Hard to grasp if Affliction: Banned was a success

In a latest version by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer he talks about the number of PPV buys from the Affliction: Banned event saying that the numbers aren't the what VP Tom Atencio said they were. This is what Meltzer says in his latest report,

"It’s been hard to narrow down a buy rate for the Affliction show. Promoter Tom Atencio has claimed the figure was more than 100,000. Updated cable sources we’ve checked with have estimated from a low of 65,000 to a high of 100,000. Either way, the number is both excellent by the standards of a promotion with no television (it beats anything TNA has done with 2 million weekly TV viewers), but as noted over and over, it’s a substantial money loser."

Other people beg to differ like UFC president Dana White who often refers to Atencio as "A guy who sells T - Shirts". Anyway, White says that the numbers overall for Affliction: Banned are false and claims that the promotion lost an amount of $4 million dollars. MMA fans did have some difficulties ordering the event as first reported, but only Tom Atencio has the real answers for the total amount of buys. We will never know the real numbers, but Affliction won one war as far as pay per view sales and lost the other war of pulling in a profit. You can also note the UFC's first show under Zuffa did not sell as many payperview's as Affliction's first rumored numbers.





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Tito Ortiz still a free agent

There were reports last week that former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz had openly stated that he signed a "ground breaking" contract with Affliction, but all that did not pan out for Ortiz. Now according to Dan Stupp of MMAJunkie.com says in his column for the Dayton Daily News that Ortiz is back out on the market and is in negotiations with other MMA organizations.

In the report it says that Ortiz is still in talks with Affliction, but is also talking with EliteXC, the upstart AFL and last but not least the UFC. The real question is if Tito Ortiz is really serious about fighting this year? A quote on the column was said by an unnamed fight company rep and he said, “I don’t know if we’re really negotiating, or simply helping Tito stroke his giant ego.”

So another question is where does Tito want to go and fight for? The AFL is looking to promote an event for pay per view and they have recently signed former WWE superstar Bobby Lashley along with highly regarded female fighter Tara LaRosa. They could make a strong bid for Tito's services. Than there is EliteXC, but that could prove to be highly unlikely with ProElite in some financial trouble. Affliction is still a possibility, but as much as they are already paying Fedor Emelianenko (an amount of about $1.6 Million) just how far would they go to pay Ortiz. And finally there is his original home in the UFC. Tito Ortiz and Dana White aren't exactly the best of friends, but White never really shut the door on him to come back and maybe, just maybe Tito could work things out with White or negotiate with Lorenzo Fertitta to possibly continue his fight career in the Octagon where he has already spent 11 years in. Stay tuned!



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UR Dirt E "Quick Fix"

UR Dirt E "Quick Fix" for August 17, 2008

- Tatame.com reports that the newly crowned EliteXC Heavyweight Champion Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva is back at the gym and is ready to compete and defend his title. Here is what the big man had to say, "I'm happy, but I'm back on training because I might come back in September to defend my belt. I passed a week with my family and it was great, but I'm back here (ATT) now". That sounds good that he could fight in September, but with the cancellation of EliteXC's show Sept.20 they have to find homes for the bouts they (ProElite) put together, so fans stay tuned.

- A report out of Tatame.com says that head trainer at American Top Team Andrei "Benkei" Santos has left the camp due to ideological disagreements with coach Ricardo Liborio and although fighters such as Antonio Silva, Thiago Alves and JZ Calvancante decided they will continue to train with Santos they are still committed to fight for ATT.

- With Affliction recently signing IFL lightweight prospect Chris Horodecki to a new three fight deal there has been a rumor going on according to MMATraining.com stating that Horodecki could be facing former UFC fighter Dan Lauzon (The younger brother of UFC lightweight Joe Lauzon) at Affliction: Day of Reckoning event in Las Vegas on October 11. We will keep you posted if there is any truth to the rumor.

