Ex-NFL Star Reveals MMA’s Impact on American Football, Alongside Introducing Ground-breaking Technology to the Cage
Former NFL star Shawne Merriman reveals MMA's impact on football, and introduces ground-breaking tech at his own firm, LXF, enhancing fan experience.
From NFL Star to MMA CEO
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.
Growing Interest in MMA Training Among NFL Players
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
Pioneering Technology in the MMA Arena
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.
LXF’s Commitment to Excellence
For Merriman and the LXF team, the pursuit of excellence extends beyond the confines of their organisation. "We want to be known as some of the best fighters to the biggest place in the business," Merriman emphasised, highlighting LXF's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of excellence. While acknowledging the dominance of organisations like the UFC, Merriman sees opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth, cherishing the moments when LXF fighters ascend to compete on the grandest stages of MMA.
As the countdown to LXF15 begins, anticipation mounts for an unforgettable evening of high-octane combat and unparalleled excitement. With a line-up of stellar fighters poised to grace the arena, Lights Out Xtreme Fighting promises to deliver an experience that transcends the boundaries of conventional sports entertainment. Join Shawne Merriman and the LXF family this Saturday, April 6th, at 6 PM PDT.
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