Mixed Martial Arts

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Story Published: Mar 31, 2009 at 9:29 AM MST

Story Updated: Mar 31, 2009 at 9:29 AM MST

By KIDK Staff

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IDAHO FALLS - Like some kind of rock star, Justin Erickson is introduced to the packed crowd, but seconds later, he's forced to trim his fingernails. Another fighter will be forced to cut his toe nails before entering the cage for the fastest growing sport in America, mixed martial arts. Erickson's opponent in this bout is David Robinson, an officer at the juvenile detention center. Word of warning to local juveniles, if you get in trouble, don't mess with David. He broke Justin Erickson's rib to win the fifth fight of his career.

And these guys do this for nothing: a little gold medal if they win, a face that looks like forty miles of bad road if they lose. And 19 year old William Cook, a grocery clerk from Victor, has lost every fight he's had.

By the way, these aren't all just kids. 42 year old Steve Pillot is a former Boise State quarterback, and a professional tri athlete, but here he is in a cage fighting an opponent less than half his age.

This sport is all about submission, making your opponent give up, and fans seem to love it.

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