Mixed martial arts fights to punch up Payson's Onion Days

PAYSON — When a mixed martial arts training facility in a Salem gym was given the go-ahead with staged events banned, fight promoters looked to Payson for a venue.

Team Unbreakable, which will train at Brent Moser's new South Valley Gym, set to open in about a month in Salem, already has held one fight event this summer and plans another Saturday as part of Golden Onion Days, Payson's annual city celebration, which started Friday and runs through Monday.

When the "City of Peace" turned thumbs down on holding fights there, Payson officials welcomed the state-sanctioned events with open arms.

Some eight fights are planned in a cage set inside the Payson High School football field. Most are professional bouts featuring fighters using various forms of martial arts. Most of the fighters come from Utah, Las Vegas and Elko, Nev., Moser said

Ultimate fighter champ Court McGee is expected to make a guest appearance.

Dubbed Maximus III, the event has a small purse with $500 as the top prize. All professional fighters leave with some pay, whether they win or lose, Moser said. A couple of amateur fights also are expected.

Gates open at 6 p.m., and the fights run from 7 to 10 p.m., said Karl Teemant of the city recreation department. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $15 for students and $100 for VIP seating.

Golden Onion Days began with a kickoff concert featuring Nathan Osmond and his band at the Peteetneet outdoor amphitheater.

Other events include a baby contest, pig wrestling, firefighter's open house, a high school football game, soccer and softball tournaments, helicopter rides, lawnmower racing and other events. For more information, go to www.paysonutah.org.

e-mail: rodger@desnews.com