TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa firefighters and Tulsa police took to the ring in downtown Tulsa to raise money for several non-profits in Oklahoma.
32 officers and firefighters traded the emergency lights for spotlights as the 'Smoke & Guns' fight returned for its ninth year.
This go-round, the stakes are higher, with bragging rights on the line. The police and fire departments are tied at four wins apiece.
Perhaps, more importantly, the proceeds will benefit some of Oklahoma's most charitable causes:
- Special Olympics Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Firefighters Burn Camp
- Folds of Honor
The fight brings in thousands of fans and thousands of dollars. Dustin Fletcher, the president of 918 Fully Involved, said the charities it supports make the event worth it.
"You know, I believe that we have built up a very good crowd that and a fan base for sure that wants to come back every year to see the fights," said Fletcher.
Special Olympics Oklahoma benefited from the beginning, and COO Derek Cain has seen the impact of donations totaling $190,000. Before he worked full-time with SOOK, it started with some volunteering.
"I was a hugger at the end of the track, got hooked, started volunteering more and more, and next thing you know, I’ve been working here for 42 years, so it’s been a crazy ride for me," Cain said.
WATCH: 2 News previewed the event
Champion MMA fighter Royce Gracie is on hand to help some of the fighters before they get in the ring.
"It’s about knowing your opponent. It’s about strategy, it’s not just about brute force," Gracie said.
Leaders expect record-breaking ticket sales, which will benefit all of the charities involved. They also said this is an officially sanctioned fight, with rules and guidelines from the Oklahoma Athletics Commission.
Gracie believes the fights will help with the overall skill sets of Tulsa's first responders.
"For them, it’s another way to train. They’re gonna be fighting tough guys out there," Gracie said.
Firefighter and fighter for the night, Maverick Parker, is the second in his family to compete in the competition. His father participated in the first "Smoke and Guns" show.
"He was in the very first Smoke and Guns they had," said Parker. "Oh it's awesome man, we are two for two, mixed martial arts, Sapulpa Fire Department."
This year's event offered a new set of fights with more agencies included. They opened the fights to National Guard members.
"For the first time ever, we are doing our patriot fight. And that is where we are taking the Air National Guard vs the Army National Guard and it is the first ever that we have done this," said Fletcher. "We always want to bring the greatest fights for our fans so as the years come for that one, I think a lot of people are going to love seeing our military guys get involved in this one.
Fletcher hopes these events continue to happen for years to come.
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