Ireland’s MMA scene is heating up and February is an action packed month of local MMA shows.
By Fergus Ryan
CIT MMA open competition 
Event: Cork Institute of Technology MMA Club
When: February 12
Where: The Boxing Clinic, Ballycureen Industrial Estate, Frankfield, Cork.
How much: €15 per fighter
Cork Institute of Technology MMA Club hold their first MMA open competition on 2011. This competition is open to all clubs and all college martial arts clubs. Fighters must have permission from their coach and be covered by their own clubs insurance. No head shots – standing or grounded and for more info contact [email protected]
Chaos 8 
Event: Chaos 8
When: February 12
Where: Millennium Forum, Newmarket Street, Derry.
Antrim Evolve Martial Arts hosts another MMA event in Derry featuring a packed card including a host of title fights such as:
Welterweight Title Mervin Mulholland (IFS) vs Ronan McKay (EFR)
Bantam Title Patrick Holohan (SBG) vs Neil McGuigan (EFR)
Pro Light weight Title eliminator Connor McGregor (SBG) vs Hugh Brady (PHK)
Fight Pit 2
Event: Fight Pit 2
When: February 19th
Where: Oriel Park Sports Arena, Dundalk, Louth
How much: €20-25
Fighters from all over the country come together for Fight Pit’s second offering. Fights include:
Viktoras Kontrimas v David Blaszke
Philip O’Rourke v Ciaran Boyle
Stephen Rice v Zbigniew Hormansk
Phil Mcrory vs Antony Carrick
Rumble in Rush 5
Event: Rumble in Rush 5
When: February 26
Where: St. Maurs GAA Club, Rush, Dublin
How much: €25
Rush Fight Academy fight team features prominently on the card. The main event sees a top welterweight clash as JOE featured fighter John Donnelly takes on American knockout artist Dustin West. Fights include:
John Donnelly v Dustin West (USA)
Robbie Walsh v Tomas Murnikas
Phil Mcrory v Andruis Sokqouskis
Paul Hamill v Vinny De Ruscio
Darah Harte v Tommy Collins
Irish Amateur Combat Challenge
Event: Irish Amateur Combat Challenge
When: February 27
Where: Informed Performance, Unit 5, Tolka Industrial Estate, Ballyboggan Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 11.
The Irish Amateur Combat Championships will consist of four events per year – Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. The aim of the Championships is to provide a safe competitive environment in which novice combat athletes can test their skills and gain valuable experience. The championships can be used as an end unto themselves for those looking for a challenge, or as a stepping stone to semi-professional or professional bouts.
