CEO, attendees react after 100-person brawl leads to 15 arrests during MMA event in Visalia
VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- 15 people were arrested, some facing multiple charges, and three officers were injured after a fight involving about 100 people broke out during an MMA event Saturday night.
The incident occurred during a 559 Fights event, an organization that has hosted more than 100 events over the past 15 years. Fans and organizers said they had never seen such behavior.
"I'm just, sad and extremely heartbroken for both the MMA community, the fans, especially the fighters that weren't able to compete at the event," said Jeremy Luchau, CEO of 559 Fights. "I am personally devastated that I didn't sleep this whole weekend."
Luchau said the organization has welcomed thousands of fans who support the sport but that some individuals involved in the brawl will likely be prohibited from attending future events.
"Knowing who sits where, we are able to backlist certain emails to keep them from purchasing in the future. We are really thankful for the police and security," Luchau said. "We are there to see a sport inside the cage. All the combat should take place inside of the cage, never outside."
Organizers said one of the incident's most difficult consequences was its impact on fighters who had prepared for the event. According to organizers, about six to eight athletes were unable to compete because of the disruption.
"My heart just goes out to those guys. I will be working with them behind the scenes to make sure we get them taken care of," Luchau said.
Liz Alva, a retired correctional officer who has attended several 559 Fights events to support her nephew, said the organization's events have traditionally been family-friendly despite the sport's intensity.
Alva attended when the fight broke out and described the scene.
"Disrespect, people yelling, cursing, so it just got really hectic. I was there with my mother, who is close to 80 years old, and we had to get her out of there, so it was really intense, because if she fell, it would have been very serious," Alva said.
Attendees said security personnel and responding officers acted quickly and helped prevent the situation from becoming worse.
Despite the incident, fans said they plan to continue supporting the 559 Fights organization, which organizers say has helped elevate mixed martial arts in the region.
"This is the mecca of MMA. We have worked really hard over the last 25 years to showcase this region. We are putting them on the UFC fight map," Luchau said.
The organization is now preparing for its next event at Eagle Mountain Casino. The casino said it is looking forward to a fun and safe turnout.
Meanwhile, the Visalia Police Department is reviewing video evidence and finalizing its investigation. Once the Tulare County District Attorney's Office reviews the case, more information is expected about the individuals involved and the charges they may face, including fighting in public and resisting arrest.
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