By Joel Stratte-McClure

Brawlers, gladiators and combat-club comrades at the "Never Back Down" premiere hiked from the Cinerama Dome to the after-party at Goa without getting into a messy beatdown. Everyone, even Jenna Jameson and Tito Ortiz, got the "Karate Kid"/"Fight Club"-meets-YouTube message that mastering mixed martial arts produces disciplined and dignified young men.

But why do babes in the film seriously thrive on watching dudes get their butts kicked?

"Women are instinctively looking for the strongest fighter as a mate," explained Djimon Hounsou, who looked spiffy in a Gucci suit as he lounged under Goa's Indian lanterns with girlfriend Kimora Lee Simmons.

"I don't completely understand why chicks get off on it," admitted co-star Sean Faris. "But it makes evolutionary sense to find a guy who can defend the territory."

This could be intellectual party talk.

"Frankly we all love to watch a man battle for his woman … and ultimate fighting is very hot," clarified on-screen babe Amber Heard, 21. "Everyone will get the film's inspirational message. But hello! No one will watch if they're not turned on and excited."

So much for evolution.

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Photos of Sean Faris, Amber Heard and Djimon Hounsou, and Hounsou and Kimora Lee Simmons, both by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images.