| Leading mixed martial arts federation, Strikeforce, will produce a historic, first-ever mixed martial arts event at the world-famous Playboy Mansion on Saturday, September 29, 2007. Slated for action are undefeated Strikeforce world lightweight (155 lb. limit) champion “El Nino” Gilbert Melendez and UFC and Pride Fighting Championship veteran Josh “The Punk” Thomson.The 10-bout fight card will host the return of Strikeforce world light heavyweight (205 lb. limit) champion and The Ultimate Fighter season one runner-up Bobby Southworth as well as the return of former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star and Tough Enough 2 reality show winner Daniel Puder.
“This is another leap forward into mainstream America for Strikeforce and the sport of mixed martial arts,” said Scott Coker, CEO of West Coast Productions, LLC, the parent company of Strikeforce. For over 20 years, Coker has pioneered the growth of martial arts in North America, which is the exclusive provider of martial arts footage to ESPN and the producer of some of the largest fight cards in United States history. The evening, loaded with top caliber fighting talent, will lavish its guests with a number of memorable experiences, including a top-shelf open bar; a buffet-style gourmet dinner; photo opportunities with Playboy Playmates and a wine-tasting party featuring the spirits of various gold-medal wineries. Requests for tickets to the ‘Strikeforce at The Mansion’ are to contact Carie Aana at carie_strikeforcekickboxing@yahoo.com or 408-569-3147. For more information visit the Strikeforce official website at http://www.strikeforceusa.net. “Strikeforce at The Mansion” festivities begin at 6:30 p.m., with the card’s first bout commencing at 8:00 p.m. |
The British Medical Association has called for a ban on mixed martial arts competitions, including “ultimate fighting”, on the grounds they can cause traumatic brain injury.In a report released on Wednesday, the BMA extended its long-standing call for a ban on both amateur and professional boxing to all mixed martial arts (MMA) events — which include ultimate fighting and cage fighting.
The call comes as London’s O2 arena gears up to host an ultimate fighting event on Saturday, following sell-out shows in Manchester and Belfast last year.
Ultimate fighting is billed as a form of mixed martial arts fighting that uses striking, grappling and ground fighting.