TITLE FIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MOVES PRO MIXED MARTIAL ARTS TO THE HISTORICAL VAL AIR BALLROOM
Des Moines, IA- December 14, 2007 - Midwest Sports Entertainment Group (MSEG), the parent company of Title Fight Championship (TFC)
announced an agreement today to produce mixed martial arts (MMA) shows at West Des Moines Val Air Ballroom. Previous TFC venues include
Wells Fargo Arena, Vets Memorial Auditorium, Prairie Meadows Casino, and Seven Flags.
The Val Air, built in 1939, has just completed $1.3 million dollars in improvements, including paved parking. "The Val Air is part of
Iowa history, and MMA is making Iowa history" commented Scott Casber, TFC founder. "Big bands were the rage when it opened, and based
on everything we're seeing, MMA is much the rage now" Casber continued.
The first TFC event at the Val Air is on January 26, 2008 with "The Awakening". "We assembled a group of fighters who are the backbone
of MMA in Iowa" Casber confirmed. "These guys are crowd pleasers, and guys who bring a crowd. Placing them in a venue that has become
such a popular destination for other types of events provides the perfect combination" Casber concluded.
Among the ten total bouts, the evening's main event can be considered a grudge match, when MCC Champion Mike Van Meer meets Brian Green.
Other confirmed fights include Jeff Carstens vs. TJ O' Brien, Cole Jennet vs. Jason Purcell, and Josh Atwell vs. Eric Houser. Local
fighting legends Ronnie Britt and Roman "Primetime" Hellums are featured as well. The event will be filmed for broadcast on Mediacom,
as well as being featured on the national broadcast of HD-Net's Inside MMA program.
"We're thrilled to include TFC along with the increasing roster of top shelf entertainment we offer" responded Chris Cardani, Val Airs
General Manager. "We know the promoters, and have followed the sport from the start. Combined with our experience with other fight
promotions over the years, we purely will hit the ground running" Cardani added.
TFC has announced a number of corporate sponsors, including All Iowa Products, Budweiser, Castle Concrete, Color Works, Crush, Graffiti
Graffics, iowanightlife.com, Kaldenbergs PBS Landscaping, Kubed Fightgear, Lomax Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Mediacom, Morrissey Fine
Jewelers, and Twisted Parrot.
Completion of the Val Air agreement makes tickets available to consumers through Tickmaster on-line (ticketmaster.com), by phone, and at
Younkers, Hy-Vee, and Des Moines Civic Center . Tickets are also available at the Val Air Box office or by calling them at 223-6152.
Doors for the event will open at 6:30 PM, with fights beginning at 7:30 PM. Continuous updates regarding the event and fight card can be
found at titlefightchampionship.com.
TOP MIXED MARTIAL ARTS (MMA) ORGANIZATIONS MERGE TO FORM LARGEST IOWA FIGHT PROMOTION COMPANY
Des Moines, IA- July 27, 2007- Midwest Cage Championship (MCC) and Title Fight Championship (TFC) announced plans today to combine resources,
merge operations, and mutually produce professional mixed martial arts (MMA) events. Both organizations are based in Des Moines and were formed
in early 2006. MCC is arguably the oldest and most well established promoter in the Des Moines market, with their ninth production (Heatwave)
happening Saturday, July 28. TFC is best known for its larger, high-production, celebrity centric shows in venues including Wells Fargo Arena
and Veterans Auditorium.
"Each organization has unique qualities and varied experiences that together create the largest, most organized, and well resourced fight
company in the market" stated Scott Casber, co-founder of TFC. In total, the combined companies have produced 15 events, including professional
boxing at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino. Additionally, programming is available to consumers via cable broadcasts (Mediacom) and by web
casts (actionranch.com).