Vitor Belfort out for Affliction Day of Reckoning with a broken hand

Many of us were excited when Vitor Belfort looked great in his knock out win over Terry Martin on Affliction's debut event last month. We all have endured Vitor's ups and downs together and he looked "Phenomenal" again at his new weight class of 185 pounds. As the fights for Affliciton's second show "Day of Reckoning" were announced and we were even more excited when Matt Lindland's request to fight Vitor was granted. Now MMAWeekly has confirmed a rumor that was going around the Sherdog message boards yesterday that Belfort will be out with a injury for the event. Afflcition VP Tom Atencio confirmed Vitor has a broken hand,

“Vitor is out, I spoke with him I think yesterday and he told me,” said Atencio. “Actually, it was on Tuesday we had a conversation for about an hour or so, and yeah, I guess he broke his hand in two places is what he told me and he had been having 2, 3 and 4 opinions on it. He finally got the opinion that he wanted I guess and they told him to step out for a while."

This should come as a disappointment for fans of the Brazilian knock out artist who wanted to see him possibly begin a comeback trail of unconscious opponents. We hope he recuperates soon and comes back ready when he is healthy. No word yet if Matt Lindland will get a replacement opponent or will sit out the card for a future fight with Belfort.

UPDATE

Remember yesterday when Jake Shields spoke about possibly fighting a top 185 pound fighter? Well from what we are figuring this is who Shields will be fighting. As we all know Jake Shields demolished Nick "The Goat" Thompson and EliteXC is known for letting its fighters compete in other promotions. It would be the perfect fit for EliteXC and the perfect challenge for Matt Lindland. We will let you know if it becomes a reality when we get word on the matter.

IFL Welterweight Champion Jay Hieron signs with Affliction

Jay Hieron who is one of the last few of the major free agents left over from the International Fight League has now signed on with the upstart Affliction promotion. MMAweekly.com reports that the former IFL Welterweight Champion signed a one year three fight deal with the organization and will be competing at Affliction: Day of Reckoning at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 11. Other organizations such as the UFC and EliteXC were interested in Hieron, but Affliction appeared to come out with the best offer.

Hieron joins other former IFL champions Roy Nelson and Vladimir Matyushenko along with lightweight prospect Chris Horodecki to come and sign on with the Affliction brand. Hieron had this to say on the signing, “I’m finally going to see where my career’s going,” he said. “Now I can just put my mind at ease and train and know I have a home. Get back to what I love doing, and that’s competing.” No opponent for Hieron has been announced at this time.

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UR Dirt-E Quick Fix

UR Dirt-E "Quick Fix" for August 14, 2008.

- It seems Affliction is poised to make their second card "Day of Reckoning" as stacked as their first. MMAJunkie.com is reporting that there have been discussions to have K-1 star "Mighty" Moe Siliga fight former IFL heavyweight Ben Rothwell. We will let you know if anything becomes official.

- According to F4wonline.com and Dave Meltzer's Wrestling observer Newsletter The Ultimate Fighter Season 8 finale has been set for the Palms in Las Vegas on December 13 later this year.

- An article out of MMAWeekly reports that Tito Ortiz and Affliction are active in negotiations and are working out a deal for their October 11 event in Las Vegas.

Fedor Video talks Dana, Couture and gives props to Brock Lesnar

Fedor talks Dana White, Randy Couture and gives props to Brock Lesnar."I like Brock Lesnar, its defenitely a fight I would like to have."

Renato "Babalu" Sobral to face Bobby Southworth?

Former UFC veteran Renato "Babalu" Sobral will be keeping himself busy over the next couple of months as sources are saying that Sobral will be facing Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Bobby Southworth on September 20 at the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, California in the "Strikeforce at the Mansion 2" event.

