With mixed-martial arts growing throughout the world, shire-based martial arts trainer Mick Spinks has joined fellow businessmen to launch Proud Warrior Productions. It will raise the profile of combat sports in Australia with the aim of showcasing the sport on free-to-air television.

The first show will be held at Sharks Leagues Club featuring no less than seven local athletes.

The 10-match showcard will be headlined by Bernardo Trekko facing Dennis Kelly in a mixed-martial arts match, while Ian Schaffa who trains at Double Dragon Gym in Sutherland will take on Japan's Maruyama Junichi in a K1 fight.

"K1 is a lovely fighting style,'' Spinks said.

"You can box, kick and knee, but you can't grapple.

"It's a busier style of fighting.''

Both styles of fighting can be compared with the popular US-based Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

But unlike the UFC, these fights will take place inside a ring with five ropes rather than a cage.

"We are taping the event, with [a contract with] free-to-air television our goal,'' Spinks said.

"If we can get the interest of television it will definitely become a regular event, and it will give the fighters a platform to train as professional athletes and fight on a regular basis.''

The event is on July 4.

Details: www.proudwarrior.com.au.