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Thursday, July 30, 2009
MMA Live Talks Affliction Downfall, Fedor, and more...
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 6:39 PM
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Fedor to Address Affliction Cancellation
 PRESS RELEASE:
Ever since Affliction announced late last week that its "Trilogy" event scheduled for Aug. 1 had been canceled, the combat sports world collectively has waited for an official response from former PRIDE heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko.
On Wednesday, Emelianenko will address the media for the first time since last week's sudden cancellation. During the press conference, Emelianenko will discuss the ramifications of the cancellation, comment on his future in the fight game, and respond to questions from members of the media.
"Since the cancellation, there has been a great deal of speculation regarding Fedor and M-1," said Vadim Finkelchtein, whose M-1 Global fight company not only produces international MMA events but also manages Fedor. "On Wednesday, the media and fans will be able to hear what's going on with Fedor from the man himself."
Emelianenko, considered by most pundits to be the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world, had been scheduled to fight top contender Josh Barnett. A win over Barnett would have marked the sixth former UFC heavyweight champion that Emelianenko has defeated in his career. Unfortunately, Emelianenko was denied his opportunity after the California State Athletic Commission announced last Wednesday that Barnett would not be granted a license in time for the fight.
(Stay tuned to MMAWeekly.com, as we will be in attendance to bring you the latest news from Fedor and his camp.)Labels: Affliction, Fedor Emelianenko, Trilogy
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 6:19 PM
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Don Frye Volunteers To Fight Fedor
 MMA legend Don Frye will return to action on Aug. 28 to face Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal at M-1 Global's first major U.S. show in Los Angeles.
But he'd happily step in to face Fedor Emelianenko at Affliction "Trilogy"... if promoter Tom Atencio will let him.
"If Tom was smart, he'd have me fighting Fedor instead of whoever he's hiring on a one week notice," Frye told MMAInsider. "My phone works if he wants a real fight with someone who sell a fight in four days, somebody who will beat that bald-headed commie too."
In fact, Frye said the only reason he was fighting Lawal was to get an eventual shot at Emelianenko.
"He ain't seen anything I have to offer," continued Frye. "He built his whole reputation (as a) waffle house chef. They've been serving him up ham and eggs with a side of canned tomatoes. I'll bring it. And if he can bring it, you'll have the best fight you've ever seen on the planet."Labels: Affliction, Don Frye, Fedor Emelianenko
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 1:30 AM
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Latest Affliction Trilogy Trailer
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 7:03 PM
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Fedor Gives His Thoughts on Josh Barnett, More...
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 1:08 AM
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Affliction Entertainment Granted Promoter's License In CA
Squeezed into the "hearing of the century" with plaster-fisted Antonio Margarito on Tuesday in Van Nuys, Calif., the California State Athletic Commission's addressed two small line items in a daylong meeting.
Affliction Entertainment, the muscle behind "Banned" and "Day of Reckoning," was permanently granted the ability to act as the "promoter of record" for its California based shows. Until Tuesday, the company had used the promoter's license of veteran boxing and MMA promoter Roy Englebrecht.
Clifton Chason, CEO of Affliction Entertainment, attended the meeting and was very positive about his company's future. He endorsed a July return for the upstart MMA show, saying "it's a date that's worked for us in the past," and said the company was in the midst of an aggressive expansion of their clothing line.
In other CSAC news, the commission re-formed a committee to "explore" amateur MMA in the Golden State. Advocates in attendance included Juanito Ibarra (who's soon opening his own gym in Orange County), "Big" John McCarthy, and former Elite XC executives JT Steele and Jeremy Lappen. The original push for amateur MMA stalled when its committee, former Executive Officer Armando Garcia, resigned suddenly in November.Labels: Affliction, CSAC
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 1:02 AM
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Atencio Gives Up "Reckoning" PPV Numbers....Sorta
MMAInsider spoke with Affliction Entertainment Vice President Tom Atencio on Wednesday evening as he returned from a meeting with executives from Golden Boy Entertainment. The spectacled promoter said his team is working on logistics with the boxing promoters for future shows. At the time, he doesn't know whether the idea of cross-breeding MMA and boxing will materialize. His guess for the alliance's next event ranged from June to July.
But enough of all those question marks--MMAInsider wanted to know what the pay per view numbers were for "Day of Reckoning."
Published reports citing Golden Boy CEO Richard Schafer have put the figure between 150,000-200,000 buys, giving the promotion a low estimate--at $44.95 a pop--of between $6,742,500 and $8,990,000 in net revenue.
Atencio, citing his company's desire not to discuss money a la the UFC, put it this way: "We did 50% better than our last event."
