MaxFightsDM, Des Moines newest and most exciting professional mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion, returns to the historic Val Air Ballroom with its second event on Friday, August 28. MaxFightsDM Ballroom Brawl features ten professional bouts, including three of particular note.
The main event will award MaxFightsDMs first title belt, when Demi Deeds meets Jason Gilliam (welterweight). Both fighters were victorious in MaxfightsDM first event on June 19, when UFC vet Gilliam defeated fellow UFC vet James Giboo. Deeds defeated Chuck Parmelee, and picked up the Polanti Watches Fighter of the Night Award. Upon his win in June, Gilliam immediately declared his intent to return to Des Moines in his quest for the belt. Deeds, undisputedly the local favorite, was also victorious in a recent main event of another Iowa fight promotion, and is certain to have throngs of fans in the stands.
The co-main event features 2008 U.S. Olympian, two-time NCAA wrestling champion, and two-time Hodge Trophy winner, Ben Askren, against the very tenured and heavy handed, Matt Delanoit. While Delanoits ground game is stellar, the challenge of competing on the mat is apparent. Delanoit, based in Omaha, is a seasoned MMA veteran, with a long and decidedly winning record. Delanoit is preparing for this fight by training with renowned coach Joe Baudler, and with several elite fighters including UFC vets Jason Brilz, and Ryan Jensen, as well as Bellator fighters Jake Ellenberger, and Alonzo Martinez. Askren was described by the MMA journal, Five Ounces of Pain, as Unquestionably one of the most phenomenal collegiate athletes in the history of American wrestling. His MMA record includes only two fights, albeit definitive wins (one by knockout, one by submission). This match-up illustrates MaxFightDMs commitment to taking MMA in Iowa to new heights.
The opening bout of the evening welcomes the return of Brian SMOKIN Green to the cage. A former champion and belt holder in Iowa, Green received arthroscopic surgery following his last fight in January, where he defeated Jason Louke via an arm bar, even with severely limited mobility. During his recovery process, Green has remained fully immersed in the MMA lifestyle, through his amateur promotion with Antony Porcelli (Des Moines MMA Fight Night), and as a match maker, official, and fighter manager. An announcement of an opponent will be made soon. Fans need to show up early, as this bout kicks things off promptly at 7:30 PM.
Ballroom Brawl is the first MMA event in Iowa where all bouts are professional fighters. There are so many great opportunities for amateur fighters to work themselves up the ranks to pro, and were thrilled to present a showcase for those fighters, commented MaxFightsDM partner, Scott Casber. Other featured fights include Jaxson Mason vs. Abel Trujillo, and a battle of the big boys, as Johnny Orr faces Jordan Wall in the heavyweight division. Additionally, MaxFightsDM will provide cash awards to fighters for Knockout of the Night, Submission of the Night, and Fight of the Night, assuring added motivation for all fighters.
Doors open at 6:30 PM. Fights begin promptly at 7:30 PM. Tickets for the event start at $25 and can be purchased at the Val Air Box Office, and through www.ticketmaster.com. VIP tables can be purchased by calling (515) 274-0849. Komodo Club at 214 3rd Street, Des Moines, sponsors the official weigh-in event on Thursday, August 27 at 7PM, and the official after-party immediately following Ballroom Brawl.
Ballroom Brawl presenter, Max Muscle, along with MaxFightsDM, is working in conjunction with the Blood Center of Iowa on a blood drive to be held at Max Muscle in Clive, at1300 NW 100th Street, on Wednesday, August 26. All donors will be entered into a raffle to win free tickets to the event. Max Muscle will offer significant product discounts to donors during the drive.
