LAS VEGAS (March 22, 2016) –World Series of Fighting has appointed distinguished Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) industry veteran and sports attorney Michael Mersch, its new Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, effective immediately.

Mersch brings to the world championship MMA league, over eight years of experience as a senior level executive and Assistant General Counsel for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).  In his latest role, he served as General Counsel and Chief Political Advisor for the Nevada Attorney General.

“I am excited to re-enter the MMA business with one of the premier players and recognizable brands in the space,” said Mersch.  “With its robust team of media and sports business executives as well as blue-chip partners, beginning with NBC and IMG, World Series of Fighting is in the midst of an exciting phase of growth with great things on the horizon.”

“We are looking forward to having Michael Mersch bring his wealth of industry specific knowledge, experience and relationships to our growing enterprise, and are confident that he will be a driving force in the next chapter of our business,” said World Series of Fighting CEO Carlos Silva.

In his new, dual role, Mersch will be responsible for overseeing World Series of Fighting’s business operations and legal affairs; negotiating and drafting all talent, television, venue, sponsorship and merchandising legal agreements; and spearheading and managing all government relations efforts on behalf of the league.

A frequent guest speaker for the Sports Lawyers Association as well as numerous MMA industry summits, Mersch is recognized as one of the foremost experts on legislation and regulation in the world’s fastest growing sport.

World Series of Fighting action returns to NBCSN, live from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 2, beginning at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.

In the main event of the star-studded, world championship doubleheader, reigning world middleweight (185 pounds) champion David Branch (17-3) will put his coveted title on the line against top contender Clifford Starks (13-2) while, in the co-main event, superstars Jon Fitch (27-7-1, 1 NC) and Joao “The Brazilian Samurai” Zeferino (20-7) will square off with the vacant world welterweight (170 pounds) crown at stake.