The Armored League is storming Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday, Nov. 21, for a night of medieval combat.
Eight fighters are slated to compete across two weight divisions for a shot at a world champion title in the 175-pound or 195-pound classes. The first blows land at 7 p.m., with roughly 2000 spectators anticipated to be in attendance.
In a short two years, the league has outgrown its alternative roots. Its first official tournament took place in 2024 at an indoor soccer field in Chinatown. Since then the league has leveled up to venues such as the Palladium Times Square and Melrose Ballroom. Pedro Navarro, the Armored League’s head of communications and executive producer, credits this growth to the curiosity surrounding old-fashioned fighting.
“People have seen these battles in movies and read about them in books, but what we’ve discovered in New York is that the audience was already here, waiting to experience the real thing,” said Navarro. “We’ve gone from underground events to Hammerstein Ballroom, and we’re only getting started.”
What is Modern Medieval Combat (MMC)?
Similar to mixed martial arts, MMC is a full-contact sport involving two fighters in a set arena. MMC fighters, often dubbed “armored warriors”, compete in steel armor weighing upwards of 70 pounds.
Equipped with blunt-tipped medieval-style weapons, ranging from swords to polearms, warriors compete in three one-minute rounds. The rules are simple: no stomping, kicking, or strikes to the groin. Besides that, any hit landed with a weapon, shield, or limb is fair game.
Unlike MMA, there are no draws in MMC. Fighters can win by points, knockout, or disqualification.
The Roster
Reigning champion and U.S. Army combat veteran Abeid “Mando” Mitchell will represent NYC in the arena, facing off against seven other contenders competing for one of two titles. This year’s armored warriors hail from across the globe:
Abeid Mitchell aka “Mando” — New York City
Johnny Porter aka “Vagabond” — Seattle, Washington
Nathaniel Gaston aka “Gaston” — California
Antonio Penedo aka “Steel Bunny” — Mexico
Manuel York aka “Armored Guecha” — Colombia/America
Emil Gruz aka “Skrubol” — Poland
Marcin Janiszewski aka “Lil Dentist” — Poland
Romain Crespeau aka “Romaios” — Normandy, France
Can’t make it to the ballroom? The championship event will also stream on TikTok live from the Armored League’s official account. Tickets are available through the league’s official website.
Details
What: The Armored League World Championship
Where: Hammerstein Ballroom
When: Nov. 21st, 7-10 p.m.
Tickets: www.thearmoredleague.com/tickets
