WORLD SERIES OF FIGHING; PUTTING THE “WORLD” IN SERIES; RAISING THE BAR

In recent times, it seems as if the core of the MMA fans have only had the UFC to look forward to on a consistent basis. However, with the launch of World Series of Fighting’s international string, it seems as if fans will have some more consistency in their future. This also has to be a sigh of relief to prospects and veteran fighters knowing they could potentially have a new home outside the UFC to either wind down their careers, repolish their careers, or just getting started. They’re definitely raising the bar for all promotions not named UFC. Here’s my take on their promotion:

WHAT WSOF IS DOING RIGHT

Prospects and Rising Stars: WSOF is housing a group of promising, rising prospects in their stables.

Justin Gaethje (10-0) will be fighting for the WSOF Inaugural Lightweight Title Jan 18th in Florida.

Nick Newell (11-0) another undefeated lightweight only baring 1 and 1/2 an arm.

Marlon Moraes (12-4-1) a bantamweight on a war path that no one is really anxious about signing a bout agreement with.

Steve Carl (21-3) WSOF’s new Welterweight Champion who’s strength, grappling, pace, and cage intelligence seems to be giving problems to even the most seasoned veterans.

Tyron Spong (2-0), sure he only has 2 MMA bouts to his credit, but don’t let that overshadow what this light heavyweight has done in the world of kickboxing, boasting a 73-6-1 1NC with 46 knockouts.

Georgi Karakhanyan (23-3-1) A seasoned submission specialist who only in his 2nd bout in the promotion captured the WSOF Inaugural Featherweight title

That’s just to name a few. Not to mention signing Yushin Okami was the best move they could’ve possibly made to expand their Japanese market. Feel free to visit WSOF’s website at http://wsof.com

Employing MMA Veterans: The executives made probably one of the best decisions for their company when they left themselves open to signing MMA veterans, specifically UFC veterans. Sometimes, fighters reach a peak in their career or get too comfortable in their specific skill set, that they have to learn and polish news skills. That can’t always be done in the top level. Example: It isn’t the wisest for B or even C-level strikers, jiu jitsu practioners, wrestlers, grapplers to practice their new techniques on fighters with the same skill set at the A-level. They have to work their way up.

“Is that the only reason why it’s a good idea to bring in long time UFC or MMA veterans?” I’m glad you asked. The answer is, no. Veterans have an infinite amount of knowledge in MMA and can pass that knowledge to willing prospects who need proper guidance for their careers. No one’s perfect. It is possible that a fighter may have some tips here and there that will help a rising star to guide their career in the right direction. Housing long time veterans such as Anthony Johnson, Andrei Arlovski, John Fitch, Josh Burkman, Miguel Torres, and Jon Fitch was a no-brainer strategy for WSOF. The veterans will help the younger keep their careers in an objective perspective.

Going International: Go BIG or go home. Tell me what other promotion has gone international in just 399 days on their 7th show? Anyone? WSOF has already breached the Canadian market, a market that is MMA thirsty. It’s one of the smartest moves any MMA promotion can make. With the sponge of the UFC, Resurrection Fighting Alliance, and that other company also soaking up talent, the market for American fighters is very thin. Not to mention, it’s very expensive to import fighters from other countries. Solution? Expand!! Go to other countries and give other fighters and opportunity to work for you. Give them a chance to get paid with a solid promotion. Touch other broadcasting networks. Build new relationships with other sponsors in foreign territory. In 2014, WSOF intends on hosting events in countries such as Japan, Australia, and the UK. And those are just the one they haven’t informed me about.

Keeping It Classy; No Public Attacks Other Promotions: MMA fans are MMA fans for a reason. Having a war of words with UFC President Dana White has proven that if you try to divide the MMA crowd, they’ll teeter more towards the UFC. Ask Scott Coker, Gary Shaw, and Tom Antencio. Ask….yeah. Nevermind. Don’t ask THAT guy.

Last night, WSOF President Ray Sefo publicly took to twitter to wish Invicta President, Shannon Knapp, “good luck” with their show last night, who also was putting on their 7th installment of Invicta Fighting Championship.


WSOF Matchmaker, Ali Abdelaziz, also bid the promotion and the president a good show as well.