Sobral has also been tapped to fight at Affliction: Day of Reckoning which is just three weeks apart from the Strikeforce event and although Babalu would most likely be favored to win the bout with Southworth the match is scheduled for five rounds since it is a title fight. The thing is why would Babalu risk it if he might be getting his 'dream fight' with Tito Ortiz? Sure Ortiz has not won a fight in about two years, but he still is a big threat to Sobral and than again Ortiz has not signed on with Affliction just yet. We will keep you up to date on Babalu's fights in the weeks to come.

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MMA Live to be broadcasted on ESPN

MMA Live is a well put together show that is currently on ESPN.com every Thursday evening at 6pm nationally. The webcast is doing so well that the network is in talks to air the show on the famed sports channel.

UFC lightweight contender and MMA Live co - host Kenny Florian was a guest Monday night on TAGG Radio which is a partner of MMAjunkie.com and they asked him about the possibility of the show being aired on network TV and here is what he had to say, "I don't want to let the cat out of the bag, but soon," Florian said. "The next couple of months, we're hoping to get [MMA Live] on ESPN or ESPN 2, and the sponsors are getting on board as we speak, so we should have a deal very, very soon. We're all very pumped."

I for one hope this show goes on the air nationwide on ESPN. Not only would it be a great move, but it would help keep the sport of mixed martial arts in the mainstream. MMA Live is also co - hosted by Jon Anik and MMA/Boxing analyst Franklin McNeil.

Source - MMAjunkie.com and TAGG Radio

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Fedor - I will return by New Year's Eve

Newly crowned WAMMA Heavyweight Champion Fedor Emelianenko who will not be competing at Affliction: Day of Reckoning in October due to a hand injury says that he will look to make his return by New Year's Eve. In an interview with SI.com this is what he had to say on Arlovski vs. Barnett and his future return to the ring:

“I think definitely by New Year’s Eve I’ll be ready to go,” the 31-year-old Russian told SI.com Sunday.“My desire at this point is to meet with the winner of the fight,” said Emelianenko, the only current WAMMA champ. “But I still have a desire to fight with whomever loses as well."

Although it would be great to see Fedor fight either Arlovski or Barnett as planned it might however not happen so fast. Fedor might not even fight Mirko Cro Cop in Japan like he would have liked with Cro Cop also nursing injuries.

"Early speculation centered on a rematch of Emelianenko’s tremendous points win in 2005 over Mirko Filipovic. However, a representative for the No. 1-ranked heavyweight said it’s doubtful the fight would take place at this time. In a bout intended for Japanese fight fans, Emelianenko will likely meet a “judo legend or sumo wrestler.”

The last thing fight fans want to see is the number 1 heavyweight in the world fight someone like a Hong Man Choi type fighter again. So let's hope we do see him face the Arlovski/Barnett winner once and for all.

Source - SportsIllustrated.com

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Reality show featuring Fedor to air later this year

According to a press conference earlier today a network distributor called Blue Entertainment Sports Television which has a clientele of athletes such as Reggie Bush, Andy Roddick and UFC light heavyweight fighter Houston Alexander have now signed the top heavyweight MMA fighter in Fedor Emelianenko. BEST is an American representative for M-1 Global that will help sponsor and market the new WAMMA champion along with other fighters under the M-1 banner as well.

The two partners will team up to get a reality show called "Fighting Fedor" and air the program later this year. Fighting Fedor is a show based on fighters training at the famed Red Devil Fight Club in St. Petersburg, Russia with the winner earning the opportunity to face Fedor at the show's finale. BEST will also be airing 22 M-1 challenge shows in HD where it will nation vs nation MMA competition with each of the 22 telecasts being 1 hour each.

Fedor had this to say on the announcement, “I have been blessed with great success in my career and I’m excited to work with another company that also is similar drive,” says Emelianenko. “BEST is leading the industry in innovative branding for their clients and I am confident that they will assist me in reaching the next level.” BEST Executive VP Dennis Spencer had this to say, “We look forward to building his (Fedor) marketability and presence within the United States and abroad as he defends his position at the top spot.”

