Saturday, May 09, 2009

Inside MMA preview: Most passionate MMA fans? "Mayhem" says Hawaiians



Jason "Mayhem" Miller has fought all over the globe during his eight-year mixed-martial-arts career.

But he says no fans are more passionate about the sport than those in Hawaii.

Miller discusses the fanbase and his other favorite fight sites on tonight's edition of "Inside MMA," a preview of which can be found to the right.

Joining Miller on this week's "Inside MMA" panel are former top UFC middleweight contender Patrick Cote and up-and-coming DREAM welterweight Andre Galvao.

"I fight in Hawaii, and man, those people are so passionate about the sport that they go bananas," Miller said. "It sounds like the arena is going to pop the top off. They get really excited. It's really crazy fighting over there."

Miller, a former ICON Sport champion in Hawaii, previously fought in the UFC, and he admits those crowds are intense. However, he says Hawaii offers something special.

"I've been to UFC events where the energy is really electric, and there are tons of people," he said. "But in Hawaii, there won't be half as many people, and they'll be that excited."

The UFC has flirted with the idea of hosting a show in the Aloha State, though officials have previously cited regulatory issues and excessive taxes as roadblocks. However, with such a passionate fan base and a huge following for UFC lightweight champ B.J. Penn and other Hawaiian fighters, it certainly makes you wonder what kind of crowd a future event could draw.

mmajunkie

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