For the large number of mixed martial arts studios and training centers that dot the various suburbs and urban neighborhoods in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area, professional MMA shows have been few and far between here in North Texas.  The complete lack of professional shows here is baffling considering that Art of War Undisputed Arena Fighting Championship is based in Dallas, along with HDNet Fights promotions.  The latter is owned and operated by Dallas Mavericks owner and billionaire Mark Cuban, thus rendering any financial shortfall a mute point. 

Started up by Davis Sylvester, a professional MMA fighter, the Plano, Texas based Supreme Warrior Championship is looking to fill such void by staging regular MMA shows in and around the DFW area.  Fellow fighters Justin Miller and Marcus Hicks were soon brought on board, making it one of the few promotional outfits run by fighters.  Based in northern Texas, the ultimate goal of SWC is showcasing the plethora of local talent that resides within the area. According to Sylvester, the plan is simple: in order to have sustained talent, SWC will cultivate fighters organically.  In order to accomplish such a feat, SWC will begin putting on sanctioned amateur shows and, from there, fighters can compete in the pro ranks under the SWC banner. Should the big boys come a calling, like a UFC or a WEC, then said fighter will be allowed to fight for them.  It is a noble concept, one that seeks to work with the various promotional entities instead of competing directly with them. 

Sylvester likens his business model to that of a young football player.  A kid starts to learn the nuances of the game at a high school level.  From there, if the desire remains, they play at a collegiate level.  Then, if the player has considerable talent, he ends up in the NFL.  Increased exposure in a region bursting with fans benefits not only SWC and its fighters, but the fans win as they can now enjoy regular professional MMA shows featuring some of the best fighters in the area. 

Like any ambitious endeavor, Sylvester and his company have hit the ground running.  Just days away from their inaugural professional show, a card aptly entitled "Inception", Sylvester informs me that they already have their second card lined up for October as well as one possibly in December.  In 2009, SWC plans to put on twelve monthly shows.  That's right, twelve!  Ambitious to say the least, but according to Sylvester, the response to Supreme Warrior Championship's inaugural show has been tremendous.  Ticket sales have been brisk and a near sell-out is expected.  But it is not just the fans who have come out in droves. Interested fighters have inundated SWC with inquires to participate on one of their shows.  "We've had to turn away some fighters," Sylvester chuckles. 

Time will tell how big Supreme Warrior Championship can become in such a talent rich section of the United States, but for Sylvester and his partners, their love of the sport will keep them in the mix for the long haul.  "We want to transition with the sport," Sylvester explains.  "When it stops being fun, you have to step away."

"Inception"

Supreme Warrior Championship's "Inception" will take place at the Frisco Convention Center (7600 John Q. Hammons Drive, Frisco, TX 75034) August 29. 

Headlined by Dallas based Anthony Njokuani (8-1-0), tickets are priced from $20 for General Admission up to $100 for VIP tables and can be purchased by visiting their website www.swcmma.com.