Showing Interest In WMMA: Signing one of the top WMMA strawweights in the world in a 16-4 Jessica Aguilar (AKA “Jag) tells you that they have an interest in WMMA. One of the biggest mistakes THAT other promotion made was not promoting them enough. With the understand that Sefo and Abdelaziz have of the fans and the sport, I’m sure that they’ll push and promote women the right way. The 115lb division is one of the deepest divisions worldwide. Bringing in Jag, a 20 fight veteran, is a good foundation to build on, mentor young fighters, and provide an extension to the promotion.

Network Television/Marketing/Sponsors: WSOF’s debut took place on NBC Sports Network. Again, what other MMA promotion has debuted on a major network for their first show? Someone over at NBC saw the potential of their promotion and put the muscle behind it to help make it work. Recently, WSOF acquired a full scale marketing, advertising and consulting company in Lamark Media Group (http://lamarkmedia.com/). A marketing company who is on the rise and has outstanding relationships with hundreds of networks. The owners of Lamark Media Group are also the same group who owns Swole Sports Nutrition (http://www.swolesports.com/ ) , which you saw on the mat at WSOF 7 last night. Along with a well known sponsor like Boost Mobile and more to come, WSOF is set up for success for 2014.

http://www.mmaelite.net/world-series-of-fighing-putting-the-world-in-series-raising-the-bar/

They seem to be well for a new promotion. Hope they keep that up.

I do find it funny that when a UFC supported organization signs former UFC fighters and what not, it's labelled as signing "MMA Veterans" but when Bellator, the clear #2 in North America does it it's called signing "UFC rejects."

However, no gripes from me as this article does a great job of summing up what WSOF is doing well. Love the promotion, love Sefo, and love its fighters.

Great point mikal one I've been trying to point out.

Wsof has used a smart strategy of bringing in names that are recognizable to battle their prospects and veterans giving them a visible bar of talent but my only gripe is when bellator does it and arguably does it with better names gets crucified.

delete

Yeah funny how Abdul aziz talks shot about bellator saying askrens one dimensional now sefo comes out and talks crap on Taylor for being one dimensional and wrestling too much lmao dumb move.

MikalI do find it funny that when a UFC supported organization signs former UFC fighters and what not, it's labelled as signing "MMA Veterans" but when Bellator, the clear #2 in North America does it it's called signing "UFC rejects."

However, no gripes from me as this article does a great job of summing up what WSOF is doing well. Love the promotion, love Sefo, and love its fighters.

nice post dude.
People need to get this and understand this.

mmainamerica wrote:

MR.WILLIE wrote:
Keeping It Classy; No Public Attacks Other Promotions:  MMA fans are MMA fans for a reason.  Having a war of words with UFC President Dana White has proven that if you try to divide the MMA crowd, they’ll teeter more towards the UFC.  Ask Scott Coker, Gary Shaw, and Tom Antencio.  Ask….yeah. Nevermind.  Don’t ask THAT guy.

Last night, WSOF President Ray Sefo publicly took to twitter to wish Invicta President, Shannon Knapp, “good luck” with their show last night, who also was putting on their 7th installment of Invicta Fighting Championship.


WSOF Matchmaker, Ali Abdelaziz, also bid the promotion and the president a good show as well.

Oh, except the whole Bellator and Bjorn attack. Im so sick of WSOF, I refuse to watch their nonsense and I tell others not too either as well.

http://www.mmamania.com/2013/11/29/5153344/wsof-matchmaker-ali-abdel-aziz-bellator-release-ben-askren-ufc-mma

WSOF wishes Invicta “good luck”, ironically Zuffa is tight with Invicta as well. WSOF were recent guest of Zuffa at their event

nonsense???

kayneoTheRisingWarrior wrote:

MikalI do find it funny that when a UFC supported organization signs former UFC fighters and what not, it's labelled as signing "MMA Veterans" but when Bellator, the clear #2 in North America does it it's called signing "UFC rejects."

However, no gripes from me as this article does a great job of summing up what WSOF is doing well. Love the promotion, love Sefo, and love its fighters.

nice post dude.
People need to get this and understand this.

the difference is the talent of those aditions is not the same to sign fitch, okami, russow

to sign karo parysian, kendall grove, houston alexander

Rampage and Tito are easily bigger casual fan draws then Fitch or okami or any of them yeah they pick up guys like Alexander and warmachine but wsof isn't far above with kalib starnes and jt money lmao

Also

MR.WILLIE wrote:

kayneoTheRisingWarrior wrote:

MikalI do find it funny that when a UFC supported organization signs former UFC fighters and what not, it's labelled as signing "MMA Veterans" but when Bellator, the clear #2 in North America does it it's called signing "UFC rejects."

