LEMOORE -- Mixed Martial Arts will also take center stage on Thursday at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino. Three MMA bouts, sponsored by the Palace Fighting Championship, will be highlighted on a night of championship boxing at the Palace's Bingo Hall.

The majority of MMA fans are eager to see the return of Oroville featherweight Shawn Bias, as he makes his return from injuries sustained in a struggle with police officers in his home town.

Bias (12-6) allegedly ran from officers outside an apartment complex in Oroville at about 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20. Oroville police were called to investigate a disturbance and upon making contact with the 22-year-old mixed martial artist, the former PFC Featherweight Champion allegedly ran and ignored orders from police to stop or be shot by a taser.

According to the Chico Enterprise Recorder, Bias was eventually caught by two officers and was tased a total of five times according to Oroville Police Chief Kirk Trostle. Some of the tasings were "drive stuns" which involves the taser making direct contact with the victim.

Bias was restrained and taken to the Oroville Hospital where he was treated for a heart attack and went into kidney failure.

He has since made a full recovery and is ready to make his return to the PFC ring.

"Since the incident I have refocused and started to appreciate my life and the abilities I have been given," said Bias, who is slated for a 3-round battle with Paradise's Marcus Blood (2-3).

"I'm excited to see Shawn healthy, focused and living a lifestyle that is conducive to him getting the most out of his career," PFC President Christian Printup added. "He's been given a second chance on many levels and I am sure you'll see him fight every fight from this point on like it is his last."

Weighins are slated for today at 3 p.m. the Den Sports located on the third floor of the Palace.

For ticket information visit the Tachi Palace Gift Shop, www.tickets.com or call 1.800.225 2277.

Fights will start at the conclusion of the boxing bouts.

Also on the card is a featherweight showdown between Sacramento's Tito Jones (4-2) and Musa Tolliver (0-6-1) and a heavyweight battle between Madera's Lavar Johnson (7-2) and Los Angeles' Sal Farnetti (2-1).

(Aug. 20, 2008)