wordplay: JJ
image: Robert Terry

Kickboxer and ultimate fighter Brandon Thatch puts a new twist on the Ring of Fire mixed martial arts circuit. With his Liquid Counterfeit Crew, Thatch and his raving cohorts spin fire every Sunday night at dusk--complete with tribal drum circle--at Confluence Park, next to the REI on 15th Street. Talk about a real ring of fire.

At 22, the young Thatch is thoroughly fired up for his next bout at ROF 30 “Domination” September 15 at the Broomfield Event Center. The new state-of-the-art event center proved to be the perfect venue for ultimate fighting when Ring of Fire held their previous, nearly sold out event.

 “Ring of Fire is by far the best show in Colorado and it ranks up there nationally,” says Thatch.

Thatch credits the success to promoter Sven Bean’s tireless efforts. “He’s done a great deal for the sport here in Colorado and a lot of his fighters go on to fight on bigger circuits like the UFC. He definitely cares about his fighters.”

Thatch looks to be the next fighter to climb out of the Ring of Fire and into the UFC national spotlight.

Although Thatch knows very little concerning his upcoming bout, he knows he will be facing a fighter from New Mexico with a winning record. Winning records equate to good fighters. “I know that the other guy has trained as hard as I have and knows what he’s doing. It’s going to be a challenge, for sure, and I’m looking forward to getting into the ring and giving a good show. If that means making my opponent bleed, then so be it.”

And in the Ring of Fire, if it bleeds…it leads.

Thatch has made a name for himself through party promotions, spinning fire and hard work and dedication to the fighting circuit. While Thatch likes the party scene and considers himself to be a bit of a  raver, he’s all business when it comes to training. Thatch trains five nights a week. “I still party and get down, but I cut out on the boozing and what not.”
 Thatch’s training began in martial arts when he was five. His family owned 3-D Martial Arts on Leetsdale Drive, and he and his father are currently working on opening a new martial arts studio in the Tiffany Mall Plaza on Hampden Boulevard.
 The shine of the fighting spotlight attracted Thatch like a moth to a fire.

 “A race car driver gets his rush from racing and I get my adrenaline rush from fighting. It’s nothing personal but when you get in the ring…” Thatch trailed off ominously, as though he were daydreaming of future opponents’ black eyes and bloody noses.

 Essentially, Thatch sees every new fight as a means to make a name for himself. Fighting on the same card as such well-known Ring of Fire veterans such as Elliot “Fire” Marshall and legend Duane “Bang” Ludwig just adds to the heat of Thatch’s coveted spotlight.

“I’d like to make a name for myself and hopefully someday win a championship or two.”
 Thatch would then like to take his name and put it to use commercially.

“I’d really like to leave on a high note and then use my name as a teacher. I want to be recognizable. Ultimately, I’d just like to win.”
 And that’s the ultimate purpose of the ultimate fight.

September 15th @ Broomfield Events Center

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