MMAWeekly.com was the first to report his estimate for Affliction's first event, "Banned," in which he said the broadcast "did well over 100,000 (buys)." That was before the partnership with Golden Boy; Atencio said his company got a better deal than the standard 40 percent of net revenue doled out to the promoter of the event. A conservative estimate of a $2.4 million take was "within the ballpark."
In an interview with MMAInsider following the second event, Atencio claimed he was not privy to the pay per view deal secured for "Reckoning," as Golden Boy was dealing with Showtime pay per view.
But assuming the standard 40 percent take for promoters in a pay per view event and a 50 percent improvement from 100,000 buys, a low estimate for Afflction/Golden Boy's pay per view take would be $2,697,000. Combined with total gate receipts of $1,429,557, the event could have produced $4,126,557 in gross revenue, excluding other sources like merchandising and sponsorships.
The total on-the-books payroll for the event was $3.3 million. Fedor Emelianenko, who pummeled Andrei Arlovski in the main event, received $1.2 million less than his Belarusian counterpart, but it is widely believed he was given an off-the-books bonus north of a million dollars.
As you would expect, there are a lot of variables in Affliction's equation of profitability. The two companies are private and are required only to disclose the salaries paid to their athletes. There are staff costs, venue costs, taxes, advertising--a litany of expenses that subtract from revenue. And as speculation indicates with Emelianenko, the true numbers of the event's payroll may never be known. Those, in addition to live gate receipts, are a very limited picture of success.
Then there's the possibility that Atencio and Golden Boy have been misleading about the true numbers--not a far-fetched scenario in the world of fight promotion.
Still, even at low estimates, the raw pay per view and gate numbers are impressive for a non-UFC promotion in this economy.
The sustainability of Affliction/Golden Boy's business model is likely the main point of future meetings.Labels: Affliction, Andrei Arlovski, Fedor Emelianenko, Golden Boy Promotions, Tom Atencio
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 1:07 AM
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
CSAC Releases Official Gate Revenue for Affliction's "Reckoning"
The California State Athletic Commission on Tuesday evening released the final numbers for Affliction Entertainment's second show, "Day of Reckoning," held on Jan. 24.
13,318 fans watched the event at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. Though the number of paid attendees was not released, the total gate revenue for the event totaled $1,429,557.
The revenue is slightly less than a number reported on Jan.26 by Yahoo! Sports, that said the event produced $1,512,750 in revenue from 8,946 paid attendees.
In a press release issued the day after the event, Affliction Entertainment claimed that 12,335 were in attendance for the evening.
The total payroll for the event, as first reported by MMAWeekly.com, was slightly north of $3.3 million.
Vice President of Affliction Entertainment Tom Atencio said preliminary pay per view numbers should be available within the week.Labels: Affliction, CSAC, Tom Atencio
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 9:29 PM
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Jay Hieron vs Jason High To Air on HDNet's Inside MMA
 Due to a timing problem at the Affliction: Day of Reckoning preliminary show airing on HDNet prior to the pay-per-view broadcast, former International Fight League welterweight champion, Jay Hieron, and his fight against Jason High, was pushed back to take place after the main event fight featuring Fedor Emelianenko and Andrei Arlovski.
Hieron came out on top in the bout, knocking High out at 1:04 of the first round to get the win, but unfortunately unless in attendance at the Honda Center in Anaheim that night, nobody has had a chance to see the fight yet.
That will change on Friday night as HDNet's Inside MMA will feature Jay Hieron on the panel of their guest list, alongside UFC fighter Steve Cantwell and Tank Abbott, and the program will show Hieron's fight in its entirety.
Obviously with the bout missing out on the televised broadcast, Hieron also missed the chance to promote his sponsors for the fight, so in coordination with his management team at MMA Agents, the Xtreme Couture fighter will give away items to his fans as a special promotion.
Fans can log onto MMAAgents.com and proceed to the news section where they can answer Jay Hieron trivia.
The first six contestants to e-mail the correct answers to info@MMAagents.com will receive a prize package, including products from Bulletproof Athletics (www.bulletproofathletics.com), Hoodlum Fight Gear (www.hoodlumfightgear.com), Evo Energy Drink (www.drinkevo.com) as well as Gammo-O (www.gammao.com).Labels: Affliction, HDNet, Inside MMA, jay hieron, Ken Pavia, MMAAgents
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 2:12 AM
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Atencio's "Reckoning" Post-Mortem
 MMAInsider: So, how do you feel about the second show?
Atencio: It was work. (laughs) I can honestly say that without the guys that helped me here, Tracy and Shannon and everyone else that's involved, it would have never happened. But aside from that, we made it through, and I'm extremely happy. The fights were awesome, and the event seemed to go pretty well. There were a few glitches, and this is only my second time. As a team, we're still learning.
