After years of pushing to get Mixed Martial Arts legalized in Maryland, more than 5,000 fight fans were at 1st Mariner Arena Oct. 24 for the state's first MMA event -- Shogun Fights.

MMA legend Renzo Graci was on hand to support his former student, John Rallo, one of the key players responsible for making MMA in Maryland a reality. Other celebrities on hand for the 11-fight card included baseball Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, Ravens running back Ray Rice, former Dunbar and NBA star and current Washington Wizards assistant coach Sam Cassell and Colts great Lenny Moore.

In the main event, Baltimore-native James "Binky" Jones defeated Jason McLean in a unanimous decision. Check out Sabina Moran's photos from Saturday's event..

(Photos by Sabina Moran/PressBox)

Posted October 28, 2009