Photo By James Williams III | 44 soldiers across six weight classes competed during "Fort Irwin Fight Nights" that...... read more read more
FORT IRWIN, Calif.— Over three challenging days in late March, the mats at the National Training Center transformed into a spectacle worthy of airing on "Friday Night Fights." Showcasing raw endurance and tactical skill, 44 soldiers across six weight classes clashed during the Fort Irwin Fight Nights, a sprawling Army combatives tournament putting the warrior spirit on full display.
Anchoring the excitement of the tournament was an elite roster of visiting martial arts legends: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Master Carlos Machado, UFC fighter Natan Levy, Action Film Stars Cynthia Rothrock and Silvio Simac, Japanese Jiu-Jitsu Master Vince Cecere, Dr. Bob Goldman (20 World Strength Records), Boxing Champion Daisy Lang, and Grand Master Neil Farber.
The event was structured to push fighters to their limits while mirroring a Soldier's progression in close-quarters combat. Competitors navigated the preliminary and bracket rounds under basic Level 1 rules, emphasizing fundamental grappling and positional dominance, before advancing to the championship rounds governed by intermediate Pancrase rules—allowing open-hand strikes to the face alongside closed-hand strikes and kicks to the body.
Master Sgt. Bennett McKinnon, an Observer Coach/Trainer for the Scorpion Team in Operations Group, noted the sheer grit of the competitors as the tournament advanced. "I was surprised that the majority of the fights went the distance," McKinnon said. "There was a lot of really high intensity, especially when we got into the middle rounds."
In the morning of the tournament's final day, competitors were treated to a series of demonstrations and hands-on training with the celebrity martial artists. Cynthia Rothrock demonstrated her signature "Scorpion Kick," Daisy Lang took the group through flexibility and mental preparation exercises, and Silvio Simac explained the theory behind his striking techniques. Vince Cecere showed favor to the Military Police, ensuring the fighters and the audience understood the seriousness and professionalism of their real-world applications.
Master Machado asked the fighters what they were struggling with and provided direct instruction on how to overcome those challenges. Watching the fighters apply his teachings hours later during their bouts left a lasting impression on the Jiu-Jitsu pioneer.
"They did three hours non-stop, following instructions and being very diligent about applying the techniques," Machado observed. "As a matter of fact, I saw some guys that were actually doing instruction training earlier this morning competing later in the evening, and they were showing some stuff that they learned that day. So what does that tell you? The troops here, they're like sponges. They're ready. The more you feed them, the more they're going to get." While the visiting experts praised the fighters' hearts, they also provided candid feedback crucial for the program's evolution. Dr. Robert Goldman pointed out that technical refinement is the vital next step for the installation's competitors.
"I think they do need a lot more technical screening. These kids are still pretty inexperienced, but they make up for lack of experience with heart and drive and wanting to learn more," Dr. Goldman observed. "They just need to start getting a little bit more technical instruction from the folks. But... if they've got the drive, they can be really good down the road."
Machado formally offered his continued support to help bridge that technical gap, stating he would be willing to engage directly with Fort Irwin's trainers. "I could never anticipate, leaving the shores of Rio and coming to America, that there would come a day I'd be at a military base watching an amazing display of skills from several of the officers and soldiers. It's amazing."
By the championship rounds on March 27, the intensity skyrocketed, with Machado and Levy taking to the microphones to provide live commentary and serve as guest judges. The champions of each class are:
The action at Fort Irwin Fight Nights was more than just a competition; it was the physical manifestation of the Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP). As highlighted in recent force-wide discussions, the MACP is a critical tool for commanders to increase battlefield survivability and unit lethality.
Modernized to emphasize standing strikes, clinching, and subduing opponents, the MACP is broken into four distinct tiers:
While Fort Irwin currently relies on mobile training teams for Levels I and II, installation leadership is actively using the momentum from Fight Nights to expand the local footprint. McKinnon noted that while the local Jiu-Jitsu and Judo clubs are active at the Fight House behind Memorial Gym, the command's vision is much larger.
"The current command is working hard. They’re going to continue to push this program, they’re going to continue to build it up," McKinnon said. "Gonna get some new equipment, gonna start certifying some more individuals so we can actually start creating a legit club here that hopefully can start competing in—and really have a nice showdown at—the Lacerda Cup in the years to come."
While the event was a resounding success, there were notable absences. Martial arts icons Michael Jai White and Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, who were scheduled to attend, withdrew due to the untimely passing of their close friend Chuck Norris.
In a joint statement, their representatives shared:"Benny and Michael are incredibly disappointed and have sent their sincerest regrets to all of you, especially the men and women in uniform. We hold our military in the highest regard."
The Fort Irwin command and community responded with a message of solidarity:"The Fort Irwin Community sends its deepest condolences to the Norris family; Chuck represented everything great about the United States."
As bruises heal and fighters return to their units, the impact of the Fort Irwin Fight Nights remains clear. By putting the tournament front and center, the installation has proven its commitment to building stronger, more resilient, and undeniably more lethal soldiers.
Regarding the event's success, Col. Steven L. Chadwick, FortIrwin Garrison Commander, stated:“I’d be remiss if I didn’t highlight the teamwork, from across the installation, that was necessary to make this event possible. The Soldiers who fought in the competition wouldn’t have had such a great training event without the support of our aviators, Fort Irwin Combatives Team Coaches, MWR, PAO, Protocol, and the operations and emergency services teams.”
Rothrock perfectly summarized the collective gratitude of the visiting legends: "Big thank you to Vince Cecere for arranging our visit and teaching the fighters at Fort Irwin. Big thanks to the staff and military personnel for being the most gracious hosts and putting on an exciting, successful first-time Fight Night."
| Date Taken: | 12.31.1969 |
| Date Posted: | 04.09.2026 15:09 |
| Story ID: | 562347 |
| Location: | CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 15 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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