MMAInsider: Then you've got this Larry Merchant throwing some crap your way.
Atencio: Yeah, it's just like anything else. You have people who are completely myopic and they're not open to anything, and I think that was his way of trying to hurt us, because (allegations of a $5 million payoff to Oscar De La Hoya) are completely false.
MMAInsider: What are some of the roadblocks you encountered on the way to the show?
Atencio: I think it's just the B.S. of rumors, and having to squash that. And they're so minimal, it really doesn't matter, but it's wasted time. Like the ticket sales, the whole 1500 seats sold, then I heard Arlovski broke his hand the week before. It's just petty little rumors.
MMAInsider: You ever feel like you're damned if you do, damned if you don't?
Atencio: I always feel like that. Always.
MMAInsider: There was a report on Yahoo! Sports that your paid attendance was 8,946 for a live gate of $1,512,750. Are those numbers accurate?
Atencio: Not to my knowledge. As far as the numbers, I don't really get into the numbers.
MMAInsider: Is the characterization that Golden Boy does logistics, runs the show, deals with athletic commissions, and Affliction finances the fighter purses, is that accurate?
Atencio: No, that's not accurate. There's definitely things they do, there's things that we're learning, and that's why we brought them on board. Things that they're going to have expertise on that we're just learning.
MMAInsider: How does this partnership work, then?
Atencio: They're handling the back end, the deals, the negotiations when it comes to things like Showtime, and pay per view, and we're doing the marketing -- what we do well. The matchmaking we do because they come from the boxing industry. If we start doing boxing shows, they'll handle the matchmaking for the boxing.
MMAInsider: Is Affliction in charge of the fighter purses?
Atencio: Yes, we are.
MMAInsider: What are the chances of putting on Arlovski vs. Sylvia now? It would seem like those two have a built in storyline and rivalry.
Atencio: It definitely does seem like one. I'm still trying to catch up on my emails alone. I have 500 emails that I have to catch up on. I've got a lot going on.
MMAInsider: Is Fedor vs. Barnett a lock?
Atencio: I'd like to think so, but I haven't even sat down with them and discussed it yet.
MMAInsider: Will your next event be in July?
Atencio: We're shooting for it, we haven't finalized it though. I take it one fight at a time. I just want to focus on each show at a time until we become seasoned at this, and then I'll be able to feel more comfortable to give dates. I like to take things slow. I want to make sure we’re doing everything right, and when we're not, to fix whatever we're doing wrong.
MMAInsider: Well, you mentioned seasoning, and one of the main things that people are looking at is your payroll. You've said in the past you want to make sure fighters don't look at you as a cash cow. You have most of these guys to three-fight deals, and originally, you said you wanted to put on three fights and no more. Is that one of the things you want to look at moving forward as a promotion?
Atencio: Well, just to correct you, I absolutely choose to stay in this. But the reality of it is -- whether we do -- it really comes down to finances. But having said that, the shows are successful in other ways than just that. Our plan is to have four fights a year with Golden Boy, M-1, and Mr. Trump, that's our plan right now. I'm just taking it easy because I want to make sure that each event is methodical on our side. I just don't want to get ahead of myself, get cocky, get arrogant, because I've seen what happens when people do that, and I like to learn from other people's mistakes. Hopefully, I can continue to stay grounded and do that.Labels: Affliction, Andrei Arlovski, Tim Sylvia, Tom Atencio
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 10:02 PM
Lindland Suspended 45 days Following KO Loss To Belfort
Team Quest original Matt Lindland says he's doing fine after a brutal knockout loss at the hands of Vitor Belfort last Saturday at Affliction's "Day of Reckoning."
"(I'm doing) fine, he just got me with a good shot," Lindland told MMAInsider via text message.
According to Lindland, the California State Athletic Commission has suspended him for 45 days, after which he will be able to compete again. His fight with Belfort was the second of a three-fight contract with Affliction.
"I'll be back whenever," he wrote.
At least for now, Affliction VP Tom Atencio has indicated a return date of July for the next co-promotion between the clothing/entertainment company and boxing promotion Golden Boy.Labels: Affliction, Matt Lindland, Tom Atencio
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 7:57 PM
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Fedor - Road to Reckoning (Saturday's Episode)
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 9:40 PM
Roach: Arlovski Made A Young Man's Mistake
Boxing guru Freddie Roach has been an outspoken ally of his student Andrei Arlovski's striking abilities, and following Arlovski's loss to Fedor Emelianenko at Affliction's "Day of Reckoning," chalked the experience up to youthful inexperience.
"He made a young man's mistake," Roach told MMAInsider backstage. "It was too easy for him. He was winning the fight handily I thought, controlling the fight like we planned. He got a little cocky, and he tried the flying knee from too far away, no setup, and he paid for it."
