“Rage in the Cage” MMA Coming to Blackwell: Oklahoma’s Premier Fight Promotion Brings the Action Home

Blackwell is about to rumble.

One of Oklahoma’s oldest and most respected mixed martial arts promotions, Rage in the Cage, is set to bring its high-energy MMA experience to town this January 17 at the Blackwell Event Center — and organizers say it’ll be a night the community won’t forget.

Founded by Mike Crawford and still family-run four generations later, Rage in the Cage has grown into one of the largest MMA promotions in the nation, hosting events across Oklahoma for nearly three decades. At the heart of the operation is Media Director Kimber Shafer, a former News 9 journalist who’s as passionate about storytelling as she is about the sport.

“My brother Mike started this as a small, family-run operation, and we’ve carried it on ever since,” Shafer said. “Everywhere we go, people become part of the Rage family. We call it the #LoveLikeMike phenomenon.”

Shafer’s background in broadcast journalism gives her a unique approach to MMA promotion. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, she spent years in TV news before joining Rage full-time. “It allowed me to still do what I love — interviewing, storytelling — while being a mom to our four kids,” she said.

Rage in the Cage events are known for their electric energy — a blend of professional-level combat and family-friendly enthusiasm. But Shafer says the upcoming Blackwell event holds special meaning.

“My husband Brian is from Ponca City. He grew up going to the Kay County Fair in Blackwell every year,” she shared. “To bring Rage here feels like bringing it home.”

The January fight card will feature athletes from across the region, including competitors from Small Town Scrappers (Tonkawa) and Combat Syndicate (Ponca City) — with hopes of including Blackwell’s own Marcus Kincaid and Mike Lopez, who could be fighting in front of their hometown crowd for the first time.

Shafer also teased potential appearances by Rage Pro Welterweight Champion Zevan Hunt, a fan favorite known for his dynamic style.

Behind the scenes, Shafer and her team work tirelessly to bring the massive production to life. The Rage octagon — a 30-by-30-foot structure weighing thousands of pounds — takes hours of assembly before fight night. “It’s multiple days with very little to no sleep,” she laughed. “We’re a small but mighty team.”

Though MMA can be fierce, Shafer said the organization’s foundation is built on faith and family. “We’re a Christian-owned promotion, and there have been times when prayer or praise has happened right there in the cage. You never quite know what to expect — but when God speaks, we listen.”

Rage in the Cage’s legacy stretches far beyond competition. The promotion has supported charitable causes, hosted inclusive fights for athletes of all abilities, and even brought national attention to Oklahoma’s MMA scene.

Looking ahead, Shafer hopes the Blackwell community will embrace the event — through attendance, local sponsorships, and hometown pride.

“These events take a lot of time, money, and heart,” she said. “But when you see the fans’ smiles and know you’ve helped these athletes showcase their skills, it’s all worth it.”

Rage in the Cage will announce official fight card details and ticket sales soon through its social media pages and the City of Blackwell’s Facebook.

“Once you see it live, you’ll be a fan for life,” Shafer said with a smile.