Fight For It VIII offers more than ever before for grappling fans. Not only will it feature a jiu-jitsu supermatch and the return to Team Jiu-Jitsu, Fight For It VIII also features, for the first time ever, a pure wrestling match.
Competing in this inaugural event are former MMA prospect Colt Howell and decorated high school wrestler Hayden Wyke.
Between 2008 and 2010, Howell earned a 7-0 amateur record in MMA — including wins over longtime pro D’Juan Owens and UFC fighter Jordan Rinaldi — but never took a professional bout of his own. (His last fight ended in a submission victory over Owens in March of 2010. At Fight For It VIII, he’ll return to competition, lending his MMA experience to his battle with the upstart wrestler Wyke.
But while he’s not far removed from his days at Hibriten High School, Hayden Wyke is hardly a novice to high-level grappling competition. With a near-perfect record in high school competition, Wyke earned back-to-back state championships during his scholastic wrestling tenure.
When the two do battle on the Fight For It stage, it’s a question of whether Howell can summon the winning ways of his promising MMA career, or if Wyke’s fresh experience and specialized skillset will carry the day. Either way, it’s an exciting match for certain. Tickets are available now at store.atlanticmma.com.