While it seemed Arlovski may have thrown the high-risk strike because he thought Emelianenko was hurt, Roach disagreed.
"No, not at that moment," he continued. "But Fedor swings hard, that's his thing. He probably had his eyes closed, but he just got lucky, I think. If we had followed a more disciplined fight, and kept to the game plan, I think it was going to be easy."
Roach was unsure about what came next for Arlovski, but said he would continue to work with his student.Labels: Affliction, Andrei Arlovski, Fedor Emelianenko
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 2:59 PM
Lindland Taken To Hospital, Checks Out Okay
 Vitor Belfort knocked highly ranked middleweight Matt Lindland to the canvas with a strong left hand, then followed with several rights that left "The Law" out cold. He lay on the mat for several minutes, ringside medical staff taking every precaution before the Olympic silver medalist was finally able to leave the ring under his own power.
During the Josh Barnett vs. Gilbert Yvel bout, it was reported that Lindland was taken to the UC Irvine Medical Center for follow-up treatment.
"He was doing good (when he got into the ambulance)," said Lindland's cornerman, Robert Follis. "You know, he was a little bummed and knew what happened – that he got rocked – but he was coherent. He was talking. He looked good. They're just taking him in to check him and make sure."
MMAWeekly.com later followed up with another member of Lindland's camp, Heath Sims, who said that, "Matt is doing okay," and doesn't seem to be suffering from any significant injuries.Labels: Affliction, Matt Lindland, vitor belfort
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 2:16 AM
Golden Boy Paid $5 Million by "The T-shirt Guys"?
 While most MMA fans were focused on the battle brewing between Fedor Emelianenko and Andrei Arlovski in Anaheim, or anticipating Sunday night's WEC card in San Diego, HBO boxing commentators Jim Lampley and Larry Merchant were once again taking their jabs at mixed martial arts during the HBO telecast of the boxing match between "Sugar" Shane Mosley and Antonio Margarito.
But in the not-so-subtle barbs they tossed at one of the fastest growing sports in the world, they revealed a juicy little tidbit -- surely by accident -- about Oscar De La Hoya and his company's "commitment" to MMA.
"And celebrities here tonight, there's Sugar Ray Leonard in about the fourth row, and his one time Contender colleague Sly Stallone is in the front row," revealed Lampley. He continued, "George Lopez is here tonight, good buddy with the promoter. Mark Wahlberg comes to every major prize fight at Staples. Joe Pesci, a Goodfella, called this reporter for tickets. I didn't have 'em, but he got them somewhere else.
"And there's one big name celebrity, Larry, who isn't here tonight..."
"A celebrity who is here in bronze only," quipped Merchant, referring to a bronze statue of Oscar De La Hoya that stands outside the Staples Center. "Oscar De La Hoya, the live version, is in nearby Anaheim, where his company got a $5 million fee from a t-shirt maker so that he would be personally involved in the promotion of a mixed martial arts show."
He added, "It would take that much, Jim, to get me to go to one of those things."
Aside from Lampley and Merchant's degrading banter, the fee that Golden Boy Promotions received for De La Hoya's promised participation, if true, is quite revealing in regards to the wavering front that Golden Boy has presented when it comes to its involvement in MMA.
"We like to be involved with big fights," De La Hoya told MMAWeekly.com earlier in the week. "Fedor and Arlovski, I don't think it gets any bigger than this."
You probably wouldn't have to pay many people $5 million to say that, but evidently, that is De La Hoya's price... oh, and Merchant's too.Labels: Affliction, Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 12:47 AM
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Fedor - Road to Reckoning (Friday's Episode)
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 6:21 PM
Affliction Fedor vs. Arlovski Weigh-in Video
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 2:41 PM
Friday, January 23, 2009
Affliction Behind-the-Scenes Video Channel
 As part of its offerings for "Day of Reckoning," which takes place Saturday at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., Affliction has a video channel that will contain a mix of pre-recorded material and various live offerings.
The stream begins at 10 a.m. Pacific Time on Friday from the host hotel lobby where Affliction intends to conduct various fighters and trainer interviews, along with other notables. The weigh-ins will be live on HDNet and streamed on ESPN, but Affliction will offer an edited version on the video channel.
The channel is expected to continue streaming until "sometime in the evening," according to Affliction.
You can check out the Affliction video channel here.Labels: Affliction, Day of Reckoning
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 7:10 AM
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Fedor - Road to Reckoning (Wednesday's Episode)
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 11:31 PM
Affliction Fedor vs. Arlovski L.A. Press Conference
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 5:56 PM
Still No Word on Horodecki Replacement
As of this writing, Affliction VP Tom Atencio said his promotion has not found a replacement for lightweight banger Chris Horodecki. The Canadian standout was scheduled to face Dan Lauzon at Affliction's "Day of Reckoning" on Saturday.
