GILROY—The War of Lions 3 Modified MMA Sparring Tournament is taking over AntDawg’s MMA gym.
The tournament, which is in its third year, kicks off at 10 a.m. Sept. 6 at the gym, located at 8120 Westwood Dr., Gilroy, with the kids’—fighters 5 and older—and teens’ competition. The adults will spar at 1 p.m.
Anthony Figueroa, professional MMA fighter and the owner of AntDawg’s MMA is using the tournament as a platform for his newly formed nonprofit called AntDawgs Leadership Academy—or ADLA. The goal of the nonprofit is to raise funds to open a youth center in Gilroy where local children and teens can go to do homework, receive tutoring and stay active. Figueroa said he got the idea after watching his students stick around after their classes wrapped up to do homework and help one another.
ADLA volunteers will be selling plates of food—hamburgers or hot dogs with chips and water—for $6 and will raffle off items like boxing gloves and bike tune-ups donated by local mobile bicycle mechanic Shifty as well as other items from local businesses.
“We’ve got some people coming together and helping out,” Figueroa said. “They all see the idea, they’re starting to believe in it and it’s going to happen. The big goal of course is to open a big youth center with soccer fields and a basketball court. We’ve got to start somewhere and we’re starting at the grassroots right now.”
Figueroa said ADLA is aiming to raise $500 at this tournament with a goal to have a couple thousand dollars by the end of the year.
Those interested in participating in the tournament can register at strongvon.com/waroflions for $35. Tournament organizers are asking spectators for a $10 donation at the door, part of which will benefit ADLA.
Whether you’re fighting or just want take in the action, Figueroa said he’s hoping to see a packed gym.
“It’s a great way for all the kids to demonstrate good sportsmanship, being respectful to other gyms. Win or lose, everybody there is respectful,” he said. “It’s a good atmosphere and it’s a good learning experience.”
For more information, visit strongvon.com/waroflions.
