Mixed-martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that allows the use of a wide variety of fighting techniques, both standing and on the ground. MMA competitions were first legalized in select cities in British Columbia in 2009. MMA is now legal in all 50 States and is considered the fastest growing sport in America. Initially, I had difficulty imagining why someone would choose to fight in a caged ring, often leaving them bloodied and broken. Throughout the following two years that I spent documenting the MMA scene in Victoria, British Columbia, I grew to appreciate how much skill, training and dedication is involved in the sport. I observed incredible sportsmanship between the athletes. Backstage, away from all the spectators and floodlights, I saw grown men cry. With this series, I would like to show the physical and emotional toll that this high-stakes sport has on its athletes.