According to Bill Douglas of the California State Athletic Commission, Horodecki did not pass his medicals for licensure to fight. A report released Wednesday evening by Sherdog.com confirmed that Horodecki had bulged a disc in his neck and had lost 80 percent of the strength in his right arm.
Of course, the situation could change at a moment's notice, so stay tuned to MMAWeekly.com for updates on the situation as they become available.Labels: Affliction, Chris Horodecki
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 2:09 PM
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Oleg Taktarov Is Huge In Russia (Who Knew?)
"The Russian Bear" Oleg Taktarov was on hand for Affliction's "Day of Reckoning" press conference in Los Angeles, taking in the action from the sidelines of the press area.
The UFC 6 tournament winner has kept quite busy with acting projects in recent years, with major roles in studio films "Righteous Kill," "We Own The Night," and "National Treasure."
Recently, he worked on a reality series set in Atlantic City for Russia's biggest television network. Titled "Back on Track," the show takes ten down-on-their-luck fighters who need a second chance at glory. He enjoyed the experience, but the gambling city soon wore on him.
"I got bored a little bit," he said. "I want to get more excitement."
Spike TV has already offered to carry the show in America, but Taktarov says the producers are not interested.
"It's not just about fighting, it's about accomplishing something in life," he told MMAInsider.
Taktarov, 41, says he is injury-free and is playing soccer in his spare time. Fighting is not on the horizon, but could be...for the right price. He fought twice in 2008, ending a nine-year layoff from the sport.
"Once I get good offer in the right time," he said. "Those two fights, they came at just the right time, they were good money."Labels: Affliction, Oleg Taktarov, Spike TV
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 11:28 PM
Fedor - Road To Reckoning (Tuesday's Episode)
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 8:35 PM
Fedor Takes Part in Opening Bell for NASDAQ
Fedor Emelianenko -- who will fight top-ranked heavyweight Andre Arlovski this Saturday, Jan. 24, in the main event of Affliction M-1 "Day of Reckoning" at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. -- took part in the Opening Bell Honors at NASDAQ on Wednesday morning in anticipation of his heavyweight MMA showdown.
Former UFC light heavyweight champion and color commentator for the "Day of Reckoning" Pay-Per-View telecast Tito Ortiz, Affliction Entertainment Vice President Tom Atencio, and Vice President of NASDAQ MarketSite David Wicks joined Fedor, to ring the opening bell at the NASDAQ headquarters in Times Square, New York.
 Labels: Affliction, Day of Reckoning, Fedor Emelianenko, Tito Ortiz
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 1:15 PM
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Fedor - Road to Reckoning (Monday's Episode)
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 5:15 PM
Fedor vs. Arlvoski - Countdown to January 24
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 11:59 AM
Arlovski 360: On the Road to Reckoning Episode 5 (Arlovski vs Fedor)
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 11:57 AM
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Training Day with Vitor Belfort for Affliction 2 "Day of Reckoning"
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 8:00 PM
Showtime Sports Fedor Emelianenko vs. Andrei Arlovski Preview
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 12:05 PM
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Showtime Sports Renato "Babalu" Sobral vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou Preview
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 9:00 PM
Showtime Sports Josh Barnett vs. Gilbert Yvel Preview
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 3:00 AM
Monday, January 12, 2009
Showtime Sports Matt Lindland vs. Vitor Belfort Preview
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 4:58 PM
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Affliction's Atencio Has Back-up Plan for Yvel
 In a media teleconference for Affliction's "Day of Reckoning" on Wednesday, Affliction Entertainment VP Tom Atencio said he, as well as Josh Barnett, are ready for anything when it comes to Gilbert Yvel's trials with the California State Athletic Commission.
On Tuesday, Yvel was cleared to apply for a California license to fight, though his paperwork needs to be approved before he gets in the ring.
Atencio said he expected Yvel to clear the commission, but had fighters on standby.
"He's been approved to move forward in the licensing process, and that's pretty much where we're at," said the spectacled fight promoter. "Yeah, I have people in line if this doesn’t work out, but as far as Josh is concerned, it’s approved. Once again, like anything else, you never know what’s going to happen, there’s a process to go through. Hopefully, he makes it through all his medicals and if he does, then the fight’s on. I know that Josh is preparing for him, but Josh will fight anybody out there, so it’s not so much a concern for me."
Atencio declined to name any fighters waiting in the wings, but expressed confidence that Barnett would face any of them.
"When we approach that bridge, we'll cross it," said Atencio.Labels: Affliction, gilbert yvel, josh barnett
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 4:27 PM
CSAC's Douglas Permits Yvel To Apply For Fight License
Gilbert Yvel, the controversial Dutch fighter scheduled to face Josh Barnett at Affliction's "Day of Reckoning on Jan. 24, has cleared one hurdle to fighting in California.
