Large brawl erupts among MMA fans at Visalia Convention Center
More than 100 attendees at a mixed-martial-arts show in Visalia turned violent, prompting a police response and multiple arrests.
A massive disturbance unfolded Saturday night at the Visalia Convention Center while the 559 Fights Next Gen 4 mixed-martial-arts competition was underway. Video shows crowds surging into the arena’s center, with some onlookers filming the chaos on their phones. Approximately 100 fans became involved in the primary fight, and additional altercations broke out in other parts of the building.
Visalia Police, already present for the event, requested reinforcement and sent 26 units to restore order, aided by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office and the police departments of Farmersville and Exeter. After the situation was contained, fifteen individuals were arrested and booked on various charges, and three Visalia officers reported minor injuries sustained while intervening.
Why it matters
The incident highlights security challenges at large sporting events and the strain on local law-enforcement resources.
In this story
