MMA: Throwdown Showdown has good fight schedule

PROVO — Mixed martial arts fans crowded into the Loft Thursday night to watch the fighters weigh in for Friday night's Throwdown Showdown V at UVU's McKay Events Center.

With three title fights and six other promising matchups, fight fans should get more than their money's worth. The undercard starts at 6:15, and the main event fights begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale through Smith'sTix.

The headline fight is Josh "The People's Warrior" Burkman vs. Brandon "The Murderer" Melendez.

Burkman took a year off after fighting in the UFC, but promised fans a thriller, as the two men are not fond of each other.

The lightweight championship will offer up two local favorites in a rematch. Rad Martinez, the reigning champion, will face Steven "Razor" Sharp, whom he beat in an earlier meeting.

"Last time, Rad could pretty much take me down any time he wanted," said Sharp, referring to the former college wrestling champion's grappling skills. "This time, I'm going to make it a fight no matter where we're at."

While Sharp's strength is to stand and fight, Martinez has had the advantage on the ground.

"I'm going to plan to stand a little more this time," said Martinez.

In the featherweight championship, Enoch "The Animal" Wilson will square off against Steve "Super" Siler.

"It's going to be a fast-paced fight. I'm going to have to be smart," said Wilson. "Steve is a very good fighter."

Even the undercard is much anticipated, as Tandi Schaeffer, a trainer for many of the fighters, takes on Brittany Schmid. In another undercard, Sean Whalen will square off against Eduardo Rivera.

The main event will start with Dave "Pretty Dangerous" Allred vs. Jamie "Boogie" Anton (155 pounds). Then, Logan Hancock will fight Ramsey Nigel (170).

Jordan "They call me Mister" Smith will take on Bristol Marunde (185). Smith is a middle-school teacher.

e-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com