Login | September 03, 2025
Mixed martial arts catching fire in Ohio
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: July 25, 2011
At first glance, 25-year-old Dustin Hawk may seem to lead an average life: He goes to work and spends time with friends and family. But when this New Lexington carpenter leaves his union job, you might say, his second life begins, as he heads to New Philadelphia to train as a mixed martial artist or cage fighter.
“I was a wrestler in high school and college,” said ‘Dustin The Manimal Hawk,’ who is currently an amateur Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter for Team Independence, one of the teams affiliated with Akron-based Explosive Fight Promotions.
“In 2004, I had my first cage fight in my hometown, and I fell in love with it. When I graduated I decided to give it a try. My first two fights went well. I had a technical knockout (T.K.O.) in 1:38.”
Hawk said his income potential is limited as an amateur fighter, but he’s working hard to change his status.
“I train at least three hours a day, and try and eat healthy. I treat my body like a high performance car. There is a lot of money to be made as a pro fighter, but you have to be good enough to fight the right people.”
“I believe Dustin is one of the up-and-coming amateurs in Ohio,” said Scott Corbin, trainer and manager for Team Independence. “Before he came to us he used to train himself, but now he trains at our gym. We have different trainers. Mixed martial artists study all the martial arts, wrestling, kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, etc.”
Mixed Martial Arts has its roots in the ancient Greek technique known as Pankration, which was a blend of boxing and wrestling without any rules. Various styles have been practiced since then in different parts of the world.
MMA first took hold in the United States in the early 1990s with the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but it fell out of favor because it was deemed too barbaric and lawless, and thus dangerous to the fighters. Many states enacted laws banning “no-holds-barred” fighting.
Since then, many rules have been adopted, including the creation of weight classes. Fighters also wear protective clothing, and referees are on hand to regulate the fights. It is now legal in most states, including Ohio, and continues to grow in popularity.
“MMA is huge in Ohio,” said Corbin. “There is a cage fight almost every weekend. One of our guys is booked all the way through October. Cage fighting is an aggressive sport, but it is all about competition. A lot of people look at the cage like it’s a negative thing, but it is actually there for the fighter’s safety. The sport of MMA has a ‘ref’ in the cage at all times, which helps keep a controlled environment, and if someone is hurt there are doctors right there.”
“I don’t consider it dangerous,” said Hawk. “There are a lot of rules, and the referee will stop the fight if you are in trouble.”
As manager of Team Independence, Corbin sets up fights, negotiating the contracts and finding sponsors for the fighters.
“I make sure my fighters are appropriately matched in terms of weight, and that they are training properly so they are ready,” he said. “Some managers/coaches will let their fighters go up against anyone, I don’t do that.”
Many of the events Corbin sets up are put on by Explosive Fight Promotions. Owner Dannon Svab started the company in June 2007, which also promotes professional and amateur boxing and tough person contests.
“I have been involved in fight games since I graduated high school,” said Svab. “I was a pro boxer, but then I got too busy to keep competing so I decided to turn it into a business. MMA was catching fire at the time, and I could see it growing and growing.”
Today the five-time, tough person style contest champion and former professional boxer, serves as a full-time Ohio State Park officer, while running his company at the same time.
“We put on the shows, and I hire independent contractors like Corbin to help me find the fighters. The people we get are usually affiliated with a training gym, and we are willing to give almost anyone with proper training a shot.”
Svab has worked with professionals Andres Taylor and Jason Freeman, as well as undefeated pros Dan Spohn, Nick Gaston, Ronnie Green and Ronnel Green.
Although he handles different types of fighters, Svab does have a personal passion for mixed martial arts. “I was into it even before it became popular. As a kid, I used to go to the video store and rent tapes. Back then it was not sanctioned by the states. Now I can watch it any time.”