MCC owners, John Halverson and Ryan Hass, are both experienced and well respected fighters. Halverson himself is a veteran of the Ultimate
Fighting Championship (UFC). In the new organization, Halverson and Hass have the key responsibility to select and organize event competitors in
addition to duties being equally split between all company members. TFC has an intrinsic link to the wrestling world through its sister company,
ten year old TakeDown Wrestling Radio. That relationship has provided access to world class MMA stars that have visited Iowa to promote TFC shows
including Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Randy Couture, Tim Sylvia, Matt Hughes, Diego Sanchez, Rashad Evans, and Mike Van Arsdale
"Ultimately fight fans as well as the fighters will benefit. Being a professional fighter myself, I want to put emphasis on building the fighters
by putting together exciting matches. When people see fights like Jeremy Stephens versus Chris Mickle, they never forget the heart, determination,
and talent both competitors brought to the table. Their fight will be talked about for a long time! We want to continue to give fighters
opportunities to showcase their skill with the intent the recognition will boost them up the ladder, ultimately to pay per view shows like the UFC
or WEC" offered John Halverson, regarding the improvements resulting from the merger. Existing venue agreements with 95KGGO/Buccaneers Arena (MCC)
and the Iowa Events Center (TFC) will provide fans more than 15 shows per year with varied formats and price levels. Additionally, individual and
unique rosters of corporate sponsors will work in concert to help attain mutual goals set by the new organization.
"Going forward, the MCC name will be maintained for all MMA events, while Title Fight will be established for our boxing events. We all agreed the
MCC name has the most awareness with fight fans" commented Ryan Hass. Both organizations have a rich history of collaboration as MCC has hired TFC's
Casber as an announcer, and TFC and TakeDown Radio have actively promoted MCC shows.
"We're clearly not heading into this blind. We've all worked together on several levels, know each other well, and have developed trust and respect.
As a broadcaster and announcer, I've worked with every promoter in the market. These are the right guys to team with and take the fight game to the
next level" offered an enthusiastic Casber.
An announcement of the first production under the new company will be provided soon. Fans first chance see a company event is tomorrow, Saturday
July 28 at 95KGGO/Buccaneer Arena for IX: Heatwave. Tickets are available at the arena box office (515-278-9757) or on-line at midwestcagechampionship.com
UFC World Champion Quinton
“Rampage” Jackson to Appear at Des Moines’ Bad Moon Rising Ultimate
Fighting Event
Des Moines, IA- June 6, 2007-
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, the newly crowned Light Heavyweight Champion
of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), will visit Des Moines on
June 30 as part of the Bad Moon Rising pro mixed martial arts (MMA)
event. Jackson gained world champion status on May 26 at UFC 71 with
his impressive defeat over then reigning champ Chuck Liddell.
“Rampage Jackson’s status and
his electric personality have made him a real crowd pleaser and he may
well be the biggest name in the sport right now”, commented Scott
Casber of Title Fight Championship, Bad Moon Risings producer. Fans
have the opportunity to see and meet Jackson during the Wells Fargo
Arena event as well as an in-store appearance at inPlay prior to the
event.
“Rampage Jackson’s roots in wrestling
combined with his meteoric rise through the Pride organization and onto
the UFC have particular appeal to an Iowa crowd. This is a chance to
see and meet one of the worlds greatest athletes”, Casber added.
Bad Moon Rising includes 15 professional
bouts and features top fighters including UFC vet John “The Hurricane”
Halverson, Doug Onstot, Chuck “The Rev” Grigsby, Anthony Porcelli,
Ian Tice, Jaxson Mason, Paul Bradley, and Shane Wessels.
The inPlay appearance is 4:30-5:30
PM on Saturday, June 30. Bad Moon Rising doors open at 6:00 PM, with
the event beginning at 7:30 PM. More information about the event can
be found at http://www.titlefightchampionship.com
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS REACHES MAINSTREAM STATUS
Des Moines, IA- May 23, 2007- The visibility and perception of mixed martial arts increased and improved yesterday when Sport Illustrated released a nine page article on their si.com website. The magazine had only provided minimal coverage until now.
Titled "The New Main Event", the reporting placed focus on how the sport has changed to gain acceptance and has grown to where it is changing the entire sports landscape. The UFC, MMA's predominant organization now collects the largest pay-per-view revenues of any sporting events.
Rules, regulations, and officiating have expanded greatly and delivered greater safety. There has never been a death resulting from MMA and it generally accepted as being safer than boxing. MMA athletes are considered among the more accomplished and best conditioned compared to all other sports.
