**Shawne Merriman’s MMA Promotion Secures Major Deal with ESPN**
Former NFL star Shawne Merriman has made significant strides in the world of mixed martial arts with his promotion, Lights Out Xtreme Fighting (LXF), securing a multi-year media rights agreement with ESPN. This partnership, announced on Wednesday, marks a pivotal moment for the organization, allowing it to broadcast its complete fight schedule to fans across Latin America.
The deal grants ESPN exclusive regional rights to air events in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, reaching audiences in South America and the Caribbean. Merriman expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Since launching Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, our mission has been to build a platform for fighters and fans. Partnering with ESPN across Latin America is a major milestone for us. Latin America has some of the most passionate fight communities in the world. Showcasing our athletes through ESPN and Disney+ takes the Lights Out experience to an entirely new stage.”
The first event to be featured under this agreement will be LXF 29, where Pablo Caballero will face Corvan Allen for the flyweight world title, alongside a co-main event featuring Eduardo Alvarado against Shane Torres.
In a recent interview, Merriman clarified that his focus is not on competing with established organizations like the UFC. “We never looked to compete. We’re creating. We don’t want to compete with the UFC. We don’t care,” he stated. He emphasized that while many promotions attempt to outspend the UFC, Lights Out Xtreme Fighting aims to be an incubator for talent, providing a platform for fighters to develop and potentially transition to the UFC as champions.
As Lights Out Xtreme Fighting continues to grow, the partnership with ESPN is expected to enhance its visibility and reach, further solidifying its place in the competitive landscape of mixed martial arts.
**FAQ**
**What is Lights Out Xtreme Fighting?**
Lights Out Xtreme Fighting is a mixed martial arts promotion founded by former NFL player Shawne Merriman, aimed at providing a platform for fighters and fans while showcasing talent in the sport.