Bill Douglas, Assistant Executive Officer of the California State Athletic Commission, on Tuesday night informed MMAInsider he had granted Yvel permission to apply for a fighter's license in the Golden State.
Last year, Yvel was denied a license to fight in Nevada after its athletic commission reviewed several inflammatory incidents in his career including knocking a referee out, biting a referee, and eye gouging an opponent.
Douglas stressed the action was only a first step to Yvel fighting on Jan. 24.
"He must meet all of the licensing requirements, as would any other applicant, before he can be considered 'approved,' Douglas wrote. "If he is fully approved, the rest will be up to Gilbert."
Yvel will now be required to submit the necessary paperwork for licensure, including bloodwork, EKG, current neurological exam, opthamological exam, a pre-fight medical questionnaire, and physical.
Should his paperwork be acceptable to Mr. Douglas, Yvel will be on his way. Douglas gave no timetable for when the paperwork was required. However, since California began regulating MMA in March of 2006, the commission has on several occasions balked at last minute submissions. Several fighters, including Joe Riggs, Nick Diaz, and Hong Man Choi, were denied licenses when their paperwork was turned in late or with details deemed to require further investigation.
You can bet if Yvel wants to make his trip worthwhile, he will have the documents hand delivered.Labels: Affliction, gilbert yvel, josh barnett
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 8:00 AM
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Affliction "Day of Reckoning" Press Conference Highlight Reel
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 11:27 PM
Monday, December 29, 2008
Kim Couture Wins Extension on Beard Restraining Order
Kim Couture, fighter, promoter, and Randy Couture's other half, has won another round in the drama surrounding Xtreme Couture's fallout with Affliction.
In a Clark County filing dated Dec. 12, a restraining order from Couture against former Affliction head Todd Beard has been extended to Nov. 12, 2009.
Affliction clothing produces the Xtreme Couture clothing line, but relations between the two parties soured after Randy Couture returned to the UFC. Currently, the two companies are in limbo as Couture and co. attempt to extricate themselves from Affliction.
Couture originally filed the motion on Nov. 12, stating that Beard was threatening her and her lawyer. A temporary order was granted for 30 days, for which Beard was prevented from "interacting, communicating and/or having any contact with Couture, including attending the events surrounding UFC 91."
Couture said requests for accounting information on the Xtreme Couture clothing line, of which Randy Couture owns a significant interest, led to the dispute.
Beard did not attempt to block or prevent the extension.Labels: Affliction, Kim Couture, Todd Beard
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 3:11 PM
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Arlovski 360: Count Down to Day of Reckoning
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 5:47 PM
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Affliction "Day of Reckoning" LA Press Conference
The Affliction "Day of Reckoning," featuring Fedor Emelianenko vs. Andrei Arlovski, press conference from Dec. 17 in Los Angeles...
Labels: Affliction, Day of Reckoning
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 3:37 PM
The Holiday Wish List for Affliction Fighters
 PRESS RELEASE:
With the holiday season in full swing, some of the top MMA fighters in the world fighting on the extraordinary Affliction "Day of Reckoning" fight card have made their holiday wish list, checked it twice and set their sights on goals and resolutions for the New Year. From cars to sushi dinners, a victory on January 24th isn't the only thing these fighters are hoping for this holiday season.
Holiday Wish List
Andrei Arlovski-
"Gift card to Dolce & Gabbana. Seriously, I just want to make my family and friends proud for the upcoming fight, and do my best for all my fans."
Josh Barnett-
"That everyone I care about can have the awareness and the ability to be better human beings."
Babalu Sobral-
"I want to enjoy the holiday with my family and friends."
Vladimir Matyushenko-
"A nice gift card to a sushi place. I love sushi."
Chris Horodecki-
"A car...black Jeep Wrangler. I want to put the top down and cruise around. Or a date with Halle Berry."
Brett Cooper-
"A laptop to use for my classes at Long Beach City College would be great."
Dan Lauzon-
"A car...that moves."
Jason High-
"Xbox 360."
Albert Rios-
"A new cell phone because I dropped mine in the toilet. I tried to dry it off but it is going crazy. I can't tell who is calling me anymore."
New Year's Resolutions
Andrei Arlovski-
"Beat Fedor, for my family to stay healthy, and for peace in all of the world."
Josh Barnett-
"To hold my own destiny."
Babalu Sobral-
"I want to continue the success of my gym in Cerritos, California, stay healthy and I have a child coming so I'm really looking forward to that."
