Issue 030
October 2007
Big nights, bright lights and plenty of fights
Is there anywhere on Earth that is considered more of a fight capital than Las Vegas? The ‘bright light city’ is home to half a million souls, yet over 35million people visit every year. It isn't just the slot machines, scantily clad girls or 24-hour entertainment that draw them there in droves. 'Sin City' (as it is often referred to) has had a long tradition of hosting some of the biggest fights in the world, and in recent years it has become the place to go to watch MMA.
Fights
Vegas is home to the UFC, and though the American mega-promotion tours around the USA and now Europe, they still regularly hold events closer to home. The WEC is also based in Vegas with events held at the Hard Rock, and there are a smattering of smaller independent shows as well. Add to that the frequent boxing and kickboxing events and you'll be hard pressed not to find a fight to go and see.
Training
Xtreme Couture, the Xyience Training Centre, Cobra Kai, Las Vegas Combat Club - there is no shortage of options if you fancy training in Las Vegas. All gyms are welcoming and operate a guest fee for visitors. There are plenty of group classes available and some are even taught by top pro fighters. None of the above gyms offer residency options but they can recommend accommodation if you plan to stay longer than a short trip.
Xtreme Couture MMA, (4055 West Sunset, Las Vegas, Phone: 702.616.1022, Web: www.xtremecouture.tv)
Headed by Randy Couture, this gym houses the majority of Las Vegas-based professional MMA fighters. Fighters like Phil Baroni, Frank Trigg, Tyson Griffin, Gray Maynard and more train here full time, with dozens more coming by for fight preparation and sparring. One of the best facilities in North America.
Xyience Training Centre, (6670 South Tenaya Way, Las Vegas, Phone: 702.838.8008, Web: www.xyiencetc.com)
Home to Forrest Griffin and more, the Xyience Training Centre has classes open to the public most nights.
Cobra Kai, (2104 Highland Ave, Las Vegas, Phone: 702.395.4567, Web: www.ckjj.com)
Marc Laimon heads up this gym, which is ranked among the best for jiu-jitsu in the entire country. Expect to see Joe Stevenson, Kendall Grove and more on the mats.
Where to Stay
Finding a hotel in Las Vegas is best done before travelling, whether through a travel operator or booked online. The mega-casinos that line the Strip are the easiest option for visiting tourists, and all of them are perfectly serviceable for a visit of a few nights or more. Don't expect too much in any but the best of hotels though, as the sheer number of people coming and going makes the service less than personal. If you want to escape the throngs and go for something a bit more private, Vegas is probably not the best place to even try, but the off-Strip hotels can offer a slightly quieter experience.
Luxor Hotel & Casino, (3900 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Web: www.luxor.com)
Tastefully tacky comes to mind when describing the Luxor. The giant black pyramid at the end of the strip is something of a landmark.
Stratosphere Las Vegas, (2000 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Web: www.stratospherehotel.com)
At the North end of the Strip is the Stratosphere, complete with piercing tower and rooftop roller coaster. Comfortably out of range of the other major resorts.
The Palms Hotel & Casino, (4321 West Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, Web: www.palms.com)
Located about a mile off-Strip, the Palms is a vibrant and modern hotel that caters to the younger crowd. Houses the Playboy club as well as an in-house tattooists and a shop that sells Tapout. Occasional host to Ultimate Fight Night events.
Where to Eat
Vegas isn't exactly known for its cuisine, and by the end of your trip you'll be sick of fried food. Food is cheap and steak and grill restaurants are everywhere. The all-you-can-eat buffets are usually extremely plentiful and inexpensive. In restaurants portions are generous so be careful you don't over order.
Bellagio Buffet, (The Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South)
The best buffet in town, open from 8am to 10pm during the week and 11pm on weekends.
ESPN Zone, (New York New York, 3790 Las Vegas Boulevard South)
A family oriented restaurant, live sports bar and entertainment centre.
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Gill, (MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South)
Located in the heart of the MGM Grand, the Wolgang Puck does good food in an informal setting.
Nightlife
If you can't find yourself a party in Las Vegas, you're probably dead! Clubbing is a way of life for people in Vegas and you'll find something on offer every night of the week. Clubs such as Asia, JET, Moon, the Playboy Club, Pure, Tabú, Tryst, Voodoo Lounge and more mean there’s always something going on. Make sure you dress for the occasion, as door policies are pretty tight.
The pool parties that go on during the day are as exclusive as the more traditional night-time ones. Scores of toned and tanned bodies get together and dance away in waist high water at pool clubs such as Bare, Palms Pool and Rehab.
Sights
Traditional tourist options such as helicopter flights over the strip and day excursions to the Grand Canyon are easy to organise with tour operators often able to add these on to packages.
Shopping
For a city that was founded on and revolves around making money, Las Vegas isn't the best for shopping. There are plenty of medium-sized malls to explore and everyday items are easy to come by if you head off strip to the strip malls that line almost any major road, but exclusive shopping is sorely limited.
On the Mat Fight Shop, (2114 Highland Avenue, Las Vegas, Phone: 702.383.0002, Web: www.otmfightshop.com)
The place to go to pick up anything at all MMA or grappling related – an amazing selection of training gear and clothing, this shop is situated next door to Cobra Kai.
How to get around
If you have any business away from the Strip, hiring a car is essential for getting around in Las Vegas. Public transport is almost non-existent and not friendly to non-locals. A bus runs up and down the length of Las Vegas boulevard 24 hours a day and costs $2, making it easy to get from one resort to another, and an elevated sky-train links the airport with some of the resorts but is slow and infrequent. Taxis are expensive and the notorious Las Vegas traffic mean fares clock up easily.
How to get there
Las Vegas has an international airport and receives flights from around the world, though it is customary to fly into an American city and transfer from there. Los Angeles is only an hour's flight away, and many carriers will operate via either here or another major city.
When to go
Las Vegas has no real peak seasons to speak of, being full-on year-round. The desert summers are brutal with temperatures consistently over 40 degrees – spring and autumn are slightly cooler though still warm. Fights take place year round.
Las Vegas tips
* Tipping is customary with waiters, bartenders, porters and valets all working on a wage that takes tips into account. It is handy to keep a handful of small bills for tipping.
* Shorts and t-shirts are fine for day-to-day wear, but dress accordingly if you want to go out in the evening.
* Ignore the Mexican flyers who line the pavement on the Strip – their flyers advertise hookers.
* Bottled water is cheap and accessible, while tap water is not for consumption. Be sure to increase your fluids if you are training.
* Ringworm, Staph and assorted skin infections are rife in Las Vegas gyms - be sure to shower thoroughly after training and keep training kit clean.
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