It’s been years since Shawne Merriman was “Lights Out” for the then-San Diego Chargers. But while injuries struck the promising younger defender in his 5th NLF season, “Lights Out” lives on in his “Lights Out Xtreme Fighting.” The Las Vegas-based MMA product is gaining in popularity, and can be seen on Fubu TV.
Shawne Merriman says you won’t catch him in the ring, though. The former NFL star would love to fight. But he’s too busy making “Lights Out Xtreme Fighting” a must-see TV event and fan experience.
“We are in Fubo sports, and currently (a) top 5 most-watched (show) and climbing,” he says. “I’m a big advocate of fan engagement because they drive the business. And we are jumping 70 percent or more viewership per fight.”
Lights Out Xtreme Fighting get more coverage on Bally’s TV, Merriman adds.
Flipping around the channels on Cox Cable, it is not hard to catch the action. Promising young fighters vie for their big break. The action is quick, with fewer rounds and more fights per episode. The fast-moving fights are entertaining, and leave the viewers wanting more.
Vegas Legal Magazine caught up with Merriman to talk about his new Lights Out Xtreme fight venture, his NFL career, and how he feels about his arch-rival Raiders coming to town. (He’ll always be a “Raider hater,” Merriman says proudly).
One rival Merriman has nothing but praise for is the G.O.A.T. Tom Brady. The former Charger says Brady was the best he ever played against.
“Tom Brady will always be at the top of that list. His competitiveness, and willing to do anything to win, separated him from everyone,” Merriman praised the recently-retired quarterback.
Vegas Legal Magazine Q&A with Shawne Merriman
Vegas Legal Magazine: Why did you start the Lights Out Xtreme Fighting league in Las Vegas? Did the fact that the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) started in Las Vegas have an impact on your decision?
Shawne Merriman: I started Lights Out Xtreme fighting in 2019, I’ve been around the sport for 17 years. Jay Glazer, of Fox Sports, introduced me to Randy Couture in 2006. I started training to help my hands, balance and leverage on the football field.
VLM: What was your main goal in starting Lights Out? Where does your company stand now?
SM: I started it because I had a passion for it, but I (also) had extensive experience in production. After I retired, I got straight into TV broadcasting for NFL Network, Fox Sports and ESPN. So, I had access to the best producers, directors, engineers. So, the transition was easier because I understood how TV works.
VLM: Do you plan on fighting in Lights Out?
SM: I would absolutely love to Fight in LXF, but I’m running the show. So, I’ll tell anybody “If you’re not fully committed to the sport, don’t do it.” You can play basketball (or) football, but you can’t play fighting. I love to promote these next up a coming superstars. I still do jump in training camps, and spar once a week, to stay in shape
VLM: What is the biggest attraction of Lights Out? Is there a breakout star?
SM: We are currently transitioning former athletes from other sports. There are more and more athletes who are done at a young age in their sport. But still want to compete. So, we give them a platform to do so.
VLM: You have used an interesting way of packaging the Lights Out fights. Can you talk about the overall marketing of Lights Out?
SM: Yes. I was fortunate to play on the biggest sports platform in the country (in the NFL). So, luckily I had a great base to promote on social media and traditional media. I typically do about 60 television, podcast and radio shows leading up to a fight. I have not spent a dime in marketing yet.
VLM: Can you discuss your television deal for Lights Out? Do you have a goal for total viewership?
SM: Yes. We are in Fubo sports, and currently (a) top 5 most-watched (show) and climbing. I’m a big advocate of fan engagement because they drive the business. And we are jumping 70 percent or more viewership per fight. (So), the fans are telling me they enjoy what we do. We are airing a week later on Bally’s network, which is more viewership.
VLM: Do you have any partnerships planned – or in the works – with another fight league or other company?
SM: Yes. I have some big announcements in the sports-tech space to bring our fans more data and more information during our fights. The verticals around the league have always been important to me to give our fans more. So, they feel like they are there when they’re home.
VLM: Looking back on your career in the NFL, what were your greatest achievements? What are your biggest regrets about your playing days?
SM: I was fortunate to be the best at what I did when I was healthy. Unfortunately, after my 5th year it was very difficult to stay healthy. I don’t have many regrets. But I wish I didn’t push all the time, and got healthy before I got back out there.
VLM: What did you learn from your experience in the NFL that gave you to confidence and skills to pursue the development of a league, such as Lights Out Xtreme Fighting?
SM: “Discipline” is (the) number one (thing) that I took to my business. (It’s ) always showing up on time, time management, and being great at one or two things, and not 10. I have extreme focus in everything I do. (The) last thing is preparation, just like I watched film on my opponents all week. I’m constantly studying the market
and seeing what’s out there to make us great and take it to another level.
VLM: In your NFL career, what was the greatest player that you ever defended against?
SM: Tom Brady will always be at the top of that list. His competitiveness, and willing to do anything to win, separated him from everyone
VLM: The NFL has changed its rules about what defenders can do since your playing days. If you played today, would your playing style be any different?
SM: I would certainly been playing for free (laughs). I respect the NFL for trying to make the game safer. But it’s still football. You have to let the guys go out there and play.
VLM: How do you feel about the Raiders’ move to Las Vegas? Do you interact with any Raiders players?
SM: I have a friends on the field, and in the front office. But I’ll always be a Raider hater for life (laughs).
Valerie Miller is an award-winning Las Vegas Valley-based journalist. She can be reached at (702) 683-3986 or valeriemusicmagic@yahoo.com.
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