*Long Running MMA Show to Fly AFL Banner*

CHICAGO, IL - Ironheart Crown has long been touted as one of the highlights of east coast mixed martial arts (MMA) promotions. The organization, looking to build on its success and reputation, recently signed as an affiliate promoter for the American Fight League (AFL).

With an average attendance of around 3,000 fans, Ironheart Crown founder and owner, Eric Moon, believes the sky is the limit with this new endeavor.

“This is a huge moment for us,” said Eric Moon. “My primary concern has always been to maintain my event’s integrity and popularity, and the AFL is helping me do just that. It’s an opportunity to be a part of something big.”

As an AFL affiliate, Ironheart Crown will be able to host officially sanctioned MMA cage events that allow fighters to earn points towards becoming AFL’s number one fighter in their respective State, Regional and National divisions. Ironheart Crown also receives marketing and production assistance from the AFL.

Ironheart Crown events have been held in two primary locations since 1999. Originally based out of Chicago, the organization was forced to move when MMA was prohibited in Illinois in 2001. It wasn’t long before Ironheart Crown found a new home in Hammond, Indiana, and the organization quickly continued the momentum built in Illinois. Recently, Chicago lifted its MMA ban and welcomed Ironheart Crown back with open arms.

“Our next show is in November and the first one back home in Chicago. It will also be the first one under the AFL banner,” Moon said excitedly. “Signing with the AFL makes us more than just another Chicago show. Something bigger, you know? A real powerhouse network with access to bigger resources than I currently have. We have had fighters like Miguel Torres, Shonie Carter, Jeff Monson, Thiago Alves, Jeff Curran, Gideon Ray, and Stephan Bonnar on our cards so we are no stranger to the national spotlight. But, to be honest, more people pay attention to us now and we truly feel stronger with the AFL standing behind us.”

CEO, BJ Santiago was equally enthusiastic about the signing.

“We knew we were bringing a motivated promoter in as soon as we talked with Eric,” said Santiago. “He’s a guy with a big vision for his company and we are going to help him get where he wants to be. Ironheart Crown has an impeccable reputation as one of the best organizations out there and is a perfect addition to the AFL team. Eric wholeheartedly supports the troops and believes that MMA should be represented as a sport, not a spectacle. We are glad to have him on board.”

“Ironheart Crown XII: Resurrection” takes place Saturday, November 21, at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago. A full fight card for the event will be released soon.

Learn more about AFL at www.americanfightleague.com and Ironheart Crown at http://www.ironheart.com/.