Fedor recently beat former UFC Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia at Affliction's inaugural show called "Banned" and was rumored to be facing Andrei Arlovski in his first title defense, but will miss the second Affliction event "Day of Reckoning" due to a lingering hand injury.

Affliction VP Tom Atencio talks about Affliction: Day of Reckoning and more

Tom Atencio on Affliction "Day of Reckoning"

UR Dirt -E Quick Fix for August 7, 2008

UR Dirt-E Quick Fix

- According to MMAJunkie.com a UFC middleweight bout is slated to take place at Ultimate Fight Night between American Top Team's Alessio Sakara (12-7) and newcomer Joe Vedepo (7-1). Through a source an agreement between the two fighters could come shortly.

- In a report out of Five ounces of pain.com a UFC middleweight fight has been confirmed that Jason "The Punisher" Lambert (23-8) will be facing Jason "Dooms" Day (17-7) at UFC 88 in September as part of the undercard. As we first reported at URDirt.com Lambert will be making the drop to 185 pounds, but was at first thought to take on Alessio Sakara at UFN 15.

- In other news the much anticipated main event between Andrei Arlovski and Josh Barnett at Affliction: Day of Reckoning will be a WAMMA elimination match with the winner getting number 1 contendership and a title shot at Fedor Emelianenko's championship at a future Affliction event.

URDirt-E Quick Fix for August 6 2008

URDirt-E Quick Fix for August 6 2008.

-Several sources are claiming that former IFL lightweight Chris Horodecki has signed with Affliction.

-Affliction officially announced fights for their October card. Roy Nelson will face off against Paul Buentello and Matt Lindland vs Vitor Belfort is also official as well.

- Contrary to earlier premature reports Tito Ortiz has not signed with Affliction yet. Both sides are still in negotiations as of now.

- EliteXC officially announced its September 20 event at "The Pit" in Aberqerque New Mexico.

Joey Villasenor, Dave "Pee Wee" Herman and Paul "Semtex" Daley are all rumored to be on the

card. Rumors of a Villasenor vs Ninja Rua rematch seem unlikely as of this point.

- 5 oz. of Pain is reporting that Jay Hieron is now officially a free agent and out of his deal with the IFL, but has been contacted by Affliction about competing on their card in October.

CSAC says Aleksander will not fight in California or the US ever.

As we all know Aleksander Emelianenko was not cleared to fight for Affliction's debut show "Banned" on July 19. We have heard all the rumors about Hepatitis and other various ailments from many different places. Aleks denied these rumors as did his manager Vadim Finkelstein saying "Timing" and "Visa" issues forced him off of the card. Well now in a interview with Bill Douglas from the CSAC with MMA Memories.comsays that Aleks will never be cleared to fight in the United States.

"The one thing that I can absolutely say is that he (Aleksander) was not and will not be cleared to fight in California. He is officially licensed denied and that will stand for all of the United States of America".

I dont know about you, but a visa problem is pretty easy to finish from my understanding. There is something that Aleksander and Vadim do not want the people to know about and the speculation will continue until official word on the real issue comes out.

Tito Ortiz and Jenna Jameson expecting a baby

In a report from the New York Post it says former porn diva Jenna Jameson is pregnant and is expecting a child with her boyfriend and newly acquired Affliction star Tito Ortiz.

Report says that Jameson canceled meetings on taking part of New York's "Fashion Week" after getting word on the big news. Ortiz and Jameson have openly stated that they always wanted to start a family together. This would be Ortiz second child after having a son in his previous marriage with his ex - wife, Kristen and Jameson was once pregnant before, but reportedly had a miscarriage back in 2006 with her ex - husband who was pornographic movie producer Jay Grdina. Best of luck to Tito and Jenna.

