Home > Articles > Birmingham NEC > BMA calls for Cage Rage to be banned

BMA calls for Cage Rage to be banned

07th April 2008

Hot on the heels of a sell out show in London, Cage Rage is coming to The NEC, Birmingham  but the British Medical Association has called for the sport to be banned. Dr Prasad Rao, of the North Staffordshire BMA, said: "These fights can and will result in brain injuries, brain damage and fractures.

Cage Rage, reported to be the UK’s leading martial arts event is described as a mixture of martial arts (Thai Boxing, freestyle Wrestling and Brazilian Ju Jitsu) and is a full contact, unarmed combat sport. Contestants are locked in an oxagonal shaped cage and use a variety of moves such as striking and grappling in order to subdue their opponent.  The aim of the sport is to bring the opponent to submission or to a knock out scenario. Similar to boxing and wresting, Cage Rage has various weight categories ranging from Featherweight to Heavyweight. Each round is judged by 3 judges who award a total of 10 points. The sporting attire is quite minimal with opponents wearing shorts and a pair of approved light weight gloves that allow the fingers to grab, contestants also go barefoot.

In an interview for the BBC on April 4th 2008 and in an effort to defend of the sport, the Cage Rage promotor Andy Geer said “Most people who criticise our sport do it out of ignorance.  Statistically we are far safer than boxing and rugby and many other combat sports as well.  Every safety measure is taken to look after our athletes and we have never had anybody anywhere in the world seriously injured and there have been no deaths in the sport.  I can claim it is safer than rugby and can prove it is safer than rugby”

Cage Rage 26 will be held at the NEC Birmingham on 10th May 2008.  Ticket prices range from £10-£200

Source:
BBC News, 4th April 2008