In a fascinating intersection between American football and mixed martial arts (MMA), NFL players are increasingly turning to martial arts training to enhance their skills on the gridiron. One prominent figure leading this trend is former NFL star Shawne Merriman, whose journey from the football field to the MMA arena has been nothing short of remarkable.

In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com the former NFL athlete has shared insight on the transformative impact of MMA training on footballing ability. Additionally, he touched on pioneering the integration of cutting-edge technology into the world of MMA, offering a glimpse into the future of combat sports and spectator engagement.

Merriman, renowned for his illustrious career with the formerly San Diego Chargers, has seamlessly transitioned into the world of combat sports. During his tenure in the NFL, Merriman dedicated time to training in martial arts, a decision that ultimately laid the foundation for his venture into the MMA realm. Today, he stands as the driving force behind Lights Out Xtreme Fighting (LXF), an organisation that promises electrifying bouts and unparalleled excitement.

Ahead of the highly anticipated LXF15 event, scheduled for Saturday, April 6th, Merriman shared insights into the growing interest among NFL players in MMA training. "I’ve always been hitting pretty hard," he remarked, underscoring his familiarity with combat sports. "There’s a lot of current NFL players that are taking up jujitsu and muay thai because they’re seeing upside in this sport."

One notable example Merriman cited is Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys, who has integrated martial arts into his training regimen to enhance his performance on the football field. The principles of discipline, agility, and strategic thinking inherent in MMA training offer NFL players a unique advantage, sharpening their physical and mental acuity.

Image credit: LXF

Merriman's vision for LXF extends beyond the confines of traditional MMA promotion. Embracing cutting-edge technology, LXF has partnered with ShotTracker to revolutionise the spectator experience and elevate the technical aspects of fighting. By embedding chips into the gloves of fighters, LXF can capture real-time data on speed, power punch, impact, and velocity, providing audiences with unprecedented insights into the dynamics of each bout. Similar technology has already been introduced in the NBA, MLB, and PGA Tour, enhancing the sports' offerings, and providing fans with a deeper understanding of the games.

"People can see now when that punch lands where it lands at in the cage, how hard or how fast that punch or where it landed on a guy's body," Merriman explained enthusiastically. This wealth of data not only serves as a tool for trainers and fighters but also enhances fan engagement, transforming the viewing experience into an immersive journey into the heart of the action.