An event mash-up of mixed martial arts and boxing isn't a terribly novel concept. Promoters have long used the template as a means of maximizing venue use and giving fans the feeing that they are getting a two-for-one deal.
Many of these shows leave fans muttering how they wish they could get those three hours of their lives back.
However, promoters in Las Vegas are turning the MMA-boxing amalgamation on its ear by offering fans free tickets and a television-worthy night of action Friday at the Thomas & Mack Center.
The card combo will feature 10 fights, four of which will be of the MMA variety, headlined by a boxing match between unbeaten heavyweight prospect Alonzo Butler (26-0-1) and Friday Ahunanya (25-5-3). While these guys aren't exactly Ali and Frazier, they are decent enough to be afforded camera time. The boxing main event and another bout are scheduled to be televised live on ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights."
Once the boxing concludes, the evening's MMA action will have a pair of UFC veterans in the main event. John Alessio (22-11) faces Pete Spratt (18-12) in a welterweight bout. But the most recognized name in the building, certainly among MMA fans, will be a fighter making her pro debut. In a battle of Kims, Kim Couture, wife of UFC hall-of-famer Randy Couture, will face Kim Rose in the MMA co-feature.
And, yes, the promoters have proved you can give this stuff away.
All 16,000 tickets released to the public have been snatched up, guaranteeing, even with some expected attrition, a big crowd for Vegas' first combined MMA-boxing show. Radio stations and sponsors are giving away an additional 2,000 tickets for the event, dubbed "Free for All, A Night of Combat."
"Times are tough and people need an opportunity and excuse to get out and be a part of great experiences," said Thomas & Mack Center's Daren Libonati, referring to the country's beaten-down economy. "The level of enthusiasm for this one night of duel combat boxing and MMA is off the page. Our team and community partners have come together to create a one-of-a-kind special event night for free."
The arena has joined with Banner Promotions, with support from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, to make the event possible.
Several Vegas-based mixed martial artists, including Wanderlei Silva, Mike Pyle and Gray Maynard, are expected to attend the show and meet with fans for photos and autographs.
Giving back to the community in this fashion can only help bolster the images of both sports. The only thing that could make the offer of a free ticket better would be some gas money to use it.
