NASCAR fans who also enjoy MMA fighting will get a bonus before the May 20 Monster Energy All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Speedway officials announced Tuesday that the Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series will host several bouts in the Fan Zone from 3 to 5 p.m. ET. Several up-and-coming fighters from North Carolina and the surrounding area will be taking part (see bout schedule below).
Also, on Friday May 19 from 3 to 4 p.m. ET, there will be an autograph session with two of the biggest names in the history of MMA fighting: former UFC champion Tito Ortiz and former PRIDE and STRIKEFORCE titleholder Dan Henderson.
Following that will be the Monster Energy Open at 6 p.m. ET and then the NASCAR All-Star Race at 8 p.m. ET.
Here’s the schedule for the four bouts that will take place prior to the All-Star Race festivities:
Heavyweight Main Event: Allen Crowder (7-2, Mebane, N.C.) vs. Robert Neal (4-2, Jefferson, Ga.)
Welterweight Bout: Jeremie Holloway (8-2, Charlotte, N.C) vs. Jacob McClintock (8-2, Charleston, S.C.)
Lightweight Bout: Mike Stevens (6-3, Winston-Salem, N.C) vs. Lashawn Alcocks (6-8, Wilmington, N.C.)
Light Heavyweight Bout: Allen Bose (5-0, Jacksonville, N.C.) vs. Chris Crawford (8-5, Durham, N.C)