About Us
How it all started...
In the early '90's, two longtime friends, with differing backgrounds in fighting styles decided to start a martial arts school. They formed an alliance that has received the respect and admiration of many in the world of mixed martial arts.
One possessed an extensive wrestling history (including a four-time NCAA All-American and a NCAA National Championship), the other had a history of multiple forms of martial arts spanning two decades. They combined their wide range of skills to move toward a common goal: to learn, compete, and teach the best techniques of various styles of martial arts.
After years of learning, teaching and competing they started the Silverback Classic. The fight promotion was where mixed martial artists would come and showcase their skills against fair and equal competition. Many well known fighters graced the ring at the Silverback Classic including MMA veterans Clay Guida, Derrick Noble, Adrian Serrano, Phil Johns, Keith Wisniewski, Justin Wisniewski, Ben Rothwell, Joe Pearson, Ron Faircloth, and many more.
In 2009 the Canton Silverbacks became the Central Illinois Combat Club fight team. In 2008 the East Peoria Throwdown MMA promotion was created to continue to the tradition of excellence that the Canton Silverbacks and the Silverback Classic started over 15 years ago.
The Central Illinois Combat Club is a full service MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) organization. The CICC can provide professional and amateur fighters for your event along with cage rental, officials, time keepers, judges, pre and post fight medical staff (ILLINOIS ONLY), referees, ring announcers/Master of Cermony, PA rental and audio technicians.
The Central Illinois Combat Club is totally self-contained! We'll bring it all! Just tell us when and where! Please call or contact the CICC for pricing and availability.