Vladimir Matyushenko-
"Make a lot more money than I did last year. Also keep improving my gym VMAT MMA and PT Training Facility in El Segundo. And spend more time with my son who is about to turn 18."
Chris Horodecki-
"Continue the success of my gym Adrenaline Training Center in London, Canada."
Brett Cooper-
"Don't let girls get the best of me. Be a pimp and don't get pimped."
Dan Lauzon-
"Give up fast food. Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut."
Jason High-
"I don't make them. They are stupid and nobody ever keeps them."
Albert Rios-
"Stop eating Thai food in the middle of the night. I eat a bucket of noodles after training and it's not good when I'm trying to lose weight."Labels: Affliction, Day of Reckoning
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 12:04 AM
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Hieron Talks Training with "The Phenom"
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort is expected to hit Xtreme Couture in preparation for his upcoming fight with Matt Lindland at Affliction's "Day of Reckoning" on Jan. 24 in Anaheim, Calif.
Welterweight Jay Hieron, a "Brigadier General" in the Xtreme Couture army, trained alongside "The Phenom" for 6 weeks when he was preparing for Terry Martin at Affliction "Banned."
Apparently, the Brazilian is a beast in the gym.
"Man, that dude, that guy is phenomenal," Hieron gushed. "He could be a professional boxer for sure."
Longstanding rumors of Belfort's inconsistency don't ring true for Hieron.
"People always say, 'Vitor's head,' when he gets out there in a fight," he continued. "I don't know too much about that, because his last fight, he looked great. I've seen him have trouble in the past, but athletically, boxing skills, and all around well-roundedness, he's incredible."
Hieron was unaware of when Belfort would be dropping in, but looked forward to being able to train with him again. "The Thoroughbred" will fight on alongside Belfort on the undercard of "Reckoning," against Jason High.Labels: Affliction, jay hieron, vitor belfort
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 2:04 AM
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Affliction Fedor vs. Arlovski "Day of Reckoning" Promo Video
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 1:54 AM
Friday, December 5, 2008
FOX News Fight Game Talks Affliction with Tom Atencio
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 4:00 PM
Friday, November 28, 2008
Fedor Cancels U.S. Media Tour to Prepare for Arlovski
 PRESS RELEASE:
WAMMA Heavyweight Champion Fedor Emelianenko announced Friday that he is canceling a planned press tour to the United States that had been scheduled for the start of December with stops set for New York, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.
Emelianenko has made the decision so that he can begin his training camp early in preparation for his much-anticipated title defense against former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski, which is set to take place on Jan. 24 during Affliction and M-1 Global's "Day of Reckoning" pay-per-view event at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Emelianenko's decision comes in response to a recent loss at the 2008 World Sambo Championships that were held earlier this month in St. Petersburg, Russia.
"My trainers, Vladimir Voronov and Alexander Michkov, met with me in Russia after the World Sambo Championships and we decided that the Arlovski confrontation is too important to delay a comprehensive training camp in exchange for press tour obligations on the other side of the world," said Emelianenko. "Andrei Arlovski is a dangerous fighter and has looked in prime condition and at the top of his game in his last few fights. He is one of the top three heavyweights in the world. This is not a fighter I will defeat if I am taking shortcuts in training."
Emelianenko had not lost the annual World Sambo Championships since 2000. While there are some similarities between Combat Sambo and Mixed Martial Arts, they are different sports with completely different scoring systems, strategies, rules, and emphasis. Sambo is a technical sport with points accumulated by executing throws and the number of points awarded is based on the positioning of both the person executing the technique and the landing position of the person being thrown. Compared to MMA, striking is limited both in scoring and when you can strike.
The current undisputed heavyweight champion is unhappy with the loss but does not believe results accrued while competing in Combat Sambo are applicable to the world of MMA.
"Sambo is my hobby and I enjoy very much participating in these tournaments to honor my country and use Sambo as the best training format for MMA," he said. "But MMA is my job and I certainly approach my preparation differently. I had a nice run of Sambo victories since 2000 but I have lost in a Sambo match before this match as well. I think a lot of MMA fans have never seen Sambo before so I guess you can say I am happy that the recent loss has made some people pay attention to the sport and see the differences between Sambo and MMA."
With the World Sambo Championships behind him along with recent filming in Thailand for an upcoming motion picture, Emelianenko will head for the high altitude in the mountains near his home city of Stary Oskol. The camp will last six to seven weeks and he will be joined by several of his teammates that train with him out of the Red Devil Fight Gym. In addition to getting himself ready for Arlovski on Jan. 24, Emelianenko will also be preparing his training partners for the upcoming M-1 Challenge finals against Holland set for Dec. 26 in Seattle, Washington.
For Emelianenko, the decision to begin his camp early was necessary in order to preserve his standing as the world's top heavyweight but is still one that comes with mixed emotion.
