On The DL

Evolved Fighting Championship

by Felicia D'Ambrosio

Fri., Nov. 30, 7 p.m., $30-$55, New Alhambra, 7 Ritner St., 215-520-9682, evolvedfighting.com

Even for a married couple, Angel and Khara Cartagena fight quite a bit. At their Evolved Fighting matches, the trainers foster the martial spirit in others with Muay Thai kickboxing. The series' championship event will determine Philly's most resourceful amateur fighter in 10 matches of unconventional battle.

Revered in Thailand and catching on with yuppies who got bored with the elliptical, Muay Thai is a form of kickboxing in which the fighter strikes with knees and elbows as well as feet and fists. For those accustomed to afternoon-long football games, it's a blindingly fast sport: Each match consists of three two-minute rounds. The Evolved championship will divide competitors by weight and experience and keep it safe with boxing gloves, headgear and shin guards.

With the Pennsylvania Athletic Commission expected to allow mixed martial arts fights by summer, the Cartagenas will be free to explore setting up a professional Muay Thai league. May the scrappiest Philadelphian win.