Between the Lines and the Ring

Get set to enter the high-octane world of former NFL player and current owner of Lights Out Experience Fighting, Shawne Merriman, who lets us in on his unique journey from the football field to the fighting ring. We get the chance to relive his first UFC fight in 2005 that sparked his entrepreneurial spirit, propelling him to start his own MMA promotion. We also get a play-by-play on the trials and tribulations of hosting an outdoor fight, with Shawn detailing how he keeps everything running like clockwork.In a deeper dive into his transition, we explore how Shawne leveraged connections from his football days to establish relationships with organizations like Bellator. Amidst the competitive and sometimes hostile world of fight promotion, Shawn's insights and experiences make for a compelling narrative. We also take a glimpse into the stark differences between the UFC and NFL worlds, the impact of video games on football culture, and the importance of being a fan first in shaping Lights Out Experience Fighting.As we round off this exciting chat, Shawne opens up about fan engagement and its profound effect on his career, offering a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother and the lessons she imparted. We also discuss his innovative approach to structuring fight cards, placing emphasis on local talent, and how he's utilizing his NFL background to attract a diverse audience. Don't miss Shawn's amusing anecdote about his misunderstanding with James Tony, his take on football vs. UFC knockouts, and his homage to Eric Nixic Big Brother and Randy Gatorra. Prepare to be captivated by the incredible insights from a man who's aced it in two vastly different worlds, only on this episode.Follow Shawne on IG : https://www.instagram.com/shawnemerriman/https://www.instagram.com/lightsoutbrand/ https://www.instagram.com/lightsoutxf/