Wrestling, and specifically wrestling in Iowa, is highlighted as a core competency of MMA. Iowa's pro MMA team, the International Fight Leagues (IFL) Silverbacks, based in Bettendorf, receive the greatest national broadcast exposure of any Iowa pro sports teams.
The full article can be viewed through the following link:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/05/22/ultimate0528/index.html
TAKEDOWN WRESTLING RADIO AND LEGENDARY
TEAM QUEST ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Des Moines, IA- May 2, 2007-
Another significant step toward the merging of the amateur wrestling
and mixed martial arts (MMA) worlds was made today through the formation
of a strategic agreement between TakeDown Wrestling Radio and Team Quest.
TakeDown Radio has reported on amateur wrestling throughout its ten
year history and has steadily added MMA content as the interest in the
sport continuously grows. Team Quest, formed by Olympic Silver Medalist
wrestler and MMA pioneer Matt Lindland, is one of the top MMA training
facilities in the world and is home to the International Fight League
(IFL) Wolfpack professional MMA team.
The TakeDown/Team Quest announcement
is similar to another one made on April 11 when USA Wrestling, the Governing
Body of collegiate and amateur wrestling, and the IFL formed their own
strategic agreement. The evident goal of both partnerships is much the
same as all organizations work to grow the awareness of amateur wrestling
and MMA programs. “We’ve reported on MMA since its infancy. It’s
long been a strategic goal for many wrestlers to compete in MMA after
their collegiate and Olympic careers conclude.” commented TakeDown
Radio founder Scott Casber. “It’s fantastic to see wrestlers applying
their skills to MMA, getting paid for it, and continue to give back
to wrestling community. That is exactly what Team Quest has done through
our agreement”, Casber continued.
Wrestling is far and away one of the
most important components of MMA. More than 30% of the coaches and athletes
in the IFL have a wrestling background. That number is expected to grow
as more opportunities are developed via the type of agreements formed
between TakeDown Radio and Team Quest as well as the agreement between
USA Wrestling and the IFL
ABOUT TAKEDOWN RADIO
Based in Des Moines, IA, TakeDown
Radio is heard weekly throughout the world via KXNO-1460 AM, Des Moines
Sports Station, and on the web at takedownradio.com. TakeDown radio
is broadcast each Saturday from 9AM-11AM Central Time. TDR also provides
live coverage from several major events including the NCAA Championships,
Big 12, National Duals, and many others. In total, TDR provides over
550 hours of programming each year. TDR is made possible through the
sponsorship of over 25 Universities as well as a long list of commercial
sponsors.
ABOUT TEAM QUEST
Based in Portland, OR, Team Quest
is one of the most respected and well known MMA gyms in the world. Team
Quest is committed to excellence in competitive fighting and self defense.
Team Quest is headed by former Nebraska wrestler, Olympic Silver Medalist,
and #1 MMA Middleweight Matt “The Law” Lindland, and by Pride fighting
sensation and two time Olympian “Dangerous Dan” Henderson.
WELLS FARGO ARENA NEW HOME TO MMA
(MIXED MARTIAL ARTS) THROUGH TITLE FIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP/GLOBAL
SPECTRUM AGREEMENT
Des Moines, IA- April 23, 2007-
A multiple event agreement was reached last week between Title Fight
Championship (TFC), a Des Moines based live event promoter, and
Global Spectrum, operator of Des Moines
Wells Fargo Arena to produce live professional
mixed martial arts (MMA). The 16,
980 seat arena is the largest in Iowa.
The inaugural MMA event at Wells Fargo
is the June 30 “Castle Concrete Presents Bad Moon Rising”.
The 15 bout professional event features competitors comprised of national
stars, regional players, and local favorites. The event also includes
appearances by MMA superstars. TFC has featured appearances by Randy
Couture, Chuck Lidell, Matt Hughes, and Diego Sanchez, Rashad Evans,
Mike Van Arsdale, and Andre Roberts in previous events.
