A day of exciting AMA (Armored Martial Arts) cage fights at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center at the in Monterey, California. Saturday, September 30th, 2017.

The Modern Gladiatorial League will debut before a live television audience!

16 armored warriors will do combat inside the steel cage in this first ever professional Gladiatorial AMA tournament in the world. Fighters battle using a variety of close combat weapons and shields, gauntlets and armor, fists, feet and grappling in a Modern Gladiatorial Tournament.

MGL, LLC (Modern Gladiatorial League), the first of its kind and only professional Armored Martial Arts (AMA) promotion in the United States and the world, officially launched operations for Valhalla MGL from its office in Vancouver, WA in July 2017. Valhalla MGL seeks to capitalize on the pop culture success of HBO’s runaway genre hit, Game of Thrones and mass popularity of Mixed Martial Arts giant UFC, in a sports mashup that blends the best of both worlds.

Valhalla MGL marks a step forward in the evolution of professional Mixed Martial Arts worldwide with a business model unique in the fight industry; armored gladiators cage fighting in televised armed combat tournaments. Jeff Waters, Valhalla MGL founder & President states, “Valhalla MGL allows fans the vicarious spectacle of organized violence to escape the struggles and stresses of everyday life while embracing the romantic fantasy of Armored warriors. Our fans want to see exceptional displays of skill, strategy, character and aggression played out in the arena, but they also marvel at the history, beauty, inspirations, and artistic craftsmanship of the weaponry and armor.”

Valhalla MGL is the amalgamation of historical re-enactment sport combat and MMA, combining Eastern and Western fight disciplines into one professional gladiator organization. “We will execute a single elimination tournament structure in the future to determine future champions and top tier challengers so that world-class fighters have ultimate control over their destiny based purely on performance.” says Waters. Valhalla is full contact fighting, where competitions are determined by knock out, tap out or time out (scorecard). Combatants use replica rattan weapons and shield strikes to score points, grappling to attempt submissions, with kicks and pommel punches to gain tactical advantage. “This isn’t stage combat. This is the real deal.” Waters adds.

Televised and online events and productions will be promoted throughout the United States and internationally;  6 weight divisions: Lightweight 145 and under, Welterweight (170 lb.), Middleweight (200 lb.), Light Heavyweight (235 lb.), Heavyweight (275 lb.) and Super Heavyweight over 275 pounds. Sixteen gladiators from around the US are currently slated to represent the divisions, with more fighters being recruited over time.

“Valhalla MGL is the ONLY Modern Gladiatorial League in the WORLD.  Two armored warriors combat 1 on 1 in a circular steel cage for victory, honor, prize money, and a PROFESSIONAL RECORD.  The only league of its kind in the world!  Different weight classes, different armor configurations, different types of weapons and shields, punching, kicking, grappling, and SLAMS!  Win by decision, submission, or KNOCKOUT!  Be apart of the action and watch REAL GLADIATORS, REAL FIGHTS!  For the first time in thousands of years, REAL GLADIATORS ARE BACK!,” says “The Captain” Joe Quino, MGL’s On-Air personality, Marketing Director, and Operations Management; on enthusiasm of Valhalla MGL and what it brings to the public. “What’s not to be excited about this!?  What makes Valhalla MGL so amazing is that it’s in a class all on its own.  There is no other Professional Gladiatorial organization on the planet!  The unique formula we bring is taking mixed martial arts and combat sports to the next level.  What really is encouraging is that Valhalla MGL is great for all ages, families and hardcore enthusiasts alike.  The one big complaint I heard from families about combat sports such as MMA and boxing is that it’s too graphic.  What I mean by this is that parents don’t want their kids to see the gore of bloodied combatants with open wounds and broken bones that may frighten young viewers.  But with our sport, the action can be very violent, yet is appropriate for all ages since there is no gore that is complained about.  It’s the same as seeing a football player taking off their helmet and gear.  They are exhausted and sweaty, but not battered and bloody.  And, from a sponsorship standpoint of an outside company or organization who wants to invest financial capital into marketing with our company and getting their product, service, or company advertised; we are an excellent choice.  The growth, market reach, and appeal of our consumer base has grown faster beyond our projected expectations.  Definitely for local sponsors near our live events.  It’s an opportunity that they don’t want to miss out on.    Anyone who is interested in information on sponsoring our league and events can always contact us anytime.  Our phone, email, and social media is always open to those who want to reach out to us. It’s exciting!”

To win a Valhalla MGL match is very similar to existing MMA rules.  Fighters score points by landing weapon and shield strikes, takedowns and slams, and grappling to determine points scored for a decision victory.  Punches, elbow, and kick strikes do not count in the scoring of the fight, but can allow strategic advantages to occur for the fighters by using these strikes that may get them to put momentum in their favor and maintain an upper hand over their opponents.  Submission (give up/yielding) and knockouts (TKO red stoppage or knockouts) can also decide a bout.

MGL’s debut live event, VALHALLA I will take place September 30, 2017 in Monterey, CA.

Valhalla’s interactive website, www.valhallamgl.com, features event and fighter information, behind the scenes video footage, fight clips and live interaction with Valhalla fighters.  You may also find Valhalla MGL on Facebook and Twitter @ValhallaMGL and “The Captain” Joe Quino on Twitter at @captainjoequino