Daily Herald: They Call Him Sunshine

What do you think of when you hear the words ‘Xtreme Fighting?’ Brad Pitt and Edward Norton in the modern-day cult classic film “Fight Club”? Or perhaps you envision street-tough thugs beating each other to a bloody pulp to get attention, let out aggression or just for the heck of it.

Not if you’re Matt Fiordirosa, 21, from Ingleside, who considers his profession, “A big time rush.” Sporting the nickname “Sunshine” and standing only 5-foot-7 and 145 pounds, Matt doesn’t enter the eight-cornered ring known as the “Octagon” to brighten up his opponents’ days but rather to capitalize on his already 4-1 record. He’s been fighting for only one year and has already turned pro, something which just a few years ago would have been impossible given that the sport was considered illegal in most states.

 “There used to be no rules, no referee, no doctors or judges,” explains Fiordirosa. In states like California and Hawaii it was considered on a par with cock fights. Today the sport has become legalized and, consequently, organized. That means no more half-hour matches that go without being called until one opponent just keels over. Now there are rules and maximums, allowing for three three-minute matches, and three five-minute matches for championship fights. The bouts are judged by professionals, and doctors and coaches are always on hand. There is also a requirement now for protective gear inclusive of mouth guard, four-ounce knuckle-covering gloves and protective cup.

The sport itself is a combination of martial arts, like Jujitsu, along with wrestling, boxing and even kick boxing. There are few rules to Xtreme Fighting, which is exactly what fans of the sport say attracts them and the critics find repulsive. The few things fighters may not do include biting, gouging their opponent's eyes or throwing punches to the back of the head. 

Nowadays, the sport is holding its own along side other professional events and is, accordingly, basking in the media spotlight with magazines like Newsweek and FHM, and television networks like Spike TV and Pay-Per-View touting the matches as the sport events to watch.

However, not everyone is a supporter. “I love him but I can’t watch him fight,” says mom, Camille Fiordirosa. She finds the whole environment of the matches disturbing. “There’s crazy people there screaming ‘kill him, kill him!’” she says shaking her head.

Opponents of Xtreme Fighting claim that it is dangerous because it is far less regulated than other forms of fighting, such as boxing.  Proponents, on the other hand, are quick to point out that although the sport looks much more dangerous than other combat sports, no ultimate fighter has ever died in the U.S. as the result of a match. 

For those who don’t mind being hit, Xtreme Fighting can be a lucrative proposition. At the pro level, fighters are paid just to show up, extra if they win and sometimes even a percentage of the house. Fiordirosa is considering taking a semester off from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside where he is majoring in Sports Management to pursue his career. “I make more here than at any other job I’ve ever had.” With some professionals making as much as $50,000-$75,000 per bout, the sky seems to be the limit.

Fiordirosa’s next match is scheduled for August 19 at Sideouts Bar & Grill in Island Lake, with a big show to follow at the Sears Centre on November 11. To see Matt Fiordirosa in action log on to: http://www.sportpics.com/1stdraft.mp4.