The Neglia Nexus: Louis Neglia and the Origins of MMA
From underground fights in mob-run Brooklyn to the global stage of the UFC, Neglia Nexus tells the untold story of Louis Neglia — a world champion kickboxer and fight promoter whose influence helped shape the DNA of modern MMA.
The Teaser
The Neglia Nexus: Louis Neglia and the Origins of MMA is a feature-length documentary chronicling the extraordinary life of Louis Neglia, a Brooklyn-born martial artist who rose from gritty underground circuits to become one of the most influential promoters in combat sports history. As a world champion kickboxer, Louis made a name for himself in the ring. But it was outside the cage — through Ring of Combat — that he changed the game, launching the careers of over 160 UFC fighters, including 6 world champions.
Through interviews with legends like Frankie Edgar, Chris Weidman, Matt Serra, Ray Longo, and more, Neglia Nexus uncovers the raw truth of an unsung pioneer who blended the old-school values of honor, grit, and loyalty with a fearless approach to building the future of MMA.
This isn’t just a fight story — it’s a story about legacy, mentorship, and the power of one man’s belief in others.
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NEW TRAILER
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From the Director
“I grew up idolizing Louis Neglia — not just for his skill, but for the energy and integrity he brought to the fight game. I trained at his school as a kid and later cornered fighters at his events. This film isn’t just a documentary — it’s a tribute to a man whose ripple effect created champions and changed lives. Louis never asked for the spotlight, so we’re giving it to him — the right way.”
— Peter J. Normandia, Director
Interviews
Louis Neglia
Frankie Edgar
Matt Serra
Dante Rivera
Chris Weidman
Ray Longo
Al Iaquinta
Jonathan Di Bella
Angelo Di Bella
Frankie Perez Sr.
George Sullivan
Alan Goldberg
Bruce A. Blakeman
Larry Hazzard
Rocco Seccafico
Chris ‘The Cannon’ Wagner
Robert ‘Bob’ Meloni
Armando Gjetja
Richard Dambakly
Peter Neglia
Leonardo Rodriguez
Joseph Abbate
Anthony Seccafico
Eugene Zandomenego
John Brescia
Louis Neglia Jr.
Joseph Giaramita
Lionel Robinson
Marc Ostrow
Michael Pelligrino
Dr. James ‘Jay’ Farren
Mike DeSantis
Peter, Sal & Nicholas Nicchitte
Isaac Toussie
Frankie Bloise
Dr. Bill Akpinar
Dr. James Onnikian
Gianna Neglia
Irene Neglia
Joe Spinelli
John Merolla
Anthony Panniccioli
Robert Santa
& more…
The Crew
Produced by Edit Cellar
Produced by Lauren Concar & Marissa Goldman
Executive Produced by Jason Reddish & Val Pinkhasov
Directed by Peter J. Normandia
Director of Photography: Rick Cook
2nd Unit DP: Christian Kline
North Carolina Unit DP: Drew Winston Littleton
Sound / DIT: Brandon Costa
Edited by Hunter Siede
Poster Design by Marqus Aycart
Special Thanks
The Normandia Family
The Neglia Family
Chris Howard
Jason T. Reddish
Brian Katz
Robert Santa of Ring Fever
Lauren Concar
Target Audience
MMA & combat sports fans
Martial artists & fitness communities
Brooklyn/NY history & culture enthusiasts
Sports documentary lovers
Viewers of The Last Dance, The Rewind, McGregor Forever, Dark Side of the Ring
Distribution Goals
Streaming platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Roku, ESPN+, UFC Fight Pass, Fubo SportsTV
International distribution & licensing
Ancillary revenue: Merchandising, speaking events, legacy content series