AFFLICTION MMA LEAGUE SLEEPS WITH THE FISHES: AFFLICTION CLOTHING SLEEPS WITH THE ENEMY

Posted on | July 25, 2009 | No Comments

By: Rich Bergeron

Kevin Iole is reporting that the big top circus that was Affliction MMA is doing more than just shutting down their next show. Iole’s report says Affliction is also making some other serious and puzzling moves in the marketplace. First, it’s been rumored that the league would fold after this show. Lack of a talent pool to draw from would seemingly be the number one reason for the going out of business announcement, and that’s pretty much been highlighted by the Josh Barnett fiasco. If Kimbo is the one man who ruined EliteXC, Barnett is going down in history as the guy who wiped out Affliction single-handedly.

So, maybe it’s not really a shock at all that Affliction’s going under. However, what is a shock is that the clothing brand of the same name is becoming a full-fledged UFC event and fighter sponsor. So, let me get this straight: first Tito makes up with Dana in an unexpected twist, and now Tom Atencio is kissing and making up with the bald dude? What’s next?

In case you doubt the credibility of Iole or ESPN, an official press release from Affliction spells it out in plain English: “Our brand is synonymous with the ‘Live Fast’ approach to life and UFC is the perfect venue for us to market our brand. We have come to an agreement with the UFC which we feel will be the best for the sport and will help the UFC continue delivering the highest caliber of fights.” Eric Foss, Co-Founder of Affliction.

There’s some other scuttlebutt around the net about what could have been and what might lie ahead. Affliction’s fighter contracts are apparently non-binding to begin with and don’t preclude competition in outside leagues. However, it looks like Strikeforce’s once-strong partnership with Affliction may be in danger due to the new UFC collaboration. Chances are, many of the best Affliction fighters will wind up in the UFC now. Only time will tell.

As far as what this all means for the sport, it’s tough to say at the moment. The biggest disappointment I have is that this was something Donald Trump and Oscar De La Hoya were backing, and to have them interested and invested in the sport of MMA was a blessing. If this turns them away from the sport it will be a shame. They can provide the kind of muscle and money that could give the UFC trouble in the long run. Strikeforce may not have a niche for these guys to get involved in, and they may go back to boxing and never look back. Also, it sends a message to other would-be promoters that it’s not worth trying to match or live up to the UFC legend. I hope it doesn’t discourage further development of new and exciting competitors to the UFC, one of which might someday catch on and spread like wildfire. I think the UFC needs the competition to keep on their toes and keep striving to outpace the big rivals.

Whatever happens, rest-assured that right now the UFC brass is celebrating the death of yet another wanna-be. And it won’t be the last.