Shawne Merriman returns to Thunder Studios on Saturday August 9th following a successful, action-packed night of fights at LXF 25. Despite having a last-minute venue change and the chaos that followed it, Shawne Merriman’s MMA promotion “Lights Out Extreme Fighting” brought together a thunderous night of fights, cementing its place in the SoCal fight scene.
Originally scheduled to take place for Casino Pauma, the former Chargers Linebacker was forced to relocate the event just three weeks before due to regulations issues with EMTS and medical staff. For many promoters, unexpected changes like that could interrupt the entire card. However, Merriman turned that into an opportunity to bring his promotion to Long Beach, citing his skillful team and fanbase.
“I truly believe we have the best team in this region, maybe in the country that’s not the UFC” Merriman said.
The passionate fanbase was on full display as the crowd filed in before the first amateur bout could even begin. For Merriman, this is all done because of their enthusiastic and excited fans.
“You can at the start of our amateur fights, the room is 60%-70% full” Merriman said. “That just doesn’t happen without creating a following or having the type of fans we created just in the SoCal region”.
The strategy is intentional: to build a regional footprint before expanding to the national level. While other states like Texas and Arizona are interests on potential places to visit for Merriman, the focus remains on maintaining a stronghold in the SoCal.
LXF 25 wasn’t just about the hardcore fans or the team behind the event—it was about showcasing fighters who are poised to make it to the sport’s biggest stages. Merriman highlighted several names featured on LXF 26, including Kohl Lauren, Blake Decourcy, Javier Garcia, and the electrifying Jake “The Barbarian” Babian as athletes with the skills and personality to one day compete in the PFL or UFC.
“This dude is like a walking highlight”. Shawne Merriman on Jake Babian
Since launching Lights Out Extreme Fighting, Merriman has embraced his NFL history to grow his promotion. With his behind-the-scenes series Under The Lights, Merriman gives fans a closer look at running the promotion with his experience in football bringing new eyes to the sport.
“We all know football is king in this country and it always will be” Merriman said. “When you start bringing those eyeballs to MMA, it’s a game changer”.
Merriman also discussed rolling out Shot Trackers and PTF Lab AI Technology expected to launch in the next six to eight weeks, which will give fans live data on strike speed, velocity, power, and G-Force.
While Merriman acknowledges that LXF could sign fighters with big-name value, he’s holding off until LXF’s brand has found solid foundation.
“We can easily go bring in money and just start signing big name guys, it’s just not our model” Merriman said. “We want people familiar with the brand and who we are, and build up a regional footprint before we start signing big name guys”.
If LXF 25 was any indication, it’s that Merriman’s vision has proven to be successful. When Light’s Out returns to Thunder Studios for LXF 26, the crowd will be more thunderous than ever.