Adams co-owns SLO Kickboxing and World Extreme Cagefighting where he promotes and organizes fights, as well as trains athletes from around the world.

Cage fighting is similar to boxing, but without the large gloves, and it incorporates wrestling and techniques from martial arts. While it's been called harsh, Adams says that the sport known as "pankration" by Greeks was practiced at the original Olympics.

"The sport is really misunderstood," he says. "If you watch movies today, there is more violence than what we do."

While it is not legal to cage fight in California, a recent bill was signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzen-egger to allow it by September. Events are currently held at Indian casinos, which are exempt from state law, and in Las Vegas. Matches could be held locally as early as next year, Adams says.

A former Cal Poly wrestler, Adams co-founded the WEC in 2001 and now sets up matches where the athletes compete in a cage rather than a ring. He says that is safer because the fighters can't fall out and that it adds a more extreme element to the sport.

"I'm the matchmaker for two guys that want to get in the ring and fight," he said.

What you see

Ultimate fighting champion Chuck Liddell co-owns the gym and has much of his memorabilia on display, as well as framed photos, newspaper clippings and cage-fighting gear.

Padded Olympic wrestling mats cover the floors of the large open gym. Black punching bags hang in rows from the ceilings, and weights and exercise equipment are set up for use.

The boxing ring in the center of the room is used by practicing fighters. Nearby, 7- and 8-year-olds take a karate class led by a professional kick boxer.

What he sees

Adams says that mixed martial arts is one of the fastest-growing sports in America and believes that it will someday be a mainstream sport like boxing.

"Every fight we've done has been sold out," he said. "Tickets sell for as much as $400."

He has five fights set up for next year and expects that number to increase.

What he likes

Adams says he enjoys handling the details of setting up a match. "I'm a creative person. I like setting up the shows from scratch."

What he would change

Adams considers that he works in the entertainment industry, and with that comes good and bad.

"There can be a lot of egos involved," he said. "I don't like when money gets in the way of a fight that fans want to see."