Shawne Merriman’s MMA Promotion Secures Media Rights Deal with ESPN

MIAMI, Fla. — December 4, 2025 — Former NFL player Shawne Merriman’s mixed martial arts promotion, Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, has signed a multiyear media rights agreement with ESPN, the company announced Wednesday. The deal grants ESPN exclusive regional broadcasting rights for Lights Out events across Latin America, including South America and the Caribbean, in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Lights Out Xtreme Fighting will begin airing its events under this agreement starting with Lights Out Xtreme Fighting 29. The event will feature a flyweight world title bout between Pablo Caballero and Corvan Allen, along with a co-main event between Eduardo Alvarado and Shane Torres.

Merriman emphasized that the partnership with ESPN represents a significant milestone for the promotion, highlighting the passionate fight communities in Latin America. “Partnering with ESPN across Latin America is a major milestone for us,” Merriman said in a news release. “Showcasing our athletes through ESPN and Disney+ takes the Lights Out experience to an entirely new stage.”

Since its launch, Lights Out Xtreme Fighting has aimed to build a platform for fighters and fans, according to Merriman. He also clarified that the promotion does not intend to compete with larger organizations like the UFC. “We never looked to compete. We’re creating. We don’t want to compete with the UFC. We don’t care,” Merriman said in a previous interview. He described Lights Out as an incubator focused on efficiency and innovation rather than attempting to outspend competitors.

The media rights deal with ESPN will expand the reach of Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, providing fans in Latin America access to the promotion’s full fight schedule. The broadcasts will be available in multiple languages to cater to diverse audiences in the region.

The announcement marks a key development for Lights Out Xtreme Fighting as it continues to grow its presence in the mixed martial arts landscape.

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Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed follows major U.S. leagues, college sports and big events with an eye for the business, culture and community stories that live beyond the scoreboard.

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