TAKE FIVE: ‘FIREWORKS IN THE CAGE’ MIXED MARTIAL ARTS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL FIGHTING ORGANIZATION

Saturday, July 7, 2007 | 7:09 a.m.

Principals: Marvin Eastman (13-7-1) vs. Rob Kimmons (16-2) in a 185-pound title fight, plus two other title fights and a seven-bout undercard in the International Fighting Organization's inaugural mixed martial arts promotion

Promoter: Steele Cage Promotions, founded by Hall of Fame boxing referee Richard Steele

Time/site: Today at the Orleans Arena; doors open, 6 p.m.; first bout, 7 p.m.

Tickets: $45 to $175; orleansarena.com, 284-7777

TV: HDNet satellite

Co-features: Eric Payne (20-6) vs. Brandon Shelton (15-1), 145 pounds; Wes Sims (18-9-1) vs. Chris Guillen (34-7), 265 pounds

1. Easy call

Wes Sims, at 6-foot-10 one of the tallest fighters in mixed martial arts, has fought steadily in a variety of promotions since his pro debut in 2001, from the prestigious Ultimate Fighting Championship in Las Vegas to his home state Hammer House Cage Fighting "Rumble at the Rodeo 2" in Columbus, Ohio. When Steele invited him to compete in the new IFO, Sims didn't have to think twice. "It's an honor to fight for Richard Steele," said Sims, who has Japanese characters signifying "pride" and "honor" tattooed on his palms. "I'm a big boxing fan, and I remember watching a lot of big fights on TV when I was a kid where he was the referee."

2. 'Still a Rebel'

Marvin Eastman, a former tailback for the UNLV football team who has lived and trained in Las Vegas for years, is a natural local mixed martial arts headliner because many local sports fans still recall his days with the Rebels. "Whenever I fight in a show here, the fans remind me of that," Eastman, 36, said. "If it's a hometown audience, they give me that recognition because I played ball here. If it's out of town, they don't care about it too much. But I'm still a Rebel regardless. I'm glad the basketball team's winning, and I can't wait for the football team to get back on track."

3. Balancing act

Eastman, who has trained with UNLV boxing coach Skip Kelp for seven years and in Muay Thai for 10 years, fits his regimen into a schedule that includes a full-time job as a North Las Vegas corrections officer. "It's working 40, 50 hours a week, then training for four hours, then going back to the job," Eastman said. "If I have to work a 10-hour day, and they say I have to stay an extra five hours, they don't care about me being a fighter. Skip will say, 'OK, be in the gym later.' I've just got to do it. I don't make any excuses, but sometimes I'm grouchy and stuff."

4. Tracking 'Rampage'

When Quinton "Rampage" Jackson dropped UFC icon Chuck Liddell to win the light heavyweight world championship in May at the MGM Grand, Eastman was watching with particular interest. Eastman lost to Jackson in a UFC nontitle fight in February, but defeated Jackson by decision in 2000. "Quinton is a soldier," Eastman said. "Right now he's at the top of the food chain. Chuck was the man for a long time. In no way, shape or form is Chuck washed up, but Quinton was the better fighter that day. He was the better man in the fight against me three months before. I'm trying to get on a win streak, so I can get the opportunity to fight him again. For that to happen, I've got to go out and wreck some people."

5. Next in line?

Sims, who lost a decision to Chris Guillen in May, thinks he did not get a fair shake from the judges in Austin, Texas, in that fight and vows to avenge the loss tonight. He also craves another shot at former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, who beat Sims twice in 2003 and 2004. In their first meeting, Sims was disqualified for "stomping a downed opponent," and Mir won the rematch by knockout on strikes. "I'll fight him in a promoted match, or if he sees me coming into a club, he better hide," Sims said, lobbying for a third fight.