A heavyweight bout between PRIDE veteran Mike Russow (9-1) and former UFC heavyweight contender Jeff Monson (23-7) will headline the first-ever Adrenaline MMA show.
The organization officially announced the headline bout, and 13 other fights, early Thursday.
The event takes place June 14 at Chicago's Sears Centre and features a number of notables, including Terry Martin, Brad Imes, Bart Palaszewski, Tony Fryklund, Logan Clark and other UFC, EliteXC and IFL veterans.
Adrenaline MMA, formerly known as M-1 Global, launched in October 2007 when a group of American investors purchased the Russian-based M-1 organization and restructured it. Veteran fight manager Monte Cox was named CEO, and famed heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko was announced as the organization's first signing.
However, last month Cox confirmed that Emelianenko never actually signed with the promotion and that they mutually agreed to split ways. Cox said the organization would instead operate under the "Adrenaline MMA" name and primarily focus on promising prospects and fighters on the verge of stardom.
For the initial show, though, Adrenaline MMA is using some proven veterans.
"Monson is far more than just a veteran," Cox stated. "He has fought in every major event in the world and competed for countless titles, including the UFC heavyweight title. He comes into the event having won 18 of his last 20 bouts and is looking to prove Russow is not yet ready for the big time.
"Russow, on the other hand, has been crushing opposition and has been tested twice in major events... losing to then No. 6 ranked Sergei Kharitonov in PRIDE then crushing Roman Zentzov in Japan's Yarennoka event last New Year's Eve. He's ready to show he should be considered among the world's best."
In addition to a number of free-agent fighters, Adrenaline MMA called on some fellow promotions for help filling out the card. The IFL allowed Chicago fighters Palaszewski and Mark Miller, as well as Zac George, to compete on the card. EliteXC, meanwhile, loaned out Aaron Rosa and Hector Urbina.
The full card includes:
Main Card
* Jeff Monson (23-7) vs. Mike Russow (9-1)
* Terry Martin (16-4) vs. Daiju Takase (7-11)
* Alberto Crane (8-2) vs. Clay French (14-2)
* Tony Fryklund (14-9) vs. Brian Gassaway (25-17-1)
* Logan Clark (10-1) vs. Mike Marrello (6-1-1)
* Chris Guillen (11-7) vs. Brad Imes (13-4)
* Jeff Cox (9-6) vs. Bart Palaszewski (28-11)
* Rory Markham (14-4) vs. TBA
* Herc Hayes (7-5) vs. Kerry Schall (22-9)
* Ron Fields (18-24-1) vs. Aaron Rosa (10-2)
Preliminary Card
* Dom O'Grady (4-0) vs. Mike Stumpf (8-1)
* Joe Jordan (40-11) vs. Ryan Williams (6-1)
* John Hosman (7-3-1) vs. Christian Reynosa (6-2)
