RODEO PROFILE
ULTIMATE BULL FIGHTING COMES TO THE SUNSHINE STATE ARCADIA-BASED MOSAIC ARENA HOSTS 2020 WORLD FINALS
ake a bull riding fan, mix it up with an adrenaline junkie, add a hint of craziness, make sure they are young and agile enough to outrun or outmaneuver a 2,000-pound bovine—and you’ve got yourself a bullfighter!
Their traditional use was for “cowboy protection.” When a bull rider is either bucked off or dismounts after his 8-second ride, the bullfighter would ensure he was protected from the bull coming back at him, either to hook him or to trample the rider. That means the bullfighter has to be prepared to take a hit, if necessary. So in order to protect themselves, bullfighters learned tricks, feints and maneuvers to distract the bull from that body on the ground. And from this arose a totally separate sport known as freestyle bullfighting. These contestants have 60 seconds in the arena to show off their skills. There are standard maneuvers that each of them need to include in each outing. Then they have the opportunity to add their own personal touch to the routine: They time it just right so they can jump over the bull, maybe take off an article of clothing and wave it at the animal, or throw their hat at it, and anything else they wish to include. Usually, two to three of their comrades will be on the railings—in case something goes wrong and the contestant needs help. That’s because the bovines in the arena with these
competitors are of the Toro de Lido breed, also known as Mexican fighting bulls. While they may look smaller or more compact than the bulls in traditional rodeos, these bovines are bred to attack, to hook, to maim and even to kill. Like most sports, even rodeos, the year or season is concluded with a finals event. The 2020 season saw the decade-old Ultimate Bull Fighters World Finals sponsored by the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, held at Mosaic Arena in DeSoto County’s Arcadia, Florida. The four performances were spread over three days: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day (two performances) and Saturday, Jan. 2. Anywhere from 12 to 18 contestants were in each outing; the field was dwindled down to the final 12 on Saturday night. Each performance began with an introduction of the contestants, done differently each time but always with fireworks and rock music. The entertainer for the weekend was Brinson James the Entertainer (featured in the February/March 2021 issue of Florida Country Magazine), who did a great job keeping the audience involved. Unlike bullfights from Spain that come to mind when you hear the term “bullfighting,” the animals are not harmed or killed in this new sport. In fact, they are cared for like a member of the family. After all, they represent the livelihood of the owner.
At left, Tucker Lane McWilliams shows off his patriotism in the arena, with a costume in red, white and blue. Right, Noah Krepps keeps a close eye on the bull.
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY KATHY ANN GREGG
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Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg
