Introducing celebrities from the worlds of hip-hop, sports and Hollywood to the competitive ranks of mixed martial arts (MMA), BET showcases a twist to this exciting format with its new original series IRON RING premiering Tuesday, March 18 at 11 p.m. (ET/PT). See the encore Friday at 10 p.m. (ET/PT).
IRON RING showcases mixed martial arts -- the fastest-growing new sports format in entertainment. The show pairs celebrity team owners, trainers and fighters to produce some of the most compelling match-ups on television.
Floyd Mayweather
Headlining the show is boxing champ Floyd Mayweather (with the assistance of hip-hop star Rick Ross) managing the Money Mayweather Boys, along with hip-hop heavyweights Ludacris and Nelly representing Team Luda and Team Nelly (respectively); T.I. with the help of Big Kuntry, Young Dro, DJ Drama and Alpha Omega leading Team Grand Hustle; Juelz Santana and Jim Jones heading Dipset; and Lil Jon with the Head Busters.
Rick Ross and Aaron Braunstein
"When I heard BET was bringing IRON RING to the air ... I wanted to be involved in any way I could," said team owner Ludacris. "... What people will get out of IRON RING is that it's less about the man in the fight and more about the fight in the man."
With $100,000 in prize money up for grabs, these skilled competitors go toe-to-toe in the IRON RING using the combined fighting techniques of jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, boxing, kickboxing and wrestling. From competitive team tryouts and grueling practices to the final face-off at the live championship, IRON RING not only exposes the hardcore sport of mixed martial arts, but also uniquely explores the human element by providing insight into the lives of the fighters and coaches.
TEAM OWNERS
T.I., Team Grand Hustle
Father, astute businessman, fashion icon, King of the South, future Hollywood A Lister, and Hip Hop standard Bearer. Atlanta-native T.I. holds all these titles and more. If you ask the thought-provoking MC if he's satisfied with his success, he'll tell you it's not enough.
Ludacris, Team Luda
His career shifted into overdrive in ATL. He's one of rap's most recognizable artists, and his recent success in the acting game should keep his visibility high for years to come.
Mayweather, Money Mayweather Boys
Floyd Mayweather consistently gives sensational performances in the ring. Floyd, now 28, started boxing at the age of seven. He is the son of former contender Floyd Mayweather, Sr. and has three children.
Lil' Jon, Team Headbusters
Lil Jon has become one of the most in-demand producers in music. He's craged his signature sound from chants and catchy choruses. His hitmaking has earned him thousands of fans nationwide.
Juelz Santana, Team Dipset
Born and raised in Harlem, Juelz started writing rhymes at the age of 12. Juelz, born LaRon James, has worked with Cam'ron, Jay-Z, Jim Jones and more.
Nelly, Team Nelly
Nelly is one of the most successful rap artists of the modern hip-hop era. From "Country Grammar" to "Hot in Heere," Nelly has been bringing the hits to the people as a soloist and collaborator. He's a three-time Grammy winner who's still on top of his game.
What is Mixed Martial Arts?
Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, is a hybrid combat sport that incorporates boxing, wrestling, Jiu Jitsu, Karate, Taekwondo, Judo and other disciplines.
Where did this fighting style originate?
MMA traces it roots back to the early Olympic sport called Pankration, where combatants faced each other with very few rules. Over time, similar sports evolved, and different styles of traditional martial arts were pitted against each other.
Are there rules?
Specific MMA rules vary between organizations, but eye-gouging, biting, hair pulling and strikes to the throat, spine and groin have been outlawed.
Modern MMA is inspired by the “anything goes” fighting contests held in Brazil. Early American MMA events were bloody and had no rules, which resulted in government regulation.
How does a fighter win?
The goal of a MMA match is to knock out the opponent, force the opponent to tap out, or to win by scoring more points.
Is all that kicking really necessary?
MMA is usually broken down into two categories: striking and grappling. Strikes include blows with hands, feet, knees or elbows. Grappling moves use submissions, choke holds, throws and take downs.
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