Pankration at Primal

The matches will be held at Primal MKE gym. We will have a cage set up and warm up areas inside/outside the gym. 

The first wave of fights typically starts around  NOON.

Spectators will be expected to remove shoes before stepping on the mats (spectator areas) which will be mostly standing only. * Limited Seating will be available for those unable to stand for duration. 

street parking is somewhat limited. Extra parking is available at the East side of the building and can be accessed from 54th Street.

We plan to run the event in 3 waves. This is to avoid congestion and long wait times for competitors’ coaches and fans.

Once matches have been confirmed, each participant will be informed of which wave their match will be.

Each wave will have a 60 minute check in window. This window will begin 90 mins before end 30 mins before the wave starts. that wave of competitors will be expected to check in, check weight and receive gloves/shins. This should allow ample time to warm up and prepare to compete. 

 We plan to run the matches in timely fashion and allocate 60 to 90 mins per wave (depending on number of matches). Weight checks are just to keep competitors honest and prevent any large discrepancies between agreed disclosed weight and actual fight weight.

 Each competitor should be clearly informed of rules, uniform and conduct expectations prior to arrival via video and online document signing. We will try our best to sort matches to accommodate team mates in the same wave though this may be a challenge.

We welcome and encourage fans and spectators at the event. 

Please understand that this is a grass roots pankration event to support the local MMA community. Our hope is to be able to allow the participants to compete for free with the support of their fans and teammates, after all, they are the ones stepping in the cage!

With this in mind, we ask that all spectators including coaches and corner staff contribute by purchasing tickets for the event.

Ticket prices: 

$20 - PRE-SALE (Through May 3rd 11:59pm)

$25- Day of Event (May 4th from 12:00am)


Again, the spirit of this event is to support local martial artists and a sustainable and frequently run event. We have passed on some of the event costs to the supporters at a very modest price. 

While Pankration in Wisconsin does not require state sanctioning, we understand that accidents and injury are always a risk at such events. 

Our team and staff have a protocol in the event of a medical emergency, and in addition we will have some medical workers present, well prepared with first aid supplies in the unfortunate event of injury or accident. 

While head contact is strictly prohibited in pankration, accidents happen. Our team take potential head injuries seriously and plan for such events accordingly. 

Lastly, it is extremely important that participants disclose any health concerns prior to competing including upon check in to compete.

Our endeavor is to recreate an MMA event to give the competitors a taste and experience an actual MMA bout (without the head knocks).

We will have walk out music, cage announcers and film the fights with commentary.

A Food truck will be parked out back to feed fighters and fans. Non-Alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase at the event, and we are still trying to organize a licensed mobile beer cart for the event.

As with our early events. We will try our best to run as smoothly and professionally. Please know your support and good spirits will be greatly appreciated.

Q: What about weigh ins?
A: As clearly stated, we are not encouraging weight cuts. Our weight checks will serve two purposes. To make sure that any weight discrepancies between competitors are reasonable, and to check that weight is within a reasonable range of initial disclosed weight.

Q: What happens if weight is way off?
A: If we feel the agreed weight and check in weight are unreasonably far apart. We reserve the right to disqualify the participant. In this event, it is unlikely that the participant will be invited to compete at future events. *** We consider reasonable weight discrepancies to be no more than 5 or 6 lbs. We understand weight fluctuates, we merely ask for honesty and good sportsmanship.

Q: What protective equipment will fighters use?
A: We will supply 6oz MMA gloves and shin guards for all competitors. Males must  wear protective groin protection and all participants must wear mouthguards as precaution. 

Q: Fight outcomes and disputes?
A: Please remember that the spirit of this event is to offer experience. The judges and referee will be as impartial as they can . However most likely, half of the competitors will leave disappointed. These are unsanctioned bouts and do not count towards any official records. We expect all competitors and their team to conduct themselves in a professional manner and be good sports.