Mixed martial arts takes center stage at E Center

Johnny Riche believes tonight's Throwdown Elite Quatro will not only be the biggest Mixed Martial Arts event in Utah history, but it will also be the best.

"There are some rising superstars competing this weekend," said Riche, who is the director of productions and promotions for Throwdown Elite, as well as one of the hosts of "The Cage," a radio show which discusses the sport of MMA on 1280 The Zone on Thursday nights at 7 p.m.

Riche predicted a sellout at the E Center, which for this event is about 8,500 fans. He said Utah has become "The Mecca of MMA."

"There are more Mixed Martial Arts training facilities per capita in Utah than in any other state," he said. "It's that competitive drive of the sport and also the fact that wrestling is so big here. High school wrestling is huge here ... and wrestling is the cornerstone of Mixed Martial Arts."

The show will feature local talent, as well as some of the best MMA talent in the Western United States.

The undercard starts at 6:15 p.m. and the main card at 7 p.m.

The heavyweight title fight features Hvy Ty Lee (7-0) vs. Ruben "Warpath" Villareal (14-15-7). One of the night's most intriguing matchups features Jordan Smith (9-0) vs. Richard Hale in the light heavyweight title fight.

Part of the sport's allure is the pace, while some of the attraction is the difficulty in predicting outcomes.

"It's just so compelling," Riche said. "It's a fast-paced, action-packed sport, and there are so many ways for the fight to end ... Also, each fighter has his own style."

Tickets are available at the E Center box office and by calling 801-361-1924.

E-MAIL: adonaldson@desnews.com