The idea of MMA in South Dakota seemed like a dream for many years, but last Friday night that dream finally became a reality.

Over 3,000 people packed into the Sanford Pentagon to witness the first ever sanctioned fight card in South Dakota. The fight card included 12 fighters that are from the local area, and six of which train at Next Edge Academy in Sioux Falls. In the past, those local fighters would have had to travel to neighboring states to have the opportunity to showcase their training and skills.

In front of a loud crowd, Resurrection Fighting Alliance launched it's show into the national spotlight. RFA17 was live from Sioux Falls.

Let that soak in for a moment. Sioux Falls had a nationally televised event featuring many local talents on its first ever sanctioned card.

The event was a huge success, drawing the likes of Mike Miller to return to Sioux Falls for the show. UFC stars C.B. Dollaway, Robbie Lawler, Josh Thomson, and Cat Zingano also came to town to help promote the show.

This wasn't just "another event." This was more like "we made it." Because of the success, and with the amount of local talent we have, it wouldn't be surprising to see the RFA come to Sioux Falls three to four times a year. It might have also opened the door to bigger companies to possibly come here in the future.

For MMA fans in the area, this was a huge moment for the city of Sioux Falls as well as South Dakota as a whole. For all the years of fighting to get MMA sanctioned in South Dakota, this event was for you. Let the anticipation for the next event begin.

Sanford Pentagon RFA17 8-22-14
Jerry Palleschi/ESPN 99.1
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