The Arnold Classic, taking place in Columbus, Ohio from Feb. 29 through March 2, celebrates many forms of fitness and martial arts. This year will mark the debut of mixed martial arts at the expo, as an amateur event will take place and champions in multiple weight classes will be crowned.



Celebrating its 20th year anniversary, the Arnold Classic has always been a home to martial arts and with the growth of MMA throughout the world the amateur tournament this year is nothing short of historical.



Legendary martial artist Terrance “Tokey” Hill, who organizes and leads the charge for the martial arts portion of the Arnold Classic, lobbied to have MMA included in this year’s event and now it is a reality.



The event will run alongside many traditional martial arts programs at the Arnold Classic including Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and San Shou. MMA will debut with an eight-man tournament represented by fighters and teams from across the world.



Tournament winners from the MMA event at the Arnold Classic will be presented with gold medals and will have the opportunity to gain sponsorships with many MMA related companies that will be at the event.



The weight classes breakdown as follows:



Men’s Divisions:

Featherweight - under 145 lbs.

Lightweight - over 145 lbs. to 155 lbs.

Welterweight - over 155 lbs. to 170 lbs

Middleweight - over 170 lbs. to 185 lbs.

Light Heavyweight - over 185 lbs. to 205 lbs.

Heavyweight - over 205 lbs. to 235 lbs.

Super Heavyweight - 235 lbs. & up



Women’s Divisions:

Lightweight - 134.9 & under

Heavyweight - 135 & above



Slots are still open for fighters in the multiple weight classes. For more information or to register, visit the official site for the Arnold Classic at www.arnoldmartialarts.com



All questions should be directed to the director of mixed martial arts:



Eric Nyenhuis/President

Original Hardcore Mixed Martial Arts, LLC

ogpvideo@gmail.com

www.ohcmma.com

Nice. Are u gonna be there bro??

no man i wish, i live in northwest british columbia, jus thought i'd throw this out there for anyone in the states who would like 2 check it out.

I was gonna compete BJJ there but theres been a snow storm every other day over here in Chicago for the past 2 months which has limited my training i couldn't run much ect. But theres still alot of guys from my School going and competing and im probably gonna tag along. So any other Midwest fighters/enthusiast hit me up , we can go out for some drinks afterward.