According to several reliable sources, Affliction has confirmed many rumoured match-ups while adding several new ones to its inaugural event set for July 19 in Anaheim, Calif.
The card features several of the world’s top heavyweights and established fighters from other divisions and promotions.
Affliction, a clothing-based company, sponsors many pro fighters but was recently banned from appearing at UFC and Elite XC events.
These organizations do not want to promote a rival organization by having their fighters wear Affliction clothing.
In an ironic twist, Affliction has decided to name their first event Affliction: Banned. The main card will be shown on pay-per-view, while the undercard may be shown on the premium broadcast channel HDNet.
Negotiations between the two companies over broadcasting rights continue. The event was originally scheduled to take place in Dallas. The venue was then moved to The Pond in Anaheim.
A fight between top 10 heavyweight and former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski and IFL superstar Ben Rothwell is expected to happen.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Rothwell is also currently signed with another promotion, Adrenaline MMA. He will miss Adrenaline’s first card on June 14 but is slated to fight for them in September.
Arlovski is on a three-fight win streak, while Rothwell has won 13 in a row and remains undefeated in the IFL. Arlovski will be a huge test for Rothwell, as he looks to establish himself as one of the premier heavyweights in MMA.
Also on the card, top heavyweights Josh Barnett and Pedro Rizzo will be having their second fight against each other. The latter won their first meeting by knockout back in 2001. Middleweight contender Matt Lindland will be on the card as well.
Aleksander Emelianenko is scheduled to fight Paul Buentello in a bout that promises to be a slugfest, while light-heavyweights Renato “Babalu” Sobral and Mike Whitehead prepare to combat each other.
Affliction: Banned features as a main event the highly-anticipated match-up between Top Five heavyweights Fedor Emelianenko and Tim Sylvia.
Fedor wants to reassert his position as the No. 1 ranked heavyweight in the world, while Sylvia is looking to become the first man to legitimately defeat Fedor in MMA competition.
Affliction will be looking to make a splash with their first card as they enter the ever-competitive world of mixed martial arts. Here is the full card (subject to change):
- Fedor Emelianenko vs. Tim Sylvia
- Josh Barnett vs. Pedro Rizzo
- Ben Rothwell vs. Andre Arlovski
- Aleksander Emelianenko vs. Paul Buentello
- Matt Lindland vs. Fabio Negao
- Renato Sobral vs. Mike Whitehead
- Savant Young vs. Mark Hominick
- Brett Cooper vs. Mike Pyle
- Ray Lamaza vs. Justin Levens
- JJ Ambrose vs. Patrick Speight
Sources for this article include: mmahq.com, cagepotato.com, siteground190.com
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6 months ago
all I can say is if they pull this off, damn what a card!
6 months ago
AMEN bro! This really is a hell of a lineup!!!!
6 months ago
If this card stays the way it is I'll be amazed. Last I heard Aleksander Emelianenko couldn't fight in the states. I'm not convinced yet that the UFC will give up on Arlovski, I keep hearing rumors that Dana is going to sign him. Lastly how much money is this show gonna cost? Since the show is in California they have to post a bond that is twice the fighter payroll. Looking at the guys they have fighting it's gonna be a monster payroll. They better start promoting the hell outta this card for PPV. If they don't have a ton of draw they are gonna lose money hand over fist. If it happens I'll be thrilled, but I'm not holding my breath.
6 months ago
this might be one of, if not, the best MMA fight card i've ever seen ... can't wait
6 months ago
Ya, I know that A. Emelianenko has had trouble getting a U.S. visa in the past due to his criminal record. Maybe something has been figured out.
I believe an official announcement regarding Arlovski's future will be made soon. Affliction will most likely have a press conference or something before the date of the event.
Yes, they will probably lose a lot of money in setting up this card. It depends on what other fighters they can sign and how much money they can continue to afford. They might end up folding after a few shows.
Affliction needs to stay on the good side of wealthy Mark Cuban and Monte Cox (manager of Sylvia and Rothwell). They might also need to co-promote with other organizations in order to stay profitable. It will be interesting to see how things pan out.
6 months ago
They just made Aleksander Emelianenko vs. Paul Buentello official. They also Signed Lil' Nog. If they can stay afloat money wise they are getting together a good stable of fighters.
6 months ago
Yup, Affliction had a news conference earlier today that many of the fighters on the card attended. They have already sold numerous tickets and may even sell out the venue.
The fight between Mark Hominick and Savant Young was also made official. The first hour of the card will air live on FSN, while the ppv will start at 9:00 pm eastern time.
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