Legendary 3x All-Pro NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman signs to fight in World Bare Knuckle
CHICAGO (August 1, 20-18) – Retired National Football League 3x All-Pro
linebacker and 3x Pro Bowl fan-favorite *Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman* has
signed to fight on World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation’s (WBKFF)
inaugural event, “Rise of the Titans,” airing on worldwide pay-per-view
(full details to come) this fall, live from Casper Events Center in Casper,
Wyoming.
The 34-year-old Merriman, fighting out of Los Angeles, played 8 seasons in
the NFL between 2005 and 2012 between 2005 and 2012 for the San Diego
Chargers and Buffalo Bills. He was drafted out of the University of
Maryland in the first round, 12th overall pick, by the Chargers in the 2005
NFL draft.
Known as an extremely physical football player, the 6′ 4″ Merriman will
take his powerful presence into the ring as a bare-knuckle fighter, against
his heavyweight opponent to be announced.
“This is really exciting for me,” Merriman said. “It’s a real privilege and
honor for me to come out and fight. Thank you to everyone at the World Bare
Knuckle Fighting Federation for your support. It’s time for Lights Out!”
“We are thrilled to have Shawne as part of our team,” WBKFF CEO *Tom
Stankiewicz*commented. “It’s a very exciting time for everyone. Shawne was
a proven warrior on the field and we look forward to seeing him in the
ring. We feel that Shawne’s signing with WBKFF opens the doors
to champions from all sports and shows that he has the guts and courage to
step into this gladiator sport. Bare knuckle fighting is the combat sport
for the 21st century. We welcome Shawne as part of our family!”
WBKFF will host a star-studded meet-and greet for fans during fight week,
“Fandamonium”, featuring an appearance by women’s MMA superstar, *Cris
Cyborg*, along with former UFC champions and other celebrities.
The announced co-featured event is a showdown between a pair of legendary
MMA fighters, *Chris “The Crippler” Leben* and *”The New York Bad Ass” Phil
Baroni*, for the WBKFF light heavyweight title.
Ultimate Fighter contestant and UFC veteran *Christina Marks* and
professional boxer *Jasmine Clarkson* will square off for the WBKFF Women’s
Flyweight Championship.
WBKFF will also launch its $100,000 Grand Prize 8-Man Lightweight
Tournament, showcasing eight fighters in four separate bouts to determine
the semifinalists for WBKFF’s second event, culminating with the
championship final in its third event.
Tournament contestants include UFC veterans *Melvin “The Young Assassin”
Guillard*, *Tom “Da Tank” Gallicchio*, *Josh Neer* and *Issac Vallie Flagg*,
as well as undefeated professional *Joey Bryant* (16-0, 12 KOs).
Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and
hammer fists will be used in all WBKFF fights, which will be contested in a
traditional boxing ring for optimum viewing and safety. All men and women’s
matches will feature five (two-minute) rounds.
Additional fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are
subject to change.