"I wish I could see the fans in America to announce the fight but I will not be able to attend the press tour as I did for the Tim Sylvia fight," said Emelianenko. "I received an incredibly warm welcome the last time I was in the United States and was looking forward to reuniting with my fans. But I must begin to prepare for Arlovski early and under the stringent training regimen and conditions that I have grown accustom to for all of my most dangerous opponents. There are people in MMA who attempt to paint a different picture of who the top fighters in the world are today and I must be fully prepared and focused to defend the reputation and status of my achievements in the sport."Labels: Affliction, Andrei Arlovski, Fedor Emelianenko, WAMMA
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 11:20 AM
Thursday, November 27, 2008
MMA Live - Episdoe 29
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 10:30 PM
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Affliction VP To Fitch: Come On Over
 UFC President Dana White's comments on Wednesday about welterweight Jon Fitch's dismissal from his company perked up more than a few ears in the industry.
One party interested in Fitch's services: Tom Atencio, Vice President of Affliction Entertainment. White named the "t-shirt guys" as a potential home for the American Kickboxing Academy fighter in the wake of his unemployment.
MMAInsider spoke to Atencio Thursday afternoon, where he confirmed Fitch would be welcome to fight for Affliction.
"Yes I am," Atencio said of his interest. "Does that mean we're going to get him? Don't know."
Atencio commended Fitch for standing up to the proverbial 800lb. gorilla.
"I think if you don't agree with something, than you should stand up for what you don't agree with," he continued. "And I've got to give it to him, he's got balls for doing it."
Though he admits Affliction's welterweight division is thin at the moment, he says the problem can soon be fixed, and Fitch could sign a non-exclusive deal with the company.
"We're still working both ways," Atencio said of Affliction's contracts. "There's some guys that want to fight in Japan and want to fight in Canada. Until we get going full bore and get 12 fights a year or whatever we'll end up doing, it's really hard for us to hold these guys to anything and make them sit on the bench. If they're not making money, they're not paying their bills. If they're not fighting, they're going to get ring rust. I don't want to do that to them."
As the number two ranked welterweight in the world, it's likely Fitch will soon have several suitors.
"I think he's a great fighter," Atencio said. "He's at the top of his game."Labels: Affliction, Dana White, jon fitch, Tom Atencio, UFC
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 2:47 PM
Friday, October 31, 2008
FOX Fight News Does the Rounds on Hot MMA Topics
This week's edition of FOX Fight News is broken up into six roundtable segments, discussing some of the hot topics of the day.
Round 1: Anderson Silva's "easy" win over Patrick Cote
Round 2: Affliction's move into the MMA market
Round 3: Roy Nelson makes accusations against EliteXC
Round 4: Women's place in MMA
Round 5: Dan Miller goes through his UFC 90 win
Round 6: A look at Randy Couture vs. Brock Lesnar
Labels: Affliction, Anderson Silva, Brock Lesnar, Dan Miller, EliteXC, FOX Fight News, Patrick Cote, Randy Couture, Roy Nelson, Video
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 5:12 PM
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Affliction Releases Promo Video for Fedor vs. Arlovski
It's already been pretty well know for a while now, but Affliction has released a promotional video for the Fedor Emelianenko vs. Andrei Arlovski fight. The bout will headline Affliction's second effort, which is scheduled to take place on Jan. 24 at The Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.Labels: Affliction, Andrei Arlovski, Fedor Emelianenko, Video
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 1:10 PM
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
K-1 Readying Dynamite!! Minus Fedor
 K-1 has a press conference scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18, in Japan regarding its Dynamite!! 2008 event. This is K-1's big year ending New Year's Eve event, which is typically the promotion's biggest MMA event of the year.
The promotion had started pushing a possible year-end bout featuring the world's No. 1 ranked heavyweight in Fedor Emelianenko, who is extremely popular in Japan.
Fedor, however, has a contract with Affliction Entertainment in the U.S. His Affliction contract does allow for Fedor to fight elsewhere, especially outside of the U.S. Affliction though has partnered with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions and has Fedor vs. Andrei Arlovski slated for the new partnership's debut event, tentatively planned for Jan. 24 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Such a high profile bout would have to keep Fedor out of any New Year's Eve battles, because it would be extremely risky for Affliction and Golden Boy to put all of their marketing efforts into Fedor vs. Arlovski, only to have Fedor get injured on New Year's Eve.
So far, details of what K-1's plans are for New Year's Eve have been scarce at best, but are likely to come into the light on Saturday.Labels: Affliction, Andrei Arlovski, Dyanamite, Fedor Emelianenko, Golden Boy Promotions, K-1, New Year's Eve, Oscar De La Hoya
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 5:01 PM
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