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Sanford Pentagon to host MMA events on UFC Fight Pass

Contact:
Paul Heinert
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / paul.heinert@sanfordhealth.org

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., June 18, 2020 — The Sanford Pentagon will host four consecutive weeks of MMA events beginning July 10 with cards from Legacy Fighting Alliance, each featuring an LFA world title fight. The main cards will air worldwide on UFC FIGHT PASS® at 8 p.m. CT.
The events will not be open to the public at this time, and only essential LFA, venue and athletic commission staff will be allowed in Heritage Court Arena.

Sanford Health will leverage its strength as a health care system to accommodate the fights, following strict medical guidelines to ensure the safety of those involved. LFA has implemented a five-page health and safety document based on UFC standards that will establish and guide protocols for upcoming events. All fighters will take a COVID-19 test, and all personnel will be screened for temperature and asked a series of health questions prior to entering the Pentagon. All personnel will also be required to comply with social distancing guidelines.

“We have the unique ability to help bring sports back in a safe and responsible way,” said Steve Young, president of Sanford Sports. “From the onset of the pandemic, our team has lead the way in developing and implementing solutions to not only keep athletes active and ready for competition, but also ensure they feel 100-percent safe when they re-enter our facilities.”

“I am excited to announce that LFA will be returning with live weekly MMA events in July,” stated LFA CEO Ed Soares. “We brought the first sanctioned MMA event to the state of South Dakota six summers ago and have a great working relationship with the South Dakota Athletic Commission and the Sanford Pentagon. This will allow us to set up a safe environment for our fighters and staff, while implementing strict Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and safeguards to control and ensure a healthy LFA residency on our fight campus in Sioux Falls. Starting on July 10th, we will host four events in four weeks with each event featuring an LFA world title fight.”

The Sanford Pentagon has hosted various mixed martial arts events since 2014, including Bellator 204 in August 2018 and multiple RFA/LFA cards. More than a dozen fighters who have competed at the Pentagon have gone on to fight for Bellator or UFC.

Main Event Schedule

In 2017, RFA and Legacy FC merged to form LFA, the premier developmental organization in Mixed Martial Arts. The combined forces of LFA launched the careers of over 180 athletes that have reached the pinnacle of MMA by competing in the UFC. In 2018, the promotion joined the Imperial Family Companies group (formerly London Trust Media). In 2019, the promotion announced a broadcast partnership with UFC FIGHT PASS®.

Visit LFA.com for bout updates and information. LFA is on Facebook at Facebook.com/LFAfighting. LFA is also on Instagram at @LFAfighting and Twitter at @LFAfighting.

About the Sanford Pentagon

The cornerstone of the Sanford Sports Complex in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is the Sanford Pentagon, a 160,000-square-foot, five-sided facility featuring nine basketball courts, including the 1950s/1960s-inspired Heritage Court. The venue combines state-of-the-art amenities—including high-definition video boards and executive suites—with period-specific finishes that are a nod to the nostalgic days of basketball.
The 3,200-seat Pentagon is home to Sanford POWER Basketball Academy, Sanford POWER Volleyball Academy, the NBA G League’s Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Women’s and Men’s Basketball tournaments and the South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame. For more information, visit sanfordpentagon.com.

About LFA

LFA is a professional Mixed Martial Arts promotion that gives rising stars and top contenders the opportunity to prove their talent to fans and leaders in the industry. LFA was formed by the powerhouse merger between RFA and Legacy FC. LFA presents live Mixed Martial Arts events on a monthly basis around the United States including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas, and Houston. Based in Las Vegas, NV, LFA is one of the most active and respected MMA organizations in the fastest growing sport in the world. (The Octagon, Ultimate Fighting Championship®, UFC®, and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC. All rights reserved.)

About UFC FIGHT PASS

UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit UFCFightPass.com.

About IMPERIAL FAMILY COMPANIES

The Imperial Family Companies maintains a diversified portfolio with one common theme: bringing power to the people. The IFC is proud to partner with the LFA management team to showcase the greatest talents of tomorrow. Learn more about the IFC at ImperialFamily.com.