By MATT MOLGAARD
MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer

With one Impact FC event in the books, things don’t appear overly promising (as evidenced by low gate tallies and minimal viewing options) for the promotion, but there’s definitely some serious promise the fledgling promotion does offer. The Australia based promotions first event featured an assortment of recognizable names including former UFC champion, and longtime heavyweight contender Josh Barnett, as well as UFC vets Karo Parisyan, Jeff Monson, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (who initially rose to fame courtesy of an explosive run in Pride Fighting Championships). Hell, even the well traveled 14 year veteran Carlos Newton made an appearance on the card (though sadly, he dropped a decision to Brian Ebersole).

Finances aside, Impact FC 1 was a very successful debut. Solid media coverage and name recognition go a long way in this business, and while Impact may not have completely solved the marketing puzzle just yet, they’re taking steps in the proper direction. Given the first shows measured success, it’s not all too unlikely to see a marked financial improvement in the production and outcome of tonight’s Impact FC 2.

Tonight’s event, hosted by the Sydney Entertainment Centre in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia once again boasts an impressive fight card loaded with young heavy hitters as well as seasoned veterans. Two UFC heavyweight legends, Ken Shamrock and Pedro Rizzo will clash in the main event, while Paul Daley will make his return (following that awkward debacle at UFC 113 earlier this year) to action in the co-headlining bout.

Former Pride Fighting Championships aces Paulo Filho (who’s once again facing his ongoing issues making weight for the 185 pound tilt) and Denis Kang will lock horns. The former UFC middleweight champion and Pride Fighting Championships sensation Murillo Bustamante will return to the cage following a near three year layoff to take on The Ultimate Fighter alum Jesse Taylor who‘s been on a bit of a slide lately amassing a less than impressive 1-3 record over his last four bouts.