Source - New York Post

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Tito Ortiz to make an announcement tomorrow (UPDATED)

Update - Tito Ortiz indeed did sign with Affliction and will face Renato "Babalu" Sobral on October 11 at "Day of Reckoning" the official press conference should be today. According to SI.com Tito has gone on record as saying his deal is "Groundbreaking" for MMA fighters.

A rumor was being spread around last week that former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz had signed on with the upstart Affliction organization, but VP Tom Atencio had said that he couldn't negotiate with Ortiz until August 4 (due to a 60 day non compete clause that was in his UFC contract) which was yesterday.

So sometime tomorrow Ortiz said that he will be making a major announcement in regards of his fighting future and that announcement will most likely say that he has reached an agreement to sign on with Affliction. Should he be signing with the promotion he will probably be fighting on October 11 at the Affliction: Day of Reckoning card and would likely take on Renato "Babalu" Sobral who was pleading with Tom Atencio to give him a fight with "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy", so Babalu just might get his wish after all. Ortiz last competed at UFC 84 in a unanimous decision loss to light heavyweight contender Lyoto Machida. We will bring you the news as soon as we get word on Tito's big announcement. Stay tuned fans.


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Rumor- Affliction looking to sign Ricardo Arona

Ricardo Arona (13-5) has not fought since a devastating knockout loss to Sokoudjou at Pride 34: Kamikaze. Shortly after that fight Zuffa (the UFC's parent company) bought out Pride FC and Bushido from DSE.
Fighters who Arona had competed against and beaten began to sign with organizations soon after. Arona for some strange reason was not one of the fighters who the UFC decided to sign. With all of Arona's ground and pound skills his style seemed tailor made for fighting in the Octagon. Even in a recent interview with Sherdog.com he said "The UFC rules were made for me."

Arona may now be a step closer to returning to the ring instead of the cage as a source close to URDirt.com are telling us Affliction is looking into signing Arona for their October 11 "Day of Reckoning" card at the Thomas and Mack center in Las Vegas. Our source told us the signing of Arona would not only improve the division's depth, but also make sure it would have plenty of top notch fighters and make it as deep as the heavyweight division. Arona's signing is a move to bolster the roster for a potential Tito Ortiz signing. To ensure they would have top contenders for him if and when they made a belt for 205 pound fighters.

"They (Affliction) want the best (fighters) in the world they can get right now and Arona is one of the best unsigned fighters around. He has wins over Wanderlei Silva and Dan Henderson and he held his own against Fedor, that says a lot about the guys skill."

We were also told that Arona has not been contacted yet, but will be soon and offered a three fight non-exclusive deal. As we are beginning to see Affliction add quality fighters such as Vladimir Matyushenko and Roy Nelson this comes as little surprise as the company continues to add depth and spare no expense to do so. As usual we will let you know if and when anything becomes official.

Josh Barnett confronts Aleks backstage at Affliction Banned

Josh Barnett confronts Aleks backstage at Affliction, over talk of ducking him in a rematch. Fast forward to 2 minutes in to the video.

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Nogueira vs Matyushenko along with Nelson vs White at Affliction: Day of Reckoning

According to a report earlier this evening Affliction has now added fighters from the defunct IFL organization by signing Heavyweight Champion Roy "Big Country" Nelson and Light Heavyweight Champ Vladimir Matyushenko. Affliction VP Tom Atencio will make an announcement on the fighters signing on with the upstart organization on Wednesday.

Matyushenko will be slated to take on Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at the Affliction: Day of Reckoning card on October 11 and as for Nelson he will be facing Brazilian Jiu - Jitsu and Xtreme Couture trainer Jay White who has only seven MMA fights under his belt, but on the downside his record is 2-5. Nonetheless; Affliction is really stacking the deck in the Heavyweight division with Nelson and White coming into the fold. The only remaining question mark is will Tito Ortiz now come aboard the Affliction bandwagon? Find out as we will keep you posted as always.

Source - MMAnews.com (Not through various sources)
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