Stabbing at MMA Gym Sends Shockwaves Through NYC Fight Community
- Austin Jones
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read

Stabbing at Chelsea MMA Gym Sends Shockwaves Through NYC Fight Community
A Shocking Stabbing at MMA Gym Incident in New York City
On the morning of May 10, 2025, the martial arts community in New York City was rocked by a disturbing stabbing at mma gym incident at Radical Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in Chelsea. A 23-year-old man, Caleb Perry, allegedly stabbed a 24-year-old current member of the gym multiple times after a confrontation. The stabbing, which took place around 11:00 AM, has left the local fight community questioning safety measures and the potential for similar incidents to occur in MMA gyms across the country.
What Happened: The Attack and Arrest
Perry, who was reportedly a former member of Radical MMA, had his gym membership revoked the previous year. After entering the facility to speak with gym management, Perry confronted another member of the gym. What transpired next was horrifying. The altercation escalated quickly, and Perry allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim three times in the back.
The victim, who has not been identified, was immediately rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition. While the injuries are serious, he is expected to survive. The quick response from bystanders, staff, and other gym members was crucial in preventing further harm. Perry was detained at the scene until police arrived, and he was promptly arrested.
The Aftermath: Charges and Legal Consequences
Perry now faces serious charges, including attempted murder, assault, and burglary. His actions have sparked outrage both within the gym and throughout the broader MMA community. It is not clear what led to the altercation, but the fact that it involved a former member seeking access to the gym raises troubling questions about security protocols in mixed martial arts facilities.
The police were able to act quickly, and Perry is currently in custody. The victim, while in stable condition, will undoubtedly face a long recovery process. However, this case is far from over, and the legal ramifications for Perry could be significant, depending on how the charges play out in court.
The Impact on the MMA Community
This shocking attack has stirred up conversation throughout the MMA world. MMA gyms are meant to be sanctuaries for training, discipline, and personal growth, not battlegrounds for violence. But incidents like this force us to ask hard questions about the safety of gym members, staff, and fighters.
What role do gyms play in ensuring the safety of those within their walls? Are enough precautions taken to prevent potential violence, especially when it comes to former members who may still harbor ill feelings? While most MMA facilities take great care to foster a positive, safe training environment, this tragic event highlights the vulnerabilities that still exist.
Gym Security: What Can Be Done?
In the wake of this stabbing, many MMA gym owners and trainers are reassessing their safety measures. While fights between gym members are unfortunately not unheard of in contact sports, it is crucial that gyms implement proper security protocols to prevent this type of violence from ever occurring. Some suggestions that have already begun circulating include:
Background Checks for Members: Gyms could require background checks, especially when reapplying for membership after an incident of misconduct.
Restricted Access: Former members who have been removed for any reason should have restricted access to the gym, preventing them from simply walking in during normal operating hours.
Trained Security Personnel: Larger facilities might want to consider having trained security staff on-site during peak hours to monitor activity and handle any potential threats.
Conflict Resolution: Encouraging better conflict resolution mechanisms between members can help minimize tensions before they reach a boiling point.
Moving Forward: The Community Response
The MMA community is one that thrives on camaraderie, discipline, and mutual respect, but this incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly things can spiral out of control. As the legal process unfolds, the community is left to reflect on how incidents like this can be prevented in the future.
At the same time, it’s important to remember that most MMA gyms and their members are peaceful, dedicated individuals who train with discipline and respect. This unfortunate event is an anomaly, but it has nonetheless left a significant impact on the NYC fight community.
For now, everyone involved in the case must await further updates. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide more details as the case progresses. In the meantime, gyms and fighters alike should be taking this moment to consider what they can do to ensure that safety remains the top priority in the world of MMA.