Art Of War (AOW) Cage Fighting has evolved into a regional phenomenon.
Since AOW’s inception in 2017, the mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion has sold out major venues, including Harrah’s Casino, Rivers Casino, the 2300 Arena, the Lebanon Expo Center and most recently, back to back nights at Live Casino. They are a family run business, owned by Levittown residents Mike and Deborah Bickings. They have a passion for putting on huge events and promoting the next generation of world class fighters.
“We love what we do,” AOW CEO Mike said. “We treat every show as if it’s the Super Bowl. We promote and market far beyond any of our competitors. That makes the overall experience more memorable for fans and fighters. We get people excited to watch our product.”
AOW shows feature warriors who train at some of the top gyms on the east coast, including Martinez BJJ, MPR Endurance, Grindhouse, Daniel Gracie Philly, Balance Studios and more.
“All of these elite gyms have fighters currently in the UFC,” Mike said. “That’s the goal for most of our roster. Our fighters are chasing their dreams to become UFC fighters. Our roster features some the most popular fighters in regional MMA. Guys like South Philly’s Johnny Garb, heavyweight knockout artist Patrick “The Brick” Brady, Matt “White Chocolate” Turnbull and Ben “B-Mo” Moser are rock stars on the regional circuit. They sign autographs, take pictures with fans and everything in-between.”
So how has a bloodsport, such as cage fighting, become a family business?
“Each morning my eight-year-old son Nico is up before me, watching our YouTube channel,” Mike said. “He studies our entire catalog of fight footage. Nico and my son Mycal (12) also train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under coach Will Martinez four times a week. Mycal had some physical issues that martial arts cleared up quickly. Martial arts deter bullying, improve confidence, increase overall health and provide a forum to test yourself. My children have seen more than 400 live fights. They’ve seen knockouts, guys go unconscious from chokes, fights end from cuts and everything in-between. They understand the risks of the family business and live for the roar of the crowd. They help set up the arena with my brother Danny and their cousins. My matchmaker, Jillian Peterson is the best in the game. She puts our cards together. I have my right hand men Justin Haskell and Bob Meloni, plus Dominic Fardella, Matt and my security team, who are priceless. Fans get into shows quickly, thanks to my aunt Kristin and cousins Ashley, Tina, Amber, Jamie and my daughter Braelynn. We are a solid unit. All of my staff are passionate about the fight game and delivering a first class event.”
Mike grew up in Frankford, in Philadelphia. He produced music in his teens for hip hop artists citywide. He also partnered with Grammy award winning artist, Scratch of the iconic Philly group The Roots.
“My music background definitely prepared me for promoting fights,” Mike said. “Music was my first love. However, the first time I seen MMA, I was hooked. Before the UFC began almost 30 years ago, everyone thought the local karate instructor was the toughest guy in the neighborhood. Nobody knew at the time that a decent high school wrestler could probably beat him with ground control. MMA removes any debates. The sport has evolved so much. We have division-1 wrestlers, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blackbelts, Muay Thai experts, Judo and Sambo practitioners and much more. Everyone cross trains. You have to be good at everything to survive in cage fighting.”
Art of War has spread throughout Pennsylvania, most recently selling out the Lebanon Expo Center.
“That was the first show we’ve done where we’ve had tailgaters in the parking lot,” Mike said. “MMA is blasting off and we’re proud to present it in our own style. But there’s no better rush in sports than two highly trained fighters stepping into the cage, our ring announcer Chuck announcing their names in his trademark style, the bell ringing and all hell breaking loose. The adrenaline is numbing.”
Art Of War is returning to Bucks County for their 25th show on July 16 at the Newtown Sports Training Center. The address is 120 Pheasant Run, Newtown, PA 18940.
Doors open at 6 p.m., with the first bell at 7pm. Tickets are $75, $100 and $130. The event will also air on pay per view worldwide at https://starfund.app/organizations/awcf/home. For more information, contact Deborah Bickings at (267) 212-6833.
