Platinum caught up with Event mastermind Vinnie de la Torre...

Why don't you tell us what Platinum is hoping to achieve.

What we are trying to do is put on some great, intermediate level fights. Where a guy can go with his wife, his three kids can get some food and drinks and watch some entertaining fights, and not break his wallet. It's a shame that nowadays, you're spending a ridiculous amount of money just to take your family to a sporting event. We want to change that.

Now, we hear there's a little twist on the fights.

Well, we're going to be using a team format, with fighters from the local schools and gyms. We could have Apex versus Millenium or No Limits versus HB Ultimate. The possibilities are endless. And, it will be fun to have friendly little rivalries between local schools.

That should be fun. Are you looking for guys with lots of experience?

Actually, we want the fighters to have 3 fights or less. We think it's a good way to showcase young talent, and a chance for their friends and family to come out and show their support. Guys from Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. Make it close enough so that everyone has a chance to watch their friend or relative fight. It's tough out there when a guy gets a fight in Idaho or Mexico, their close friends and relatives really miss out.

Is Platinum planning on staying in Southern California for good?

We may expand in the future, but at this point, I think we are going to stay with strictly the west coast. We have talked with the Seminoles about possibly doing some things at their Hard Rock casinos, but for the time being, we want to concentrate mostly on putting on some great shows.

Is that the goal?

We want to put on an incredible show, so that every month people can come out and know what they are going to get.

When can we expect the first event?

Our first show, we are looking at the beginning of March. It will probably be in Orange County, we've been talking to the Marriott as a possible venue.

Got a name?

Well, don't officially quote me on this, but we think it will be titled "Mano a Mano".

How has the support been so far?

We've got such great backing from everyone to Rockstar(www.rockstar.com) to Vanguard(www.vanguardmma.com) to Triumph United(www.triumphunited.com), who have all really stepped up. We're so excited to have these companies involved.

Tell us about Vanguard.

Vanguard is working closely with Platinum and Triumph United to put together a great show for the fans and the locals. Vanguard will be providing the cages. They are based out of Orange County, so it's great that they are able to support a show in their own backyard. Where all our friends can come out and see some awesome fights. Orange County and Vegas are becoming the two main spots for MMA, so Platinum is in a prime location to utilize some great local talent.

Any last words?

Just keep checking the website for updates, and be ready, because we plan to have a fantastic 2009!