BET series "The Iron Ring" Holds Tryouts

by: DarthMolen 1 year, 1 month, 2 weeks, 5 days, 1 hour, 5 minutes ago 0

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Earlier tryouts in New Jersey and Atlanta had been marred by negative feedback and some questions regarding the overall organization of the event, so it was with some trepidation that a number of fighters returned to make a second impression, and others flew in to Atlanta from far and wide to get a first shot at impressing the judges.

This time, their fears were ungrounded.

With the experience gleaned from two sets of tryouts, and the aid of a number of seasoned Atlanta fight scene veterans, this second round of tryouts moved as smoothly and efficiently as was possible. Fighters were met at the door with all of the requisite paperwork, the doctor moved efficiently through the necessary medicals, and celebrity guests Lil’ Jon and “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather arrived on time and ready to evaluate the fighters in conjunction with their coaches, Shonie Carter and Roberto Traven. Also on hand to make evaluations was Alliance black belt Abdul Mutakabbir, coach for team Ludacris.

Thanks to skillful and informed matchmaking by veteran promoter Brett Moses, the fighters were able to showcase their talents without the fear of being mismatched or thrown to the wolves. The fights were exciting affairs, yet no injuries were sustained beyond a few cuts and bruises, and I have been informed that there were no hospital visits following the fights.

A number of top-notch competitors were chosen for the various teams, ensuring that this show will not lack for excitement or quality competition. Local favorites as well as fresh talent from across the US will now get a chance to showcase their skills on national television to an audience largely ignored by the mainstream fighting organizations. There was drama, action, and even the development of at least one heated rivalry that will intrigue anyone who decides to tune in, and that promises to be resolved once and for all via fierce competition in the Ring of Iron.

The celebrity “team owners” and coaches were very accessible and extremely friendly. No standoffishness, no prima-donna attitude, and no arrogance was displayed. Team owners consulted with the coaches before making their picks, and the opinions of the coaches were reflected in the final decisions.

Damn Yankee, a MMA.TV moderator, gives credence to the tryouts. “A lot of you know me or at least know that I have been involved in the fight game as a fighter, a judge, a cornerman, and in other capacities for a number of years now. I think that I’m perceived as a straight shooter, and as a passionate supporter of MMA. I wouldn’t be writing this right now if I didn’t think that this event was well-run, and if I didn’t think that the show has the potential to be a huge boon to MMA. Can I vouch for the editing yet? Can I guarantee that the MMA won’t be subordinate to the drama in the final product? No, I can’t. Nobody can make that call until the show is finally aired. What I CAN say is that this tryout was well-run, very safe, and fighter-focused. Despite the need for ample paperwork, film roll changes, and repeated takes of some of the non-fight pieces (introductions, etc.,) most of the fighters were in and out of the venue in a matter of about 6 hours or so. Having worked a large number of fight promotions, I can tell you that this ran much more smoothly than could be reasonably expected, and the sport of MMA was treated respectfully by all involved.”

Fighters are still needed for one more early September tryout in Atlanta. Interested fighters can contact Damn Yankee by e-mail at mjcorsey@att.net.