The sport combines wrestling, boxing and martial arts.  The sport was banned in South Carolina until lawmakers legalized MMA earlier this year.  Supporters say holding the fights in South Carolina will give a big kick to the economy.  But Dr. Oran Smith with the Palmetto Family Council calls it "human cockfighting."

Fight promoter Andrew Stokes says bouts are safe and are monitored by experts.  He says the referee overseeing the first legal bouts in South Carolina this weekend has
"more than 300 fights under his belt."

The bout is Saturday at 7:00 at the Bush River Road Raddison in Columbia.  Call 803-413-7129 for ticket information.