Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Clash of the Titans

Why stay glued to the Ultimate Fighting Championship on the boob tube when Vermont’s own contenders can be found duking it out at the Burlington Brawl? Memorial Auditorium is home to the mixed-martial-arts bonanza, featuring 14 to 16 fights throughout the night. The brawl, created in 2007 by Vermont Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Slef-Defense Academy owner Julio Fernandez, was actually the idea of his renowned late instructor, Carlson Gracie Sr. — and it’s picking up steam. “We usually just had fighters from Vermont, but now we’re having interest from other states. It’s getting bigger,” says co-organizer Suzy Fernandez, noting that two Ohioans and one New Yorker will join the scuffle this time around. The “anything goes” bouts display styles and disciplines ranging from boxing to wrestling to Russian sambo to muay Thai. You can work up a sweat ringside.