The gunfight was fought between two factions who were seeking to control the town, mainly being the Earps, led by Wyatt Earp backed up by his brothers and Doc Holliday, against which were pitted the Clanton gang led by the gunfighter Ike Clanton. That day, the Clantons and the Earps "had it out", with the Clantons losing the battle. According to some accounts, the local county police, led by Sheriff Johnny Behan, did nothing to prevent the fight and actually were counting on the outcome, hoping that the Clantons would "get rid of the Earps for him".