On Friday, August 15, Times Square will serve as the backdrop for a landmark moment in combat sports: the first professionally sanctioned Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight card to be staged in the iconic Broadway Plaza and Duffy Square. Hosted by Victory Fighting League (VFL), the event represents a significant intersection of sport, cultural visibility, and urban public engagement.
Unlike past Times Square activations centered on brand showcases or public performances, this ticketed event introduces a fully professional MMA lineup to one of the busiest pedestrian zones in the United States.
“Hosting an MMA event in Times Square removes the barriers that often separate martial arts from the everyday viewer,” said a league representative. “This initiative invites the public to observe the discipline and structure that define this sport.”
Professional Fight Card Featuring National-Level Talent
The main card will highlight seven high-profile matchups featuring nationally recognized professional fighters. The lineup includes:
Main Event: Julio Arce vs. Sheymon Moraes
Co-Main Event: Solomon Renfro Jr. vs. TJ Brown
Joe Taylor vs. Justin Sumter
Jay Pressley vs. Tom Picciano
Mikael Reinoso vs. Casey Norton
John Odea vs. Roman Kurashvili
Hakeem Jackson vs. Jordan Morgan
This all-professional card reflects the growing talent pool within the sport and marks a rare opportunity for fans to experience elite MMA athletes in a high-visibility, outdoor venue.
Structured Ticketing and Event Schedule
The event is open to ticket holders only and features tiered access options designed to accommodate a range of viewing preferences:
General Admission Standing ($75): Ground-level access near the ring area for a fully immersive atmosphere
Reserved Red Steps Seating ($125): Elevated seating on the iconic Duffy Square steps
VIP Seating ($200): Close-range viewing with premium comfort
VIP Second Row ($350): Exclusive second-row access with direct line-of-sight to the cage
VIP Experience Includes
Complimentary pizza served during the first 90 minutes post-door opening
One drink ticket per VIP attendee (select beverages only)
Exclusive access to a private bar (VIP section only)
Doors Open: 6:00 PM ET
Preliminary Bouts Begin: 7:00 PM ET
Attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for the outdoor environment, as the venue is fully open-air.
Urban Integration of Combat Sports
Sporting events in Times Square are rare and usually confined to single-demonstration fitness events or brand-led installations. VFL’s introduction of a competitive fight card into this space challenges traditional assumptions about where regulated combat sports can be staged—and how they can be received.
Civic observers have noted the cultural shift. “It’s not just a new venue for MMA,” said a spokesperson from a local athletic commission. “It’s a redefining moment for the sport’s place in American culture.”
Transparency, Safety, and Compliance
Victory Fighting League is working closely with local officials to ensure the event meets all applicable standards for safety, regulation, and public space management. The promotion has confirmed that state-sanctioned referees, certified medical personnel, and on-site security will be present throughout the evening.
While the event takes on a new format in terms of setting, the underlying purpose remains consistent: to present MMA not only as a legitimate sport, but also as a disciplined art form grounded in ethics and mutual respect.
Event Details
Friday, August 15, 2025
Times Square – Broadway Plaza / Duffy Square, New York City
Doors at 6:00 PM ET; Fights begin at 7:00 PM ET
$75–$350; must be purchased in advance
www.victoryfightingleague.com
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