III and this time, he and hometown Tallahassee fighters are getting a distinct advantage on their approach. They're getting to train in the actual octagon that will be uses in the April 24 fight night.
Samman says, "It's a huge, huge step for us. Not only for the gym, but for all of our fighters as well. Our opponents will be stepping into a cage that they've never been in, and this is our home, you know."
MMA fighter Tristan Payne adds, "It gives us a great advantage. I mean we get to practice in it every day, just different techniques. We have these rings and whatever, a lot of people have mat space, but nothing is like being in the cage and getting feel for doing takedowns in the cage and stuff like that. It's definitely going to be to our advantage."
The fighters have been spending a couple hours a day training with the feel of steel around them, and they hope that will open the door more victories at Ubersmash III.