Lights Out Sports said Applied Real Intelligence (A.R.I.) has acquired a controlling majority interest in the combat-sports and media platform, adding an expanded governance role as the company looks to scale across live events, streaming distribution, and brand partnerships.
The Los Angeles-based company also announced the appointment of Dr. Zack Ellison as chairman of the board, president, and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Lights Out said Ellison will lead strategy, governance, capital allocation, and execution for the next phase of growth.
Founded by former NFL All-Pro Shawne Merriman, Lights Out has built a brand in combat sports and entertainment, including its live mixed martial arts promotion, Lights Out Xtreme Fighting (XF), and an owned streaming platform that carries live and on-demand programming.
Lights Out said it recently entered a multi-year media rights agreement with ESPN to expand distribution of its full XF fight schedule in English, Spanish, and Portuguese across South America and the Caribbean via ESPN and Disney+. The company said the deal supports an international growth strategy alongside upcoming events, including Lights Out XF 30.
A.R.I. described itself as an alternative investment platform providing growth capital to innovation-driven companies in North America, and said the investment reflects its view that Lights Out can build long-term enterprise value with institutional governance and scalable expansion in combat sports, media and digital streaming.
KEY QUOTE:
“Assets don’t scale themselves. Leadership does.” “There’s a huge opportunity at Lights Out to grow the platform across live events, streaming TV, and partnerships to create durable enterprise value.”
Dr. Zack Ellison, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Lights Out Sports