“TFC will continue to provide the
value fans have come to expect from us even though we’ve moved up
to a $200 million plus facility” commented TFC co-founder, Scott Casber.
“We’re able to provide elements that have only been available to
other professional sports in Iowa previously. A 180-seat restaurant,
luxury sky boxes, and VIP area wait staff are compelling reasons why
we formed our agreement with Global Spectrum. More importantly, it will
attract new fans to the sport while delivering the highest production
values possible”, Casber added.
The event will be simultaneously broadcast
via a pay-per-view web cast through fightsportglobal.com and is available
on Mediacom cable post event. “ The level of sophistication MMA fans
demand continues to rise. They expect instant replay, multiple camera
angles, and all the bells and whistles they see in the NBA and NFL”
stated Neil Norman, founder of Fight Sport Global Network. “The combination
of seasoned promoters, a world class facility, and leading edge technology
are certain to appease the most discerning fans”, added Norman.
Bad Moon Rising is being co-produced
with Extreme Contact Fighting (XCF). The promoters have partnered previously
in events at Des Moines Veterans Memorial Auditorium and Ames Hilton
Coliseum. Tickets prices are set at $20, $35, $55, and $75 and will
go on sale soon.
Announcements regarding event competitors
and celebrity appearances are forthcoming.
February 7, 2007 - Life After Wrestling?
When former Iowa wrestling star, and current Indiana Asst. Wrestling Coach Paul Bradley crossed over to fighting in the world of mixed
martial arts (MMA), it was no coincidence. Increasingly more collegiate wrestlers have followed the money to compete in the professional
fight game. MMA has become the fastest growing pro sport in the country with top purses for single fights exceeding $1 million.
The Midwest leads the trend with a wealth of talented wrestlers, coaches, and teams based here. Wrestlers like Tama, IA native Bradley
have searched for opportunities to continue to compete and extend the success they achieved in amateur careers. MMA presents the obvious
progression.
"Today's collegiate wrestlers continue to place greatest focus on individual and team performance. At the same time many wrestlers have
expanded their vision to include the chance to compete professionally" stated Cael Sanderson, Iowa State University Head Wrestling Coach.
As the name suggests, mixed martial arts combines varied fighting backgrounds. The sport allows a combination of punches, throws, kicks,
and holds. It's not unusual for bouts to end in what are termed "submission holds", which rely greatly on wrestling skills.
The worlds of amateur wrestling and MMA truly come together on February 21 in Des Moines, IA with concurrent events happening there. The
Iowa High School Wrestling Tournament draws over 13,000 people each year to the capitol city. This year, the largest MMA event in state
history will be held in the adjoining building to the wrestling tournament.
The MMA event, Battle at the Barn I, is named for Veterans Memorial Auditorium, the location where the Iowa High School Wrestling
Tournament was held for many years prior to moving to the Wells Fargo Arena. Attendees will see many of the athletes they know from
wrestling on state and national levels during the five hour event. Diego Sanchez, one of the top names in MMA, the UFC, and a former
New Mexico state wrestling champion will be alongside Mike Van Arsdale, another MMA/UFC star who also claims a NCAA Championship and is
a 2007 inductee to the Iowa High School Wrestling Hall of Fame. Fighters on the 15 bout card include local high school wrestling coaches
Geno Hildreth and James Giboo.
MMA continues to gain attention outside its core audience. Several major newspapers have added dedicated MMA sections and national
television networks, such as Showtime and Spike, are including live event programming.
The sport of wrestling itself is experiencing a resurgence of interest many experts feel can be traced to the growth and success of MMA.
Attendance levels at amateur wrestling meets are on the rise and several schools have added wrestling programs. Established wrestling
fans, new MMA fans, and every combination thereof have pushed both sports toward the ever brighter spotlight.
February 7, 2007 - UNDEFEATED UFC PHENOMENA RASHAD "SUGAR" EVANS ADDED TO BATTLE AT THE BARN I LINEUP
Rashad Evans was immediately catapulted to bona fide UFC star status when he knocked out Sean Salmon in the UFC 67 main event February 3.
