Former NFL Star Shawne Merriman Signs with World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation
Former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman will make his combat sports debut with World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation later this year.
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"We are thrilled to have Shawne as part of our team," said WBKFF CEO Tom Stankiewicz in a release. "Shawne was a proven warrior on the field and we look forward to seeing him in the ring. We feel Shawne's signing with WBKFF opens the doors to champions from all sports, and shows that he has the guts and courage to step into this gladiator's sport.”
WBKFF’s inaugural event is expected to feature a clash between former UFC talents Chris Leben and Phil Baroni. The organization has signed a number of other Octagon veterans including Melvin Guillard, Isaac Vallie-Flagg, Josh Neer and Tom Gallicchio. WBLFF “Rise of the Titans” will take place at Casper Events Center in Casper, Wyo., and will air on pay-per-view.
Merriman, 34, has flirted with the idea of competing in combat sports —notably MMA — for years. Known as “Lights Out,” Merriman was selected to the Pro Bowl three times as a member of the San Diego Chargers. He amassed 39.5 sacks during his first three seasons in the league, but played a combined 33 games of his final five seasons as his career was shortened by injuries. He retired from the NFL in 2013 at age 28.
"Right now, this is the best opportunity for what I want to do," Merriman said in a statement provided to ESPN. "I've been kicking tires for years, this is a good place for me to start. I'm looking forward to having some fun out there. I get to train for the next six to eight weeks and go show everyone what I can do.”
