Shawne Merriman carved out an unimaginable legacy within the NFL, however each time he traveled abroad, he was in comparison with Alistair Overeem.
The previous linebacker performed with most depth on the sector, writing his title within the historical past books by making three Professional Bowls.
Shawne Merriman has been in comparison with Alistair Overeem
On the peak of his powers, Shawne Merriman was a very incredible participant, competing his coronary heart out on the San Diego Chargers, the place he grew to become the NFL defensive rookie of the 12 months in 2005.
Nonetheless, whereas the athlete pursued soccer, he undoubtedly might’ve discovered success in MMA. In any case, that is an extremely highly effective man, who earned the nickname ‘Lights Out’ by knocking out 4 opponents in a single sport throughout his sophomore 12 months in highschool.
Throughout a visit to Las Vegas, Merriman went to observe Randy Couture vs Chuck Liddell, and fell deeply in love with MMA, finally deciding to strive it himself by coaching with ‘The Pure’.
With a ardour for fight coursing by means of his veins, the Washingtonian began Lights Out Xtreme Combating.
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His promotion’s subsequent occasion, LXF 21, will happen at The Thunder Studios in Lengthy Seashore, California, USA.
Forward of the large night time, we caught up with Merriman, and requested him if there are any well-known fighters who’ve an identical model within the cage to the best way he performed on the soccer area, and the query prompted him to reminisce over what folks used to say about him each time he went overseas.
In an unique interview with Bloody Elbow, the 40-year-old stated: “It’s humorous; I used to get in comparison with Alistair Overeem quite a bit. Each time I used to be touring exterior of the States, folks all the time thought that I used to be that.
“Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson was certainly one of my favourite fighters. His model, due to his potential to select you up, powerbomb and slam you, have that large knockout energy. He was scary. When he was strolling to that cage, he was howling and that music was enjoying, that chain is on, he’s scaring folks earlier than he obtained there.
“After which, me coming to the sector with a nickname like ‘Lights Out’, you’re like, ‘That dude is coming to knock anyone out; he’s coming to trigger issues’. You nearly instil that worry into anyone earlier than the match even begins.
“I noticed Francis Ngannou; we had been coaching someday at Xtreme Couture, so I’ve seen him there, and he’s a giant dude who seems to be like he performed soccer. So there’s some guys.”
Shawne Merriman can’t wait to observe an LXF commentator battle within the cage
It’s truthful to say Merriman is worked up for his occasion on Saturday night, with the ex-football star notably encouraging folks to observe Arnold Jimenez vs Keenan Lewis, with the winner more likely to in the future signal for the UFC.
However what stands out for the Buffalo Payments icon greater than anything is the voice of LXF leaving his place on the desk for one final dance.
He enthused: “Our commentator, Blake ‘Bulletproof’ Troop is popping out of the sales space and moving into the cage, probably for his final and last battle. All people is popping out to see Blake.
“The explanation I employed him is as a result of he’s so d**n articulate concerning the sport, you hear him speak, and he can stroll you thru the motion.
“Me, being on TV, I perceive once I see somebody who’s actually good, as a result of they will break the game right down to the purpose the place the common ‘Joe blow’ couldn’t perceive.”
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