Next Era of Mixed Martial Arts Ushered In by New Fight Company in Historic Venue

Posted on | May 20, 2009 | No Comments

Des Moines, IA- May 20, 2009- MaxFights, the newly formed professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fight promotion company, announced its first event as well as details on the company today. MaxFights-Des Moines, the registered company name, has organized a wealth of partners, collaborators, and contributors representing much of the rich history of MMA and live event promotion in Central Iowa.

MaxFights primary partners, Scott Casber and Chris Arns, were owners in two previous MMA companies, and are involved in other synergistic entities in sports promotion, including broadcasting and talent management. In forming MaxFights, new investors in concert promotion and consumer advertising are included as well.

MaxFights guiding philosophy is one of inclusiveness, embracing all experienced and worthy fighters, regardless of associations or affiliations. MaxFights first event on Friday, June 19 features fighters from a wealth of organizations including the UFC, M1, IFL, and other fight promotions in Iowa and the Midwest. MaxFights staff, officials, announcers, and ring girls are well known here and represent some of the best talent and greatest experience in those categories.

The June 19 fight card was assembled by MaxFights Match Maker, and Iowa MMA mainstay, Brian Green. Among ten total bouts, one co-main event matches UFC vets James Giboo against Jason Gilliam, in only the third time in Iowa where two UFC warriors have faced each other. The remaining co-main event pits M1 vet Steve Carl against IFL vet and fan favorite, Victor Moreno. Carl recently returned with a victory in Belarus, Bulgaria where M1 Team North America swept the event with five unanimous wins. Other bouts deliver instantly recognized names including a rematch between Jeff Carstens and Paul Bird. Bird was seen on Spike TV’s latest season of The Ultimate Fighter and Carstens just competed in the second ever sanctioned event in Pennsylvania (Philadelphia). Carstens intends to avenge his previous loss to Bird. Other featured bouts include Chuck Parmelee vs. Demi Deeds, Jason Medina vs. Red Worthington, Chris Perez-Van Dam vs. Cory Simpson, and Timmy Gorman vs. Cody Van Cleveren.

Based on an exclusive agreement with the historic Val Air Ballroom, MaxFights supplies a warm and inviting home for MMA fans. Max fights also arranged a co-promotion with a top amateur association for monthly events at the Val Air, thus providing a proving ground and launch pad for fighter to build their experience, working toward the pro ranks. Other initial co-promotional partners include the Iowa Barnstormers and Budweiser among many others. The official weigh-in event and the event after party will be held at Komodo Club, located at 214 3rd Street in downtown Des Moines.

“The collective experience of the team we’ve assembled includes nearly every component, dynamic, and personality related to MMA in Central Iowa,” described MaxFights owner/partner Scott Casber. “Our roots can be traced as far back as possible. Whether it was the early amateur days here, any venue you can name, celebrities attending local events, or many of the fighters that have gone on to national and international careers, somehow we’ve been involved. Our team gained valuable experience and built important relationships, and we’re thrilled to bring everything together in one place and at the same time,” confirmed Casber.

MaxFights will produce a minimum of eight events at the Val Air in the next twelve months. Tickets for the June 19 event are on sales now and can be purchased at the Val Air box office, on-line at http://www.maxfightsdm.com, or by calling 515-223-6152. Complete detail on MaxFights can be found at http://www.maxfightsdm.com.