Former UFC fighter Jack Shore launches his first promotion event "Stand and Bang" on Saturday, 22 August at Ebbw Vale Leisure Centre. The show features 23 bouts in a 20-foot boxing ring with striking only—no takedowns or grappling—using MMA gloves.

Shore, known as 'Tank', retired at 29 with a 17-3 record after reaching the UFC bantamweight top 15. He designed the format based on fan feedback that grappling was hard to follow. "Most of them are going to be in MMA gloves so it should make for an entertaining night," he said. Judges will score primarily on damage inflicted.

The 31-year-old Abertillery native emphasizes a fighter-first approach after experiencing promoters who "look at you just as if you're funding their pocket." Despite late withdrawals forcing rebookings, Shore calls reaching fight week a success. "If it is a success, I promise to just get bigger and better every time."

Though he still spars competitively daily, Shore insists he's 99% retired. Offers in boxing, kickboxing, and grappling haven't tempted him back. "Mentally, I've checked out... it would take a lot of money and a massive opportunity to pull 'The Tank' back in."