Jerry Milani from the IFL sent along the following:
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.
