MMA on its way to Philly

Because like it or not—and many don’t—Serra’s “sport,” mixed martial arts, has become a pop sensation. The matches draw huge crowds, generate big bucks on pay-per-view and appeal to increasing numbers of fans turned off by multi-million contracts paid to players on steroids. 

 

Besides, as Serra, an expert in Brazilian ju-jitsu,  points out, not everyone likes baseball,.basketball, football, even hockey. ``It’s become the sport that’s taking over,’’ said Serra, who’ll be at the Convention Center from Friday-Sunday as part of Wizard World, a pop culture celebration involving comic book characters, live action heroes like Lou Ferrigno, the original “Incredible Hulk” as well as current famed favorites like actor Edward James Olmos. “I’m a person who was never into the average sports,

           

``But I love MMA. It’s the sport of fighting; the oldest sport there is. I love being a part of it, because it’s such an exciting sport.’’

           

While MMA has been gaining popularity throughout the country, it won’t make its Philadelphia debut until August 8 when UFC 101 comes to the Wachovia Center. While Serra, who lost what he called a controversial fight a few weeks ago to Matt Hughes, doesn’t know if he’ll be on the card, he’s looking forward to spending a weekend here.

           

“I’m a movie buff, so I’m looking forward to coming to Philadelphia and seeing the “Rocky (Art Museum) steps,’’ said the 35-year-old Serra, a native Long Islander, who’ll also be hunting for good pizza rather than the traditional Philadelphia cheesesteak. “It’s really an exciting time for me now.

 

“I’m looking forward to going to Wizard World for the debut of my Round5  action figurine.’’

 

Then in less than two months—like it or not—and Philadelphia will look forward to the debut of the hottest sport in years,  mixed martial arts.