There's a new fight in town

In two months fight fans could be flocking to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. That's because promoter Roy Englebrecht of Newport Beach will launch "Fight Club OC," that will feature boxing action and mixed martial arts matches in Costa Mesa.

"It's going to be a home run for us, the OC Fair and the fight fans," Englebrecht said Thursday. "We're excited about this happening."

Englebrecht delivered a 10-minute presentation to the OC Fair board of directors during a meeting Thursday morning. He said it was the highlight of the meeting, as he wowed them with renderings of the venue set up for the fights.

Englebrecht has garnered success from his "Battle In The Ballroom" series at the Irvine Marriott for the past 26 years. But he said he had been looking for something new, and for a new venue.

"One era ends and another begins," Englebrecht said. "We have been at the Marriott for 26 years, but the thing is we couldn't expand. I looked at other venues, but there was no other venue the size we needed. But once the Hangar was built, we saw a place where we could make it happen. It has been great negotiations. It's nice to have someone who wants you."

Englebrecht he said he agreed to a one-year contract with the OC Fair. He would not disclose the terms.

The first of six Thursday night Fight Club OC shows begin Feb. 24. Other 2011 dates include, April 21, June 2, Aug. 18, Oct. 13 and Dec. 1.

The versatility of the Hangar is what also gets Englebrecht excited. The 23,000-square foot venue has hangar doors that can be opened during spring and summer nights to provide a big-time arena feel. The Fight Club OC at the Hangar will also feature all-inclusive ringside luxury suites, a separate entrance and parking lot for season seat holders and sponsors, and a special happy hour event at Baja Blues next to the Hangar.

"For everyone in and around the Southern California area, get ready for an entirely new fight night experience, one that will be unlike anything fans have ever experienced before," Englebrecht said. "It's more important than ever to deliver bang for the buck and create an event you want to keep coming back to, and I think we've created that here. I can't wait for the opening bell, and I want to let everyone know that when it comes to Fight Club OC, our motto is and always be, 'fights guaranteed.'"

Englebrecht is in the process of launching a website, http://www.fightcluboc.com, which should be live soon.