Conquest of the Cage

The mainstream perception of mixed martial arts as a guys-only event is crumbling as more and more women make themselves known in the violent sport. The Lilac City is sending some impressive contenders into the octagon, most notably last fall’s Ultimate Fighter 18 reality-show champ Julianna Peña. Though Peña has since sustained a devastating knee injury, she’ll be making an appearance and supporting her Spokane teammates at this weekend’s event, including fellow fighter Elizabeth Phillips. She’ll be joined by her gym Sikjitsu’s “Insane” Dave Courchaine and Roy “Precious” Bradshaw.