Former NFL star Shawne Merriman to tackle bare knuckle fighting

Retired National Football League three-time All-Pro linebacker Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman has signed to fight on World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation's (WBKFF) inaugural event, "Rise of the Titans," airing on worldwide pay-per-view this fall, live from Casper Events Center in Casper, Wyoming.

"This is really exciting for me," Merriman said. "It's a real privilege and honor for me to come out and fight. Thank you to everyone at the World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation for your support. It's time for Lights Out!"

The 34-year-old Merriman, fighting out of Los Angeles, played 8 seasons in the NFL between 2005 and 2012 for the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills. He was drafted out of the University of Maryland in the first round (12th overall) by the Chargers in the 2005 NFL draft.

A fearsome pass rusher who endured a drug suspension during his career, the 6' 4" Merriman will take his powerful presence into the ring as a bare-knuckle fighter, against his heavyweight opponent to be announced.

Hopefully, for Merriman's sake, that opponent will not be Maurice Jones-Drew.

"We are thrilled to have Shawne as part of our team," WBKFF CEO Tom Stankiewicz commented. "It's a very exciting time for everyone.  Shawne was a proven warrior on the field and we look forward to seeing him in the ring.  We feel that Shawne's signing with WBKFF opens the doors to champions from all sports and shows that he has the guts and courage to step into this gladiator sport.  Bare knuckle fighting is the combat sport for the 21st century.  We welcome Shawne as part of our family!"

WBKFF will host a star-studded meet-and greet for fans during fight week, "Fandamonium", featuring an appearance by women's MMA superstar, Cris Cyborg, along with former UFC champions and other celebrities.

The announced co-featured event is a showdown between a pair of legendary MMA fighters, Chris "The Crippler" Leben and "The New York Bad Ass" Phil Baroni, for the WBKFF light heavyweight title.

Ultimate Fighter contestant and UFC veteran Christina Marks and professional boxer Jasmine Clarkson will square off for the WBKFF Women's Flyweight Championship.

WBKFF will also launch its $100,000 Grand Prize 8-Man Lightweight Tournament, showcasing eight fighters in four separate bouts to determine the semifinalists for WBKFF's second event, culminating with the championship final in its third event.

Tournament contestants include UFC veterans Melvin "The Young Assassin" Guillard, Tom "Da Tank" Gallicchio, Josh Neer and Issac Vallie Flagg, as well as undefeated professional Joey Bryant (16-0, 12 KOs).

Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and hammer fists will be used in all WBKFF fights, which will be contested in a traditional boxing ring for optimum viewing and safety. All men and women's matches will feature five (two-minute) rounds.

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services