Legend Fighting Championship 1: Fight Night

Last Monday on January  11, after covering the weigh-ins and taking some website profile photos, I was fortunate enough to cover the inaugural Legend Fighting Championship in Hong Kong’s Star Hall at HITEC in Kowloon Bay. I had actually been there a few times before to shoot some other fighting events, a comedy show and a wedding. Quite a versatile venue.

To be honest, I genuinely would’ve really enjoyed putting down the camera and just being a fan in the stands. But shooting a sport that I have grown to absolutely love in what I considered to be a historical event for HK was way too good to pass up. So when the night began the pressure was on. I claimed my ringside corner and my client took his seat at the judges table behind me (with clear view of my camera LCD display the whole night, yikes).

Overall production was great. Music that matched the brand, dramatic walk-ins (can never go wrong with a smoke machine), great announcer,  a few knockouts etc. so there was plenty for me to shoot and it was incredibly fun. Despite that it was physically draining as the event lasted about 4 hours, and I had to worry about blocking fans’ view of the ring all while trying to keep my focus points locked on through my viewfinder. Simultaneously, I was importing CF cards and generating previews on the laptop because I knew I’d have to get some media shots to the PR guys immediately afterwards. I got water (well, maybe some spit too since it came from a fighter’s mouth) sprayed accidentally on my face, and blood nearly got on my camera, but I consider that part of the fun =)

Special thanks to Ralph Berrett for his great shooting MMA tips. He’s got a great podcast that I hope comes back online soon.  Here are some of my favorite shots from the night.

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The multi-talented Vivek Mahbubani

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Jo Nam Jin checks the clock

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Matt Cain gets the heel hook

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Kenny Yeung entering the ring

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Khuukhenkhuu Amartuvshin near rear-naked choke before the end of the round

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Bae Myung Ho walks in then proceeds to ground and pound

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Zhao Zilong wins by referee stoppage

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Nam Yui Chul vs. Adrian Pang: don’t leave it in the hands of the judges