{"id":386581,"date":"2026-01-04T00:02:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T00:02:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/386581\/"},"modified":"2026-01-04T00:02:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T00:02:09","slug":"local-mma-promotion-afp-rising-fast-battling-for-ohios-top-honor-and-bringing-the-spotlight-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/386581\/","title":{"rendered":"Local MMA Promotion AFP Rising Fast, Battling for Ohio\u2019s Top Honor \u2014 and Bringing the Spotlight Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

Local MMA Promotion AFP Rising Fast, Battling for Ohio\u2019s Top Honor \u2014 and Bringing the Spotlight Home<\/p>\n

In just over a year, what began as an idea has exploded into one of the most talked-about names in Ohio mixed martial arts \u2014 and it\u2019s being built with heart, grit, and hometown pride.<\/p>\n

American Fight Promotions (AFP), owned and founded by David Yaney, is officially in the running for Ohio MMA Promotion of the Year, a remarkable achievement for a company that hosted its very first event less than 12 months ago. From packed venues and elite fighters to cutting-edge production and a loyal fanbase, AFP\u2019s rapid rise is turning heads across the state and beyond .<\/p>\n

\u201cAFP didn\u2019t cut corners \u2014 we raised the standard,\u201d Yaney said during a phone interview. And the results speak for themselves.<\/p>\n

AFP\u2019s debut event took place on February 22, 2025, in Columbus, featuring 14 professionally matched fights \u2014 including fighters with UFC contender experience. Since then, the promotion has grown at a blistering pace, hosting four shows in its first year and expanding to six events in 2026, with stops planned in Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Newark, and \u2014 if a suitable venue can be secured \u2014 right here in the Mansfield-Ashland area .<\/p>\n

\"\"Cold sparks and professional lighting ignite the atmosphere as American Fight Promotions owner David Yaney looks on from cageside as another successful event unfolds, continuing AFP\u2019s rapid rise across Ohio.<\/p>\n

Yaney, who spent nearly a decade sponsoring top-tier fighters and owning ventures within the fight industry, decided to launch AFP after seeing an opportunity to do things differently.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to build something new, from the ground up \u2014 something that treated fighters right and delivered a true event experience for fans,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

AFP events have already featured veterans from UFC, Bellator, Championship One, and other world-class organizations. Fighters are flown in from across the United States \u2014 including Vegas, Florida, and Colorado \u2014 while also showcasing standout local talent from north-central Ohio.<\/p>\n

\"\"A packed venue as American Fight Promotions continues to draw loyal fans and build momentum as one of Ohio\u2019s fastest-rising MMA promotions.<\/p>\n

The Mansfield-Ashland region has played a key role in AFP\u2019s story, with several well-known fighters competing on AFP cards. One of the promotion\u2019s most memorable moments came during the final career fight of Chad Trukovich, a bout that made history inside the AFP cage and drew statewide attention .<\/p>\n

\u201cTo bring something like that back to this area would be huge,\u201d Yaney said. \u201cThere\u2019s so much MMA talent here, and this community deserves to be represented on a big stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

Setting the Bar for Ohio MMA, From a brand-new round cage and 16-foot truss systems to cold spark machines, professional commentary, celebrity appearances, and fighter-first care, AFP has built a production unmatched by any other Ohio promotion.<\/p>\n

\u201cNobody else in Ohio touches our production system,\u201d Yaney said. \u201cThat\u2019s something we\u2019re really proud of.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"A powerful and emotional moment inside the AFP cage during a milestone bout, highlighting the respect and camaraderie that define American Fight Promotions.<\/p>\n

Behind the scenes, AFP operates with a core staff of about 10, supported by dozens more on event nights \u2014 all working together to deliver shows that feel closer to major national promotions than local fight cards.<\/p>\n

Now, AFP needs its supporters.<\/p>\n

Voting for Ohio MMA Promotion of the Year is underway and ends January 5, and Yaney is asking fans, fighters, and community members to stand with a promotion that\u2019s putting Ohio \u2014 and north-central Ohio in particular \u2014 on the MMA map .<\/p>\n

How to Vote (30 seconds or less):<\/p>\n

Vote here: Ohio MMA News Facebook Page:<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Facebook: Visit American Fight Promotions\u2019 Facebook page<\/a> and tap the pinned voting post<\/p>\n

Instagram: Visit AFP\u2019s Instagram page<\/a>, open the first pinned post, and follow the instructions in the comments to vote through Ohio MMA News:<\/p>\n

\u201cThis award would solidify what people are already saying \u2014 that AFP is the top promotion in Ohio,\u201d Yaney said. \u201cAnd bringing that recognition back home would mean everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

With momentum building, venues filling, and eyes across the state watching, American Fight Promotions isn\u2019t just hosting fights \u2014 it\u2019s building a legacy.<\/p>\n

And Ohio is watching.<\/p>\n

Visit American Fight Promotions Web-Site<\/a><\/p>\n