Posted by Nat Detroit Mace on October 22nd, 2009

Mixed martial arts is on the cusp of  mainstream sport and although it is still illegal to compete in the state of New York, the MMA World Expo is positioned to prove just how large the MMA fan base truly is in NYC and why it is the world’s fastest growing sport. FightZone TV is proud to be a part of this MMA milestone event.

Excitement is growing as the MMA community is getting ready to convene in Midtown Manhattan this Saturday and Sunday, October 24th – 25th at the historic Jacob Javits Center in New York City. For the 1st time in NYC history an event dedicated exclusively to the sport of mixed martial arts will gather legions from the martial arts disciplines including: Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Boxing, Wrestling, Muay Thai and dozens more for business opportunities, networking and learning.

Autograph and Photo Signings:
On Saturday, October 24th meet world-famous UFC Fighter and former Pride Champion, Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva (Session 2) and former TUF cast members: Pete Spratt, Phillipe Nover and Pete Sell (Session 1). On Sunday, October 25th meet 9-time UFC World Welterweight Champion, Matt Hughes (Session 4) and current TUF Season 10 members Darrill Schoonover and Justin Wren (Session 3). Autograph and photo sessions are $20/session and include headshot and photo op with each fighter. Other celebrity appearances include: Rich Celementi, Everlast booth # 211, Kit Cope, Leonard Garcia, Duane Ludwig and Scott Jorgensen, Bodybuilding.com booth # 200. More celebrity fighters TBA.

Live Presentations by Expert Athletes & Coaches
Martial arts masters from various disciplines will demonstrate their signature styles in front of an audience of fans and fellow athletes for 2 hours each exhibit day. Among the celebrity presenters will be Judo Legend, Jimmy Pedro; Jiu-Jitsu Phenom, Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro; Muay Thai Master, Kru Phil Nurse; World-Renown BJJ Teacher & Competitor, Marcelo Garcia; Olympic Gold Medalist & American Top Team’s Head Boxing Coach, Howard Davis Jr.; UFC, World and Olympic Champ, Mark Schultz; Martial Arts Hall of Famer, Maurepaz Auguste; Contender Asia Coach, Thanongsak Sor. Plantalae; 3rd Degree Machado Black Belt, Marcos Santos; Internationally renowned Strength & Conditioning Coach and Judo Olympian, Dr. Rhadi Bullard Ferguson; 2-Time Olympian Judo Specialist, Taraje Williams-Murray; BJJ Black Belt and Pan American Super Heavy Champ, Fabio Clemente displaying world class skills on the center mats for all to watch.

Educational Sessions
Offering education about the sport, in fact, is one of the key goals of the MMA World Expo. On tap for the weekend event are educational sessions, which will appeal to a broad range of attendees-from those just discovering the sport’s excitement to experienced athletes. “We also hope state legislators will pay a visit to attend our classes -and come to realize that this is a healthy form of competition, enjoyed by a wide spectrum of state residents-and that the ban on competitions should be removed as quickly as possible,” said event founder and director, Paul Paone.

One of the educational highlights, in fact, is a panel discussion entitled, “The Future of MMA”, which will include the Chairwomen of the New York State Athletic Commission, Melvina Lathan, discussing the road to the sport’s legalization. Mixed martial arts training and business seminars will also be offered and will include topics on: “Nutrition for the MMA,” “Fighter Injuries: Prevention & Treatment,”  “Preparing to Compete,”  and “Business Round Table Discussion for MMA Business Owners.”

MMA Marketplace
Designed for both on-the-spot-sales and business-to-business interaction, the MMA World Expo will feature an exhibit hall filled with vendors representing virtually all aspects of martial arts products, supplies, services and schools. Business-only hours for wholesale buyers are scheduled for 9 am – 11 am of each day followed by 9 hours of consumer exhibit time. Meet with event sponsors: Bodybuilding.com, Zebra Mats, Princeton Brain & Spine Care, FightZone.TV

Exhibitors Include:

Alliance BJJ NYC Inc., American Top Team, BAMF Mouthguards, Battle of the Coasts, Bioage, Combat Sports International, Everlast MMA, Defense Soap, Dr. Adam Silk DC, Dymatize, Elite Plus Fitness, Ferguson Marketing Systems, Fighter Warehouse NY, GlideBoxx, Knockout Athletics, KNP Marketing & Travel, KRU Training, Marcelo Garcia BJJ Academy, Martial Arts Development Corp., Merrill Lynch, MET-Rx, MMADogma, Modern Gladiator Fight Gear, Modern Martial Arts, Moriah Herbs Corp., NeuLion, New York Jiu Jitsu, NYBJJ Academy, PowerBlock Dumbbells,  Pro Muay Thai Gear.com, Red Arme, Ring To Cage Fight Gear, Split Lip Gear, Take On Productions, The Vitamin Shoppe, Ind., 92.3 NOW, The WAT, US ARMY, US Grappling, USA Wrestling/Grappling, Warrior House, Woldorf USA Inc. and more TBA.

Affordable and Accessible
“We also designed the show to be as affordable and value-packed as possible”, said Paone. “With general admission ticket prices at just $25 per day, we are removing any financial barriers for our attendees. And locating the show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in midtown Manhattan means accessibility to millions by public transportation alone–not to mention, we are reachable within 30 minutes of 3 international airports for out-of-town guests.”

For more info on the Expo visit: www.mmaworldexpo.com
…or visit www.FightZone.TV

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