The Guns-N-Hoses submission fight grappling face-off is the latest inventive fundraiser to be hosted by the San Bernardino firefighters.
All proceeds, which event planners estimate should be between $7,000 to $10,000, will benefit fallen firefighters and law enforcement officers. “It’s another way that we try to address the age old issue: who is better, cops or firefighters” said firefighter Tom Rubio. “And if we can bring folks into the city for an event and it benefits a charity, then it’s an even better good cause.” The June 20 show will be held at Adrenaline Combat Sports & Fitness in San Bernardino. About 1,000 people are expected to be sitting ringside. The local “All-Stars” team will pit nine city and county firefighters against nine Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies. Weight class will determine who faces off in two four-minute bouts within the large black cage. Grappling matches combine wrestling, sambo and jujitsu techniques. Striking, biting, eye gouging and hair pulling is not allowed.
“We’re not trying out for the Mixed Martial Arts event. We’ve all got day jobs we’ve got to return to,” said Wayne Womack, a city firefighter who is organizing the event. “We enter into the cage as competitors and we leave as lifelong brothers.”