Fight Night Comes to St. Charles Despite Council Opposition

One local bar will pack more punch into its Friday night this November.

On Monday, Real Time Sports Bar and Grill received the nod from the City Council to host a fight night Nov. 12. The event will feature live mixed-martial arts, a blend of various fighting styles often involving punching, kicking and brawling or grappling on the ground.

This is the second attempt by the bar, located at 584 S. Randall Rd., to secure permission from the city for such an event. In past years, various larger venues, such as the Arcada Theatre, Kane County Fairgrounds and the DuPage Expo Center in St. Charles have hosted other such bouts.

Alderwoman Betsy Penny, one of four council members who voted against the measure, said she did not understand what MMA fighting was until her children explained it to her.

"Now (that) I understand what it is, I'll never vote for it. It's barbaric," Penny said.

Bar management will pay for two police officers to staff the event in addition to their own security. A private ambulance also is required by the city.

The fight night is expected to draw 500 people and is ticketed. MMA Sport Federation is a co-sponsoring the event.