Farmington Wrestlers Get Inspiration from MMA Fighters

Farmington High School wrestlers were among the attendees of a panel discussion on mixed martial arts.

More than 125 people attended the event held at the Bristol Boys and Girls Club Thursday.

The high school state open championships are on Friday and Saturday.

Royce Gracie, Tito Ortiz and Aaron Pico spoke in front of about 125 people, including wrestlers from more than 10 high schools and several area youth wrestling programs. The pros spoke before a press conference held to promote Friday night’s “British Invasion” Bellator MMA fight at Mohegan Sun.

Submitted photos

Picture 1: Bristol Eastern wrestlers had a chance to meet with mixed martial arts legend Tito Ortiz at a panel discussion Thursday at the Bristol Boys and Girls Club. The panel was conducted by Bellator MMA as part of its lead-in to its “British Invasion” event at Mohegan Sun Friday. From left Ethan Pearson, Greg Rozier, Zack Marquis, Ortiz, Anthony Circosta.

Picture 2: Bristol Eastern wrestlers take their turn at the speed bag at Thursday’s mixed martial arts event at the Bristol Boys and Girls Club. From left Greg Rozier, Zack Marquis, Anthony Lozier and Anthony Circosta.