Bartlett bar owner withdraws plans for MMA fights

Concerns from residents have knocked out a plan to hold mixed-martial arts bouts inside a Bartlett bar.

Village officials received a letter Monday from bar owner Murray Friedman stating he no longer wanted to host MMA fights at Bannerman's Sports Grill, said Jim Plonczynski, Bartlett's community development director.

The withdrawal came after about 60 residents attended Thursday's plan commission meeting and shared their worries, including how traffic and security would be handled, Plonczynski said. Many residents also spoke against Friedman's plan to eventually host outdoor fights in the bar's parking lot, Plonczynski added. In his initial proposal, Friedman wasn't seeking approval of that option.

The plan commission voted 7 to 1 against the plan.

"The residents successfully made a case that it wasn't a good use for the facility," Plonczynski said.

Friedman sought to draw more customers to his bar off Stearns Road and Route 59. He said MMA pay-per-view fights on television already drew hefty crowds and he wanted to further capitalize on that fan base, projecting fight crowds of about 500. Friedman could not be reached on Monday.

"I think he felt bad and was surprised by the opposition," said Plonczynski, who lauded Friedman for his role in the community.

The commission did approve plans for Friedman to expand his bar's game room and host live music. Residents did not complain about those proposals which still need the village board's final approval on July 21, Plonczynski said.

MMA has grown in popularity, combining elements of wrestling, various martial arts and boxing. Local events have taken place at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates. Last year, an Ultimate Fighting Championship card at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont brought in a reported $2.8 million in ticket sales. On Saturday, the "Disorderly Conduct 3" MMA event will take place at the DuPage Expo Center in St. Charles.