Sell Out Crowd at FX3 - MMAUniverse.com

There were celebrations inside and outside the cage at FX3: Fight Night 6 - England vs Germany last Saturday. As well as another great night of action- the promoters were delighted with another bumper attendance. The announced on their website, fx3.org.uk:

“FX3: Fight Night 6 - England vs Germany on Saturday 24th November was a complete sell out! With over 50 VIP Tables and a further 1000 + people in the stands the atmosphere was second to none! That is the 3rd show in a row from FX3 that has completely Sold out so roll on March 2008 for FX3: Fight Night 7 and another great night!”

FX3: Fight Night 6 - England vs Germany had three England v Germany fights. In the main event, Andre Winner faced European Vale Tudo, King of the Cage and Shooto veteran Mario Stapel. The young Roughouse fighter scored a unanimous points win to retain the FX3 Lightweight belt. Andre Winner has become a crowd favourite at FX3 after big victories over Aidan Marron and Wesley Felix.

Brian Adams also delighted the home crowd by defeating leading German Sebastian Baron. The only English fighter who failed to defeat a German opponent was Nigel "Pitbull" Whitear. His opponent, Peter Angerer, submitted him in the first round to snap a three fight losing streak.

FX3: Fight Night 7 has already been set for Saturday March 15th 2008. Once again; the action will take place at the Rivermead Complex in Reading, Berkshire. Although the line up is yet to be announced - the website states that it will include a series of England vs France contests. Such international challenge matches are becoming increasingly popular in the United Kingdom.

The national team concept is something the British fans recognise and respond to with enthusiasm. In October 2007, the Cage Wars organisation promoted Cage Wars: Northern Ireland vs The USA at the Kings Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Top Northern show Ultimate Force beat FX3 to the punch by promoting their own England v France match earlier this year. At their Ultimate Force 6: Battle of Waterloo event, it was the raiders from across the English Channel who took the honours 3-1. The sole home victory came from a spectacular Wayne Murray victory. Murray choked out his French opponent within Djamel Moula the first minute of their contest, sending the Doncaster Dome crowd wild.

The reaction of the crowds at such events may well reflect a desire to get behind a successful national team. This desire may have been increased by the dismal recent performances by the England football team, which climaxed with their pathetic showing against Croatia at Wembley Stadium. The 2-3 defeat means that the England team did not qualify for the 2008 European Championship finals.

After the huge success of FX3: Fight Night 4 and FX3: Fight Night 5 at the Rivermead Complex, Reading; the promoters were said to be considering moving FX3: Fight Night 6 - England vs Germany to the 4,500 capacity John Nike Ice Rink in Bracknell, Berkshire. Some fans voiced concerns about moving from the promotion’s established base and it appears they have been heeded for now.