Photographs by Peter Lockley

All images © Peter Lockley

Muay Thai champion, David "Thunder" Cummings, of Colorado Springs, raises his fists over the ring at the Jubilee Casino in Cripple Creek, Colo. The mixed martial arts competition attracted fighters of different disciplines from all over the Midwest region. The event, "Rough Stuff," was the first of its kind in Cripple Creek, showcasing many different fighting styles including wrestling, jujitsu, Muay Thai, and boxing.

Dan Rawlings, a Muay Thai fighter from Euclid, Ohio, concentrates as his trainer laces up his gloves before the event. Rawlings warms up for two hours before the main event in order to keep his body ready for the fight.

Dan Rawlings performs a dance traditional in Muay Thai before his fight. Rawlings performs the ritual, with music, to help himself mentally prepare for battle.

Cruz Chicone, of Commerce City, lands a roundhouse kick to the face of Johnny Flores. Chicone is a kickboxing champion in Denver, known for his explosive fighting style.

Commerce City fighter Victor Barela listens as coach Keith Schneltzer tells him between rounds to keep his hands up and look for counter strikes. Schneltzer manages a group known as the Freedom Fighters in Commerce City, Colo.

Gabe Beauperthuy, of Colorado Springs, lifts Pete Conchetas of Boulder, in a guillotine choke. In Shootfighting, or "No Holds Barred" matches, fighters can win by submitting their opponent -- forcing a surrender -- or by knockout. The fighters use grappling and joint manipulation skills including leg locks, arm bars, chokes, and striking.

Johnny Flores, of Pittman's Academy in Plainsview, Texas, lies motionless on the mat after a devastating blow at the hands of Cruz Chicone. Chicone was disqualified for throwing a punch after Flores had hit the ground, however, there was no doubt as to who was the better fighter.

Dan Rawlings catches his breath between rounds. In Muay Thai, fighters receive one minute to rest between each three minute round. Conditioning is often the deciding factor in who dominates the later rounds of a fight.

David Cummings breathes through an oxygen tank as paramedics resuscitate him after five rounds of intense fighting. Cummings, who entered with a professional record of 96-15-1 and six championship belts, lost in the fifth round by technical knockout. After the fight Cummings announced his retirement, adding that he wanted to spend more time with his wife and six-year-old son.