Rick Toms

Rick Toms

CageCraze.com is known for supporting local fighters, managers, and promoters, but we would like to take some time to recognize a local MMA Ring Announcer for his efforts in the Tri-State area (Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio). The focus of this interview is none other than Rick Toms.

Please look below for the Q&A session we had with Rick. It is worth the read and it is worth the price of admission to see him do his thing in person. Rick will be making his debut with Spartan FC on Friday night. Make sure to check out http://spartanfighting.com/ for details on how you can see Rick and all of the Local MMA Action in your area!

 

CageCraze.com: When did your career as a Mixed Martial Arts ring announcer begin?

Rick Toms: I think it was sometime in 2006. It was for ICE Extreme Cage Fighting at Metropolis Night Club. I was subbing for the late Big Poppa Schnake. There were quite a few people disappointed that Schnake wasn’t there. I also managed to piss off promoter Monte Cox and mispronounced Jorge Gurgel’s name. It wasn’t the best debut, that’s for sure! But, Kerry “Meat Truck” Schall called me back and I eventually became ICE Extreme Fighting’s regular announcer.

 

CageCraze.com: Is ring announcing a full time job?

Rick Toms: Announcing, for me, is not a full time job. If I’m lucky, I’m getting a couple bookings a month. I have done voiceover work for a few commercials, the highlight being one for Grand Victoria Casino.

 

CageCraze.com: Have you always been a Mixed Martial Arts fan?

Rick Toms: No, I really didn’t know anything about the sport when I first announced that event for ICE. Guess what? MMA is nothing short of amazing! But, you already knew that.

 

CageCraze.com: What have been some of your fondest moments thus far?

Rick Toms: Announcing at US Bank Arena for ICF Breakout, April 11,2009. That was a great experience. As an annoucer, you always hope for a decent P.A. US Bank Arena had an awesome P.A.! Fondest memories? All those ring girls! Just kidding….ok,I’m not kidding.

CageCraze.com: Are you exclusive with the MMA Big Show now?

Rick Toms: No, but working for MMA Big Show has been a blast! Jason Appleton & JL Barger are great to work for. I continue to work for Rod Housley, Kerry Schall & Rodney Barker….don’t miss Turf Wars at Turfway Park! And, I make my debut with Spartan Fighting Championships in November!

 

CageCraze.com: What are you doing when you are not announcing?

Rick Toms: I stay busy being a single parent with my 9 year old son Alex. I also work for Ideal Fitness in West Chester, Ohio…and I’m a merchandiser for Select Merchandising Service.

 

CageCraze.com: Many announcers have their trademark phrase or outfit. You wear a tuxedo and have long, flowing, golden locks of hair. What inspires that appearance and how does it go over with the MMA fans?

Rick Toms: The hair dates back to my days as a singer in a Heavy Metal band. It has become somewhat of a “trademark” for me, my hair. Personally, I’m sick of it! Who wants to cut my hair?? The tux comes from my years ring announcing pro wrestling for Roger Ruffen’s NWF Wrestling, Tom Williams’ WAR Wrestling, Chris Hayes’ MWA Wrestling and a few others. The MWA inducted me into their Hall Of Fame this past summer!
CageCraze.com: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans?

Rick Toms: If there are people out there that like my voice and like the job I do announcing, then I feel fortunate and appreciative.

 

CageCraze.com: If you could announce at one sporting event in the world, what would it be?

Rick Toms: Wrestlemania! Does that count as a sporting event? Sports entertainment! Ok, how about a Strikeforce or UFC event? That would be awesome…I’d feel right at home!

 

CageCraze.com: Thanks for your time, who would you like to thank at the end of the interview?

Rick Toms: I would like to thank Chad Cunningham and Cage Craze! See you Cage side soon!

 

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