NPC & IFBB Spottings at MMA’s Ring of Fire

Denver’s Ring Of Fire (a mma event – like the UFC but much smaller) is gaining popularity with each event. I photographed the event and in between fights I spotted a number of NPC competitors as well as a couple IFBB pros in the house. NPC figure competitors Sara Hurrle and Jaime Meade were ring side enjoying their first live fights. Hurrle has been practicing gymnastics from time to time with fitness routine legend, Carol Semple. Hurrle will be making the switch to fitness next year. Meade has her sights set on Jr. USAs or Jr. Nationals for her next figure show. She place third her class at the 08 USAs and Jr. Nationals. Former NPC competitor Brooke Paulin was in the house with her husband. Brooke has taken some time off to have a baby and is considering competing again. Brooke took third in fitness at the 2005 Team Universe. NPC Figure competitor Brooke Hougue is living in Colorado again. She placed 5th in her class at the 2007 NPC USAs. Shelley Hillesheim took the national NPC level stage by storm in 2008. She was a ring girl for this event and looked great. Joining her in the ring was IFBB Figure Pro Liza Kampstra. Liza and Shelley could be seen posing for photos throughout the night. Bronco’s NFL running back Andrea Hall was in attendance and Kampstra seized the moment to get a photo with him.

Andre Hall and Liza Kampstra at the Ring of Fire.

I chatted with NPC Fitness competitor Rachel Patton a bit and she tells me NPC Jr. Nationals is her next competition. She’ll be competing in fitness again, looking to improve on her 4th place finish and leave Chitown with a pro card. IFBB Figure Pro Heather Mae French was in attendance just weeks out from the Arnold Classic. Heather looked like she could step on stage that night and one smart competitor who doesn’t fluff up in the “off-season”. I’m sure there were a few more npc females in the house that I missed. As you can see Colorado is becoming a hot spot for top notch NPC and IFBB competitors.