Evans, already an internationally recognized name, delivered exactly the type of action MMA stars seek when he delivered the knockout
high kick one minute into the second round.
Evans, winner of season two on Spike TV's Ultimate Fighter, is considered one of the nicest guys in the UFC, thus earning the nickname
"Sugar". His UFC 67 victory proves beyond doubt there is as much spice in the equation. Interest in the fighter via media coverage, web
site hits, and merchandise sales indicate Evans star may be rising faster than any fighter at this moment in time.
Fans attending the Battle at the Barn I event at Veterans Auditorium in Des Moines on February 21 can see and meet Evans as he comes off
this monumental victory. Evans joins fellow UFC mega-stars Diego Sanchez and Mike Van Arsdale as celebrity guests during the 15 bout
professional MMA event.
"We organized Battle at the Barn I to coincide with the opening day of the Iowa High School Wrestling Tournament. Adding another wrestling
great like Rashad truly makes Des Moines the center of the wrestling world on February 21" stated Scott Casber, co-founder of Title Fight
Championship, the events promoter. Rashad Evans was a two time New York All State high school wrestler, national collegiate champion, and
has coached at Michigan State.
Information on Battle at the Barn I can be located at titlefightchampionship.com, iowaeventscenter.com, or by calling (515) 274-0849.
January 26, 2007 - Mixed Martial Arts, the fastest growing professional sport in the nation, arrives in full force when Battle
at the Barn I hits Veterans Memorial Auditorium the opening night of the Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament.
"Many of the best MMA fighters and UFC stars came up through the wrestling ranks. The timing of this event was no coincidence. We
clearly set the date based on mutual interest and synergies enjoyed by both sports" commented Scott Casber, co-founder of Title Fight
Championship, the events promoter. Des Moines regularly hosts MMA events although nothing on the magnitude of this event. Vets
Auditorium holds 8,000 people whereas previous MMA events rarely topped 3000 attendees.
"We've priced tickets starting at $10, which is nearly half the price of other MMA events. This is one way we can recognize and repay
the contributions high school and college wrestling in Iowa has made to MMA" Casber added. The fighters, officials, and celebrity guests
for the event were selected based on wrestling backgrounds as well.
Diego Sanchez, undefeated star of the UFC and TV series The Ultimate Fighter will be on hand to meet attendees and to sign autographs.
Mike Van Arsdale, 2007 inductee to the IHSAA Hall of fame, NCAA Champion, and UFC star serves as celebrity referee. Others fighters
familiar to wrestling fans include Paul Bradley, Geno Hildreth, and James Giboo. Regional favorites, "Lil' Heathen" Jeremy Stephens,
Tony Mendoza, Greg Hammer, Brian Green, and others make up the 15 bout card.
Doors open at 6:30 PM for meet and greets. Opening bell is 8:00 PM. Tickets are available through all Iowa Event Center box office and
outlet locations and online and by phone through Ticketmaster.
VIP table sales are available through Title Fight Championship at 515-274-0849.
January 4, 2007 - Title Fight Championship Kicks Off 2007 Mixed Martial Arts Fight Schedule on Wednesday, January 17, at 7
Flags/KJJY Event Center.
Title Fight Championship, a Des Moines based fight promotion company, set the date and venue for the first in a series of regular fight
dates in the Des Moines market for 2007. Ten mixed martial arts (MMA) bouts are planned for this event and feature top fighters from
throughout the region.
“We’re as equally committed to the sport as we are to the Iowa fan base,” commented Title Fight Championship’s (TFC’s) Scott Casber.
“TFC gained extensive experience through previous MMA, boxing, and amateur wrestling promotions. We understand the Iowa market, and are
pleased to supply the demand that clearly exists. Our fight series also serves to develop and feed fighters through the local, regional,
and national pro ranks,” Casber added.
Subsequent events, dates, and venues will be announced soon.
Details for the January 17 event:
What: Title Fight Championship Fight Night
When: Wednesday, January 17, 2007, Doors open: 6PM, Opening Bell: 7PM
Where: 7 Flags/KJJY Event Center, 2100 NW 100th Street, Clive, IA 50325, (515) 278-8888
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