Mark Kerr set for return to action at Global FC

Promoters are pointing to the Global FC debut of Mark Kerr (Pictures) on August 17 to illustrate that their new promotion is making good on its promise to bring top tier Mixed Martial Arts competitors to the East Coast. Kerr is a true legend of the sport, they state, noting his impressive amateur resume before fighting as a pro. Kerr was a high school State Wrestling Champion in Ohio. He went on to become a collegiate Division 1 Champion at 190 lbs and earned All-American honors while competing at Syracuse University in 1992. In an ironic note, current UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture (Pictures), competing for Oklahoma State at the time took second place that year.

Once Mark Kerr (Pictures) turned pro, his success continued. He would go on to claim the UFC Heavyweight Title, and is a veteran of Pride FC as well. He uses his wrestling ability to take opponents down before unleashing a wickedly devastating ground and pound attack. His brutal style earned him the nickname "The Smashing Machine" In fact, Mark was the focal point of an HBO documentary titled "The Smashing Machine: The Life and Time of Mark Kerr (Pictures)". Experts note, he might as well be called the lifting machine; Kerr is very powerful, able to bench press 500 lbs. And squat 600 lbs. He will need to put his power to good use when he faces former WWE and WCW pro wrestling star Sean "Nightmare" O'Haire.

O'Haire will not be intimidated by Kerr or his legacy. Sean feels that a win over a legend like Kerr will prove that he is for real as a fighter. O'Haire has fought in high-profile bouts in the past for promotions including K-1, Pride and Rumble On The Rock. Much like Kerr, he is extremely aggressive, often bull rushing his opponent as soon as the bell rings. Sean has amazing agility and flexibility for a man of his size. He boasts solid kickboxing skills as well. O'Haire will likely attempt to keep the fight standing and finish with strikes so as not to fall prey to Kerr's superior wrestling skills. Kerr is attempting to climb out of a bit of a recent slump and begin his climb back to the top of the mountain in the Heavyweight Division. This fight could have championship implications, as the winner will likely be the #1 contender for the Global FC Heavyweight Championship. That title will be earned by either Jeff "The Snowman" Monson or Chris Guillen (Pictures) on August 17.

. Who: Global Fighting Championships

What: 8 big fights featuring professional stars of MMA including Butterbean, Mark Kerr (Pictures), Jeff Monson (Pictures), Edwin Dewees (Pictures) and many more!

Where: Mohegan Sun Arena

When: August 17 at 8 Pm EST.

Tickets: Tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster: (860) 886-0070 or on-line by visiting www.ticketmaster.com

Information: For more information, please visit www.globalfightingchampionships.com National and local Media: contact Joel Parker (JParkerPR@sbcglobal.net) MMA Trade Press: contact Todd Keneley (todd@upw.com)

Jeff Monson (Pictures) vs. Chris Guillen (Pictures)
Edwin Dewees (Pictures) vs. Mavrick Harvey (Pictures)
Mark Kerr (Pictures) vs. Sean O'Haire
Eric Esch (Pictures) vs. Ruben Villareal (Pictures)
Chaz Ackles vs Elias Rivera
Andrey Nevsky vs Greg Mucci
Darryl MarcAurele vs Frank Latina
Neri Shakor vs Travis Lerchen