Subdued isn't the first word that comes to mind to describe a cage fight, unless you are talking about what the fighters do to each other.
But Saturday night's Rumble in the Park II at Woodward Park's Rotary Amphitheater was a much different event from rumble No. 1.
The ring girl bikinis that widened eyes in August were replaced by long pants and tight T-shirts.
Saturday's Rumble in the Park II at Woodward Park's Rotary Amphitheater was much different from rumble No. 1. For example, the ring girl bikinis that widened eyes in August were replaced by pants and T-shirts.
The Playboy Energy Drink bus was moved to a back parking lot, and the two "bunnies" who came to pitch the drink had on more clothing than many of the women in the audience.
Even the crowd was smaller than the 4,500 who packed the amphitheater to watch Fresno's first outdoor cage fight Aug. 23.
Promoter Rick Mirigian said concessions to city officials led to the more modest clothing, and he suspected the weather kept many fans at home.
"We've had a lot of online refunds, probably because the weather pages say it's raining, even though it's dry," Mirigian said.
Threats of rain didn't keep everyone away, though. More than 2,500 fans were at the fight, and one not-such-a-fan was out front, holding a sign urging city officials to ban further cage fights in the park.
"I love this park, but it's a place for quiet, not for fights. Fights should be held downtown, and I hope that's what will happen," said Al Perry of Fresno.
Mirigian said that despite the lower attendance, he still thinks the amphitheater is a great venue for mixed martial arts events.
"There are still a lot more people here than you would see at a typical MMA fight. This venue gives people a better view of the action and has a better feel to it," Mirigian said.
Michelle Perry, who is unrelated to the protester, said the rumble Saturday was the third MMA event that she had gone to see, and her second at Woodward Park.
"This is a much better place to watch a cage fight. The seating is better, and you are closer to the cage than you are at casinos," Perry said.
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