DERRY — Mixed martial artist Tom Moreau of Derry came home from his only career loss to a dark room. Waiting up for him, his fiancée and six-year-old son, Tommie Jr. were watching a film and sitting on the bed.
After a moment or so, the boy noticed his father, and asked if he had won or lost.
"I lost," said Moreau.
The mother paused the movie, the boy asked to turn on the light, and Moreau reluctantly flicked the switch, blinking behind two black eyes.
"Does it hurt?" asked the boy.
"It did when I got hit," replied Moreau, "But not now."
The boy went to his father and embraced him. As he patted Moreau's back he said, "You did a good job."
These words of encouragement pushed Moreau harder than his training ever could. "He asked me if I tried hard," said Moreau, "If I ever gave up."
Four wins later, Moreau, 28, is slated to compete in his first bout with mixed martial arts World Championship Fighting, June 27 in the Shriner's Auditorium in Wilmington, Mass.
WCF, similar to the Ultimate Fighting Championships, is a large local program devoted to the growing field of mixed martial arts. These programs, according to WCF owner Joe Cavallaro, are the biggest Pay-Per-View providers in the world, outpacing both boxing and wrestling.
It's a natural draw, says Cavallaro, with a core base of martial arts fans coming to each event.
"If Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James are running down the court on one end and two guys are fighting on the other, who are you gonna watch? All I need to do is to capture their imaginations."
Cavallaro has pit Moreau against Don Carlo-Clauss, a grappler from the reputable New York Bomb Squad team. According to Cavallaro, it should be one of the best fights of the evening.
No stranger to the mat, Moreau has been practicing judo for 15 years and has always loved competing. Who can blame him after placing in 12 different NH State Championships? He was champion from 2005-2007 and has competed internationally as well.
There are several boxing highlights in Moreau's career as well, a sport he's been competing in for four years. Among these accomplishments is the 2007 Golden Gloves.
In recent years, Moreau has found the time to open Moreau's Training Center on Rockingham Road in Derry that caters to approximately 100 students. Classes in judo, boxing and general mixed martial arts round out the center's weekly schedule.
Brazilian jujitsu champion Alexander Moreno was taken on as an instructor as well, ensuring a devoted clientele. Moreau takes lessons in this new style regularly, as well as trekking up to Concord to train under muay-thai instructor Lucas Hardy.
More than anything, however, Moreau embraces the unique differences that separate mixed martial arts from other styles. "It is easier to prepare for an MMA match than judo or boxing, says Moreau, "Not because it's an easier sport, but because you only have one opponent to worry about.
"I never think about victory or defeat. I don't try to strike, or grapple, or clinch. I just react and let nature take its course. When it is all said and done, my hand will be raised."
Several other Derry-based fighters will be competing in the event as well. Calvin Kattar of Methuen, representing Premier Fight Team is scheduled to make an appearance, as well as Jeff Silva.
John Benoit, 25, will be up against boxer Damien Trites. Benoit seems confident in his abilities, predicting a win in the first round.
"After coming out of my last fight with a loss on my record," says Benoit, "I don't think I'll ever let it happen again... Poor guy."
Benoit will be representing the Renzo Gracie school in Derry, devoted to the famous mixed martial artist of the same name.
Woody Weatherby, 27, will also be representing Renzo Gracie. He trains in as many areas of martial arts as he can, often with competitors at a higher level.
"I'm a perfectionist in a sport where anything can happen," said Weatherby.
