Jack Shore, a former professional fighter, has recently launched his own promotion, Stand and Bang. Although more than two years have passed since his last appearance, Shore has remained active in combat sports, this time in the role of organiser. His new initiative represents an attempt to create a competitive format that differs from traditional MMA and combat cards.
The first event took place on 22 August, marked by a highly specific set of rules. All competitors were required to fight within a 20-foot ring, creating a specific atmosphere on the ground. The key feature of this format is a focus solely on striking, with no elements of grappling or clinch work. This approach was deliberately designed to attract an audience that may not share the enthusiasm for traditional clinch work, but enjoys a dynamic and direct confrontation.
Shore, who has himself transitioned from fighter to organiser, states that his event was designed with the viewer's experience in mind. He highlighted that the popularity of MMA in Wales is at its peak, which has driven the need for new, accessible forms of competition. His goal was to create an environment that would be comfortable and understandable to a wider audience, not just experts or enthusiasts of specific techniques.
Although he initially felt that entering this segment might be difficult, given the competition in the form of traditional MMA and Thai boxing, Shore has managed to create a unique brand. His promotion aims to maintain authenticity and focus on the user experience, which is crucial for long-term success in this competitive environment. Although he was on the verge of giving up, his final decision was to stay in the fight, which resulted in the success of the first promotion.
