Red Wings Playoff Run Nearly Forces Cancellation of MMA Extravaganza in Detroit
Joseph Donofrio, President of Michigan’s premier MMA promotional outfit, Donofrio MMA, is breathing a sigh of relief after learning of today’s announced NHL second-round playoff schedule.
Donofrio had initially been told that, due to Detroit’s advancing in the playoffs, the Joe Louis Arena would not be available for his “Impact Fight League 57: War of Aggression” event scheduled for this Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at the Joe. However, at 4 am this morning, it was announced that Saturday’s game will be held in Chicago and his show can go on as planned.
Tickets for Impact Fight League 57: War of Aggression can be purchased at OlympiaEntertainment.com, the Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices, Hockeytown Authentics in Troy (without service charge), at all Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. VIP Reserved Cage Side Tables available at 248.770.6000.
“As a Red Wings fan, I was in a bit of an awkward position,” laughed the now relieved promoter. “I was told if the Wings won my show would have to be moved or rescheduled. So I couldn’t root against my team. I had to just hope it would work itself out and it did. I couldn’t be happier.”
Among the many important fights on the night’s card, Rob Steiner and Marcos Dos Santos will battle for the Impact Fight League 135-lb Bantamweight Championship, while Carol Biskup and Lisa Dzik will lock up for the Impact Fight League 145-lb Women’s Featherweight belt.
More than just for his own interest in the showing coming off, Donofrio says he had a lot of people coming in for the event that may have never been before.
“I donated over 3000 seats to church and community groups throughout Detroit who wouldn’t normally have the ability to attend a show of this magnitude. All I said to all the pastors and to all the high school coaches, rec centers, youth groups, etc., was you get your kids to Joe Louis and I’ll give them a ticket. So there was more than just me who would have been disappointed. Plus I’ve got fighters on the card who sold hundreds of tickets each to friends and family. It would have been a real problem if this had gone wrong. I’m very grateful it didn’t.”
Donofrio sends his thanks to the Joe Louis Arena staff, who he says were very accommodating.
“They were ready to move the date or help me get the word out if I had to move it. The team at the Joe Louis are a very professional bunch and I’m honored to be working with them.”
Tickets for Impact Fight League 57: War of Aggression can be purchased at OlympiaEntertainment.com, the Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices, Hockeytown Authentics in Troy (without service charge), at all Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. VIP Reserved Cage Side Tables available at 248.770.6000.
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