Alex Faglier and Aubrey Rion face off during a mixed marital arts cage fight, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 16, 2012.18 fighters came to Shaw for the event and were paired together for 9 fights, which included the highlight of the night, Shaw's own Staff Sgt. Ferdinando Acerra, 20th Maintenance Operation Squadron maintenance instructor and professional mixed martial arts fighter, took down Latrone Walter.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
Mixed martial arts fighters enter the cage before the mma fight at the fitness center, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 12, 2012. Earlier in the day the fighters weighed in at the Carolina Skies Club and Conference Center and evaluated their competition. After the fight, Team Shaw members were invited to Carolina Skies for an after party. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
U.S. Army Sgt. Jesse Hertzog, 82nd Airborne Division reenlists after winning a cage fight against Jonathan Noah at the fitness center, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 12, 2012. Hertzog along with 17 other fighters were paired together for nine fights. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
William Brown and Daniel Walker face off at the second ever mixed martial arts cage fight at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 12, 2012. Earlier in the day the fighters weighed in at the Carolina Skies Club and Conference Center and got a sense of their competition. After the fight, Team Shaw members were invited to Carolina Skies for an after party. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ferdinando Acerra, 20th Maintenance Operation Squadron maintenance instructor and professional mixed martial arts fighter, warms at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C, Oct. 12, 2012. Acerra won his fight against Latrone Walter, defending his belt for the second time at Shaw. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
Team Shaw members gather at the fitness center for the mixed marital arts cage fight, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 12, 2012. 18 fighters came to Shaw for the event and were paired together for 9 fights.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
Josh Stuart and his coach talk as he recovers after the first round of his fight against Jurraun Gamble at the mixed marital arts cage fight, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 16, 2012. Stuart won the fight after Gamble tapped out in the second round. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
by Airman Nicole Sikorski
20th Fighter Wing/ Public Affairs
10/16/2012 - SHAW AIR FORCE BASE -- More than 500 people gathered at the second ever mixed martial arts cage fight here at the fitness center Oct. 12.
18 fighters came to Shaw for the event and were paired together for 9 fights, to included Shaw's own Staff Sgt. Ferdinando Acerra, 20th Maintenance Operation maintenance instructor and professional mixed martial arts fighter. Acerra took down Latrone Walter in the first round.
Acerra defending his belt for the second time says that fighting at Shaw is amazing.
"I love the support I get from everyone at Shaw and the energy I get is crazy," said Acerra.
The V.I.P doors opened at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to those with general admission. The fight started at 7:00 p.m. and lasted two hours.
Earlier in the day the fighters weighed in at the Carolina Skies Club and Conference Center and evaluated their competition.
According to Derrick Rhems, 20th Force Support Squadron marketing and promotions director, the event was no doubt a successful one.
"The 20th Force Support Squadron was pleased to present our second MMA event for the Airmen of Team Shaw," said Rhems. "The proceeds are returned to Shaw's Morale Welfare and Recreation fund. It was a great event and (FSS is looking forward to bring similar type entertainment to Team Shaw)."
After the fight, Team Shaw members were invited to Carolina Skies for an after party.
