Surging combat sports league, 8IGHT Strikes, is set to make its London debut this weekend, live on talkSPORT.8IGHT Strikes, supported by top British UFC stars Arnold Allen and Lone’er Kavanagh, combines elite kickboxing with MMA gloves to offer casual combat sports fans constant action without any form of wrestling or grappling.UFC featherweight contender Allen is expected to feature on the live broadcast of 8IGHT Strikes’ inaugural London show this weekendGettyThe format was developed by 19-year-old Charlie Herdman following growing demand from fans who enjoy striking exchanges but often disengage when MMA fights go to the canvas.Both Allen and Kavanagh are expected to attend the promotion’s first event in London at Woolwich Works live on Saturday night.All of the action will be streamed live and free on the talkSPORT Boxing YouTube channel from 6pm GMT.Allen, the UFC’s No. 7-ranked featherweight, first got on board with the event when he heard two of his teammates were fighting on it.Arnold Allen talks 8IGHT StrikesThe 32-year-old, who returned to winning ways in Las Vegas last month after losing to Jean Silva at UFC 324, explained to talkSPORT.com why he believes 8IGHT Strikes is poised for great things.“Muay Thai in the UK is huge, right?” Allen explained.“It’s huge. Everyone goes over to Thailand, trains and lives out there and competes or whatever.“But ultimately, the guys in the UK, they love it. They love boxing, they love stand-up [fighting]. And we’ve never had wrestling in the UK…“We are a nation that loves stand-up, whether it’s boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, so it makes sense that something like this will work in the UK.”Rio Johnson, one of Allen’s main sparring partners for his last fight against Melquizael Costa, is one of 12 fighters competing on the 8IGHT Strikes London card this weekend.8IGHT Strikes combines kickboxing with MMA gloves to attract constant action and huge knockouts8IGHT StrikesFighters compete exclusively in a stand-up striking format, wearing 4oz MMA gloves in an attempt to create more exciting contests and a unique viewing experience8IGHT StrikesUFC’s Allen said it makes complete sense that the new format will take off in the UK8IGHT Strikes“I’ve been training with Rio Johnson at BKK [Fighters gym in Essex], my gym down here,” Allen continued.“And he’s exciting and kind of the perfect guy you want for this event because he’s just non-stop coming forward. He throws punches, elbows, kicks, and knees.“He’s a nightmare.”So what makes someone like Johnson suitable for 8IGHT Strikes?“These guys are just pure stand-up fighters,” Allen added.“For what the organisation wants, from my understanding, everything I’ve read and seen about them, these guys bring it.UFC ScheduleFor all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s UFC schedule.“They come forward, they want to finish the fight. Rio’s nickname is ‘The Juggernaut.’ I’ve been sparring with him the last camp, did my whole camp for [Costa], sparring with Rio and a few other guys.“But man, he’s a nightmare. It was hell. He was trying to take my head off every sparring, and I would get asked, ‘Should we put the elbow pads on?’ I’m like, ‘Leave me alone, mate!’“But yeah, no, they’re really good, and I’m expecting really good, exciting fights.”Ryder Cup format eyed for future eventsHerdman leads 8IGHT Strikes alongside combat sports veterans, including BKB founder Jim Freeman.“The reaction we’ve had from fighters, broadcasters and fans has been incredible,” Freeman said. “The action starts immediately and stays exciting from the first bell to the last.”Fighters compete exclusively in a stand-up striking format wearing 4oz MMA gloves in an attempt to create faster-paced contests and more knockouts.Saturday’s event in London will be broadcast internationally, with talkSPORT Boxing carrying exclusive coverage in the UK and Ireland.The London event is the first of seven planned shows during 8IGHT Strikes’ inaugural season, with future shows scheduled across the UK and Ireland.The organisation has plans to introduce an international team-based format in the future, inspired by the Ryder Cup, featuring Europe vs USA contests.