Via MMA Junkie, a profile of the ‘Tuff-N-Uff Fighting Championships’, a Las Vegas based promotion that highlights amateur MMA competitors:

It was typical of everything you would expect from an MMA event in the fight capital of the world — and yet nothing like you’ve ever seen before.

The star-studded attendees were among the 1,500 people packed into a ballroom at the Orleans Casino & Hotel for the fifth-anniversary show of the amateur MMA organization Tuff-N-Uff Fighting Championship.

Couture was ringside throughout the night, there as a coach to support three Xtreme Couture Products — Marc Phan, Westin Duschan and Chance Torres — in their quest to become professional fighters.

“It’s an important part of our gym,” Couture told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) about the amateur event. “We’re here trying to support the guys. You see these guys in the gym every day, just like me, grinding it out — trying to get better and trying to learn. That’s what our gym is all about.”

Couture also said the passion that his amateur fighters show in their performances is on par with the rest of his gym.

“There’s no difference in mindset,” Couture said. “They love the sport. It’s about the passion for the sport. I feel blessed and fortunate that I get to fight full time, and that’s how I get to make a living. A lot of these guys are trying to work themselves into that position.

“That’s what this show is all about. A lot of these guys are still keeping their day jobs. They’re pulling double duty. It’s tough.”

Keith Kizer, Executive Director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission also praised the promotion’s focus on the amateur ranks as vital for the development of MMA in the Silver State:

Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer told MMAjunkie.com the show is a proving ground not only for fighters, but for cornerman, and aspiring judges and referees as well.

“It seems like compared to the first amateur show I saw in Nevada, compared to this one, I think there’s a lot better matchups,” Kizer said. “And it’s just a matter of experience.

“I’m very pleased at how Tuff-N-Uff is doing the amateur gig, as well as the other amateur promoters in Nevada. And hopefully that will only help the fighters, the cornermen, the referes, the judges and the fans in both the short run and the long run.”

Kizer explained that although these events may be displaying the fighters of the future, they are also imperative to developing the judges and officials of tomorrow as well.

“At the end of the day, anyone can sit in the stands, or sit at a TV, and say who they think won the fight,” Kizer said. “And that’s not a bad training method. However, you’re still not in the hot seat. When you’re judging an amateur boxing or kickboxing or mixed martial arts fight, your score is then told to a room full of people here, and you’ve got to deal with the heat.

“So I think just as important as gaining the experience of judging, you also get the experience of being on the hot seat. And the same with the referee, but even more so.”

Tuff-N-Uff was celebrating their fifth year in MMA promotions. The company started with a bang in the very same Orleans Casino & Hotel ballroom in November 2003. That card featured the likes of Jon Fitch, Shonie Carter, Aaron Riley, Rob Emerson and Sam Morgan.

Bright Lights and amateur fights: MMA in Las Vegas @ MMA Junkie