Jack Shore, the former UFC fighter from Abertillery, is making waves in the combat sports world by transitioning from fighter to promoter. Nearly two years after his retirement, Shore's new venture, Stand and Bang, is set to debut on Saturday, 22 August, at the Ebbw Vale Leisure Centre, featuring 23 bouts in a unique striking-only format.

The event aims to provide an engaging experience for fans, focusing solely on stand-up fighting with no grappling or takedowns. Shore's idea stems from his own experiences, as many of his friends found traditional MMA bouts less exciting due to grappling.

Shore expressed his vision:

What's more fan-friendly than essentially an MMA fight but with no grappling?

• He aims to create a spectacle that is both accessible and entertaining, using MMA gloves to enhance the viewing experience.

In terms of scoring, Shore emphasizes damage, stating, "If one guy is inflicting more damage, the average Joe can look at that and say, 'well, that guy's winning.'" He believes that this approach will make the fights easier to follow for the public.

Having announced the fight night in March, Shore has faced challenges, including rebooking fights due to late withdrawals. He views the upcoming event as a success simply for reaching fight week, saying, "It's not even about breaking even or making money. A success for me will be to just put on a show that the crowd enjoys."

Shore’s commitment to the fighters' well-being is evident, as he prioritizes their needs over profits. He promises to grow and improve the event, stating, "If it is a success, I promise to just get bigger and better every time."