The PFC announced Thursday that one of the fighters headlining their July PFC 9 fight card will be Visalia's Doug Marshall.
Marshall, who recenly lost his WEC light heavyweight championship after two successful title defenses, is still under contract with Zuffa but he signed a one-fight deal with PFC to fight in Lemoore.
"Doug has been an impressive fighter from day one," Printup said. "It is great to see a home-grown talent break through to the next level and receive all that national exposure."
Marshall's last three fights have been broadcast on national television on the Versus Network.
He made his MMA debut on Oct. 17, 2003, beating Anthony Fuller in just 32 seconds. His first seven fights were in Lemoore and he will be returing to the ring in Lemoore for the first time since Aug. 17, 2006 when he beat Lodune Sincaid.
Marshall got his start in MMA almost by accident. He was attending a WEC show in Lemoore and he told himself he was a better fighter than the fighters he was watching.
Through a little bit of luck, Printup heard about Marshall's abilities and he gave him a shot to fight.
"We share a tatoo artist [Style and Tatoos in Visalia'] and Steve Easley told me about how tough of a guy Doug was," Printup said. "So I taked to Scott Adams with the WEC and we put him in there. And he has impressed from day one."
Marshall has come a long way since his MMA debut. He began his MMA career as a heavyweight, but he quickly realized he would have to drop weight and fight as a light heavyweight if he wanted to have a career in MMA. After 10 professional fights, he is 7-3 and is easily the most decorated mixed martial arts fighter to come out of Visalia.
Printup said the PFC 9 fight card will be the biggest show in the PFC's short history.
For the first time, a PFC show will be held outside in Lemoore and July 18 is on a Friday, instead of the usual Thursday show. He expects to be able to seat about 4,000 people. Printup also said that making his PFC debut in July will be former UFC fighter Jake O'Brien along with several other recently signed fighters. Also announced on the PFC 9 card Mickey "D" Martinez will be taking on Jack morrison.
For ticket info go to www.palacefightingchampionship.com
