Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas held its annual Halloween day Tuesday. And that never stops its athletes from taking to the mat to spar – a range of weird and wonderfully costumed fighters go head-to-head on the mats.
Overseeing it all was Syndicate’s owner and head coach, John Wood, who arrived resplendent in a Hawaiian shirt, flabby chest vest, gold chains and curly wig. Despite the get-up, Wood was more than happy to chat to MMA Junkie from the gym floor.
“We started doing it I think three, four years ago,” Wood said. “People wore some costumes in, then it just kinda stuck.”
Even though the mats were filled with a cast of characters, including Darth Vader and Batman, the light sparring sessions went on as usual. But Wood explained that only the really hearty members of the group persist with their outfits all the way through the day.
“It’s just fun. We usually get a few rounds in. Some will hang and go all the way through. But most will go about four or five rounds, then we’re back to normal,” he said. “It’s always fun. I love doing this stuff.”
Wood also took the time to offer a quick prediction ahead of the “BMF” title fight at UFC 244 on Saturday night, when Nate Diaz takes on Jorge Masvidal in New York.
Wood admitted it was a tough fight to pick, but sided with the man who had spent some time on the mats at Syndicate.
“It’s hard to bet against either one of them,” he admitted. “Diaz is so hard to beat – he’s so tough. Those guys are going to stand and bang. He’s been out of it for a little bit, but I think Diaz will probably hang in there and get it done. I think it might go all five rounds, so it’s gonna be a decision, I’d say. I’ll go with Nate Diaz.”
Off Guard: Syndicate MMA's John Wood on Halloween costumes and UFC 244's main event
