Taunton, Massachusetts – February 14, 2011 – Cage Fighting Xtreme (CFX) is both proud, and excited to announce a co‐promotion with UFC veteran Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis’ of TEAM IRISH , they will be holding the first ever sanctioned MMA event in the State of Maine! The number of states left, yet to regulate and hold sanctioned MMA events, is falling like the mercury in a New England thermometer. As a result, it is a real rarity to host the first ever sanctioned MMA event in a state.
A real rarity is however, exactly what CFX is, and always has been! CFX’s Promoter is Linda Shields. Yes, just as her name sounds, she is a female promoter. In fact, Linda was the first female promoter to hold an MMA show in Massachusetts, when she kicked off CFX in January of 2009. The sport was legal, but not regulated then at the time of CFX’s first show. Next, she also became the first female promoter in the State of New Hampshire, when she brought CFX there in April of 2009. Later she became the first female promoter recognized by Massachusetts when they began regulating MMA (March 2010), with her CFX MMA show in May of 2010. Continuing the trend, Linda is now set to bring CFX to Portland, Maine on April 30, 2011, along with Marcus Davis of TEAM IRISH. What’s the big deal there, you might ask? We’re glad you asked! Not only will she be the first female promoter to hold a sanctioned MMA event in Maine, but the first promotion EVER to hold a sanctioned MMA event in Maine! This is truly an historic event, for MMA in general, the State of Maine, CFX, TEAM IRISH, and of course for Linda Shields.
This historic event might never have happened without the tireless efforts of Marcus Davis, a UFC veteran, and native of Bangor, Maine. Besides becoming a UFC fan favorite, and fighting all over the world, Marcus also fought to get MMA legalized in Maine. As early as 2004, he attempted to convince the state government to allow him to hold MMA fights. While the time was not yet right, Marcus hung in there and over the years since, has addressed lawmakers and testified before public hearings in Augusta, Maine about the safety, benefit to the state, and popularity of MMA. Finally, after all of Marcus Davis’ efforts on behalf of the sport in Maine, it is fitting that he and his Team Irish come together with CFX to bring MMA home to Maine!
On his association with Linda Shields and CFX, Marcus Davis had this to say, “I’m very excited to have our company be part of the first MMA event in Maine. This was another goal of mine and it’s great to see it materialize. I look forward to being involved with more shows in the future and continue to bring the sport I love to the people of Maine.”
This history making show is being billed as, The “Maine Event,” and will be held on April 30, 2011 at the Stevens Avenue Armory, 772 Stevens Avenue, Portland, Maine 04103. CFX and TEAM IRISH are also excited to have confirmed celebrity appearances by Marcus “The Irish Hand Granade” Davis, and WEC veteran and former Champion, Mike Brown! Further information, to include the fight card will be announced soon!
