Regional MMA will be on display tonight (May 2) in the "South Plains" of West Texas when "Shark Fights 4," the fourth installment from the upstart organization based out of Amarillo, Texas, comes together inside Lubbock’s Citibank Coliseum.
But don’t let the word "regional" fool you.
Shark Fights doesn’t specialize in "high-school gymnasium" fight cards. Lights, cameras, the biggest cage in mixed martial arts, and lots of genuine MMA action are all part and parcel under the Shark Fights banner.
The Texas based promotion has smartly partnered with Sports Action Network, a multimedia website that specializes in the coverage of combat sports to ensure the event gets streamed directly to hardcore MMA fans.
What really set this event apart is that a portion of the proceeds from each PPV purchase will go directly to the Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit organization that funds medical care, research and education to improve the lives of sick and injured children.
When I spoke with Jeff Larson, President of Shark Fight Promotions, he spoke with great passion about their organizational commitment to giving back to the community.
A lot of people pay lip service to charitable organizations; Jeff Larson is the real deal.
His personal connection to helping charitable organizations stems from the battles his wife underwent with both cancer and a brain tumor. They are both fighters and giving back has become a way of life for this MMA couple.
"I love the connection between Shark Fights and Children’s Miracle Network," said Larson. "I've got cage fighters up in the cage banging away for their living and we also got these children that are in the cage of life and banging it out against a disease—a disease that they have no cure for."
"They're in this cage of their disease, and they're battling their way and trying to fight. What we want to do is bring those two together," he continued. "There may not be a cure for cancer yet so Shark Fights is taking a bite out of cancer -- one fight at a time."
MMA fans can purchase the fight card for only $9.95. "Shark Fight 4" will stream live on both Sports Action Network and the Shark Fights website.
Consider the PPV purchase an investment in both the development of the sport at the regional level as well as a great way to let MMA give back to its community.
And if that's not enough, you will get to see a true legend of the sport back in action. In the main event, Don "The Predator" Frye will take on Judo-Pan American Champion Rich Moss.
Also on the card will be Lubbock’s own Texas Tech superstar and NFL crossover Rex Richards. Rex previously fought current UFC Heavyweight Shane Carwin and tonight will face MMA standout Darrell Schoonover for the Texas Heavyweight Title.
Jesse Taylor, the infamous TUF 7 finalist, will be in action against Shark Fights very own Eric Davilla. Eric has fought such fighters as Matt Hughes, Benji Radach and Richie Hightower.
Here is the complete lineup for Shark Fights 4:
Texas heavyweight title bout:
265 lbs.: Rex Richards (10-1) vs. Darrill "The Mighty Monarch" Schoonover (13-0)Texas welterweight title bout:
170 lbs.: Shannon "The Cannon" Rich (94-69-2) vs. TJ Waldburger (8-5)Main Card:
185 lbs.: Jesse Taylor (14-3) vs. Eric "Big Head" Davila (25-7)
155 lbs.: Phil Cardella (7-3) vs. Johnny Flores (5-2)
145 lbs.: Louis Luna (2-0) vs. Douglas Frey (4-1)
125 lbs.: Brandi Hainey (1-1) vs. Jessica Miramontes (0-0)
265 lbs.: Don "The Predator" Frye (19-7-1) vs. Rich Moss (7-2)
265 lbs.: Aaron Garcia (2-1) vs. Josh Shepard (0-1)
155 lbs.: Rolando "Shadow" Scott (1-0) vs. Zach Haney (1-0)
If you are a fan of MMA and the people who are passionate about developing the sport, be sure to check out all the action tonight (May 2) at Lubbock’s Citibank Coliseum or check it out live Online.