INTERNATIONAL FIGHT LEAGUE PROMOTES SHANNON KNAPP TO DIRECTOR, FIGHTER RELATIONS
NEW YORK, January 3, 2008 – The International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) today announced that Shannon Knapp has been promoted to the newly-created position of Director, Fighter Relations. Knapp, who has been with the IFL in various roles since its formation in 2005, will take a more expansive role in working with fighters, agents and business partners on growing the IFL brand in the mixed martial arts community and in local event markets. She will begin her expanded duties immediately.
“Shannon is a significant part of the IFL. There are few individuals who have the knowledge and fluency in MMA that she possesses,” IFL President and CEO Jay Larkin said. “She has accomplished a great deal for the sport, and we are elated to be able to give her this opportunity to expand her duties. She is a great role model for women in sports management.”
One of the most highly-connected individuals in MMA, Knapp has filled a myriad of roles during her career. A self-defense instructor herself, Knapp has worked with both Randy Couture and Bas Rutten on the business side, as well as being an accomplished broadcaster, producer and fighter liaison. Knapp, considered by many to be the top female commentator in the sport, has handled play by play, color commentary and sideline and feature reporting for MMA events for outlets ranging from Comcast and Spike TV to Fox Sports Net, and was a part of the IFL broadcast team in 2006 before moving into a managerial position with athletes and coaches in 2007.
The Kansas City, Missouri, native began her broadcasting career when she beat out over 600 applicants to earn a broadcasting scholarship to Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. She worked in various outlets on both the television and radio side throughout the East and Midwest before deciding to pursue her passion for mixed martial arts and combine that with her passion for broadcasting. She also added numerous managerial duties along the way, leading to today’s announcement.
About the IFL
International Fight League™ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv.