[dropcap size=big]F[/dropcap]riday Night Throwdown Worldwide is setting a precedent of what amateur sanctioned fights should be – a party. Last month, FNT Worldwide invaded one of Hollywood’s oldest clubs, the Avalon, for a night of sanctioned amateur fights. Three Muay Thai bouts were on the card for the night's event, plus a live performance by rapper Warren G.
It was electric. The Avalon's standing-room only crowd surrounded the ring, riveted for the entire event. When Warren G sang Regulate, the crowd helped sing the late Nate Dogg's part. It was a party with mixed martial arts fights taking center stage. The event's promoters believe they showed L.A.'s party scene that live fights and music are the next big thing in nightlife.
The Throwdown’s history starts with founder Bekim Trenova hosting unsanctioned fights in lower Manhattan. The first fights were fought on a homemade, 8" x 8" ring with 60 guests personally invited by Bekim at an undisclosed storefront in SOHO. In the ring, two fighters went at it with their host yelling at the top of his lung and an iPod playing music on shuffle. Bekim told L.A. Taco he saw the reaction of the crowd and knew this was something special. He was able to deliver a fight to a non-traditional fight crowd via partying, fashion, music, and nightlife curation.
Since those early days, Bekim embarked on 14 unsanctioned illegal underground fight parties growing them bigger each time. After FNT became a NYC legacy, Bekim said he knew to take this event further, the Throwdown needed to become sanctioned.
Bekim took Friday Night Throwdown to event production company Matte Projects. Together they became FNT Worldwide. In the next three years, they believe FNT will be the dominant go to place for amateurs before stepping into the limelight of pro fighting, while at the same time carving out their own dedicated fan base and while creating a new fight experience. FNT is projecting 10 shows a year in multiple countries across Europe, South America, and Asia, and a fully live pay-per-view streaming service.
In the coming months, look out for FNT to make it back to New York and Los Angeles based on the success from their previous events. They will also be looking to host fights in Miami, Chicago, and Dallas. You can follow Friday Night Throwdown for details on upcoming events.
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