However, no gripes from me as this article does a great job of summing up what WSOF is doing well. Love the promotion, love Sefo, and love its fighters.

nice post dude.
People need to get this and understand this.

the difference is the talent of those aditions is not the same to sign fitch, okami, russow

to sign karo parysian, kendall grove, houston alexander

And yet none of those guys were signed fresh off of losses from the UFC. Grove, for instance, has had a total of 12 fights since parting with the UFC - you still consider him a UFC reject at that point? Whereas Russow was picked up after 2 straight losses in the UFC, Okami after one, and Fitch after 2 - that, if it needs to be used, is the definition of UFC reject.

Fighters that continue their careers after the UFC in other organizations shouldn't have to hold the title of UFC reject forever. So to still call them UFC rejects but to call the WSOF pick ups "MMA Veterans" is just using disingenuous bias against Bellator. If anything, it make more sense to call Fitch, Okami, and Russow the UFC rejects while Bellator's pick ups would be the veterans.

But I'd rather just call them all fighters and not be a douche about it.

fka wrote:Rampage and Tito are easily bigger casual fan draws then Fitch or okami or any of them yeah they pick up guys like Alexander and warmachine but wsof isn't far above with kalib starnes and jt money lmao

Also

tito and page are bigger names but way past their prime....

jt not the most exciting but he wins, he beat a top prospect last night in mutapcic

starnes had a 1 fight deal in canada but has more left in the tank than alexander

by the way...what is so fun in your post?

Mikal wrote:

MR.WILLIE wrote:

kayneoTheRisingWarrior wrote:

MikalI do find it funny that when a UFC supported organization signs former UFC fighters and what not, it's labelled as signing "MMA Veterans" but when Bellator, the clear #2 in North America does it it's called signing "UFC rejects."

However, no gripes from me as this article does a great job of summing up what WSOF is doing well. Love the promotion, love Sefo, and love its fighters.

nice post dude.
People need to get this and understand this.

the difference is the talent of those aditions is not the same to sign fitch, okami, russow

to sign karo parysian, kendall grove, houston alexander

And yet none of those guys were signed fresh off of losses from the UFC. Grove, for instance, has had a total of 12 fights since parting with the UFC - you still consider him a UFC reject at that point? Whereas Russow was picked up after 2 straight losses in the UFC, Okami after one, and Fitch after 2 - that, if it needs to be used, is the definition of UFC reject.

Fighters that continue their careers after the UFC in other organizations shouldn't have to hold the title of UFC reject forever. So to still call them UFC rejects but to call the WSOF pick ups "MMA Veterans" is just using disingenuous bias against Bellator. If anything, it make more sense to call Fitch, Okami, and Russow the UFC rejects while Bellator's pick ups would be the veterans.

But I'd rather just call them all fighters and not be a douche about it.

i dont call nobody a reject bro...

also okami was coming of a loss to jacare, russow to werdum and fitch to hendricks

im speaking of talent of the mma veterans they are picking thats it

Mikal wrote:

MR.WILLIE wrote:

kayneoTheRisingWarrior wrote:

MikalI do find it funny that when a UFC supported organization signs former UFC fighters and what not, it's labelled as signing "MMA Veterans" but when Bellator, the clear #2 in North America does it it's called signing "UFC rejects."

However, no gripes from me as this article does a great job of summing up what WSOF is doing well. Love the promotion, love Sefo, and love its fighters.

nice post dude.
People need to get this and understand this.

the difference is the talent of those aditions is not the same to sign fitch, okami, russow

to sign karo parysian, kendall grove, houston alexander

And yet none of those guys were signed fresh off of losses from the UFC. Grove, for instance, has had a total of 12 fights since parting with the UFC - you still consider him a UFC reject at that point? Whereas Russow was picked up after 2 straight losses in the UFC, Okami after one, and Fitch after 2 - that, if it needs to be used, is the definition of UFC reject.

Fighters that continue their careers after the UFC in other organizations shouldn't have to hold the title of UFC reject forever. So to still call them UFC rejects but to call the WSOF pick ups "MMA Veterans" is just using disingenuous bias against Bellator. If anything, it make more sense to call Fitch, Okami, and Russow the UFC rejects while Bellator's pick ups would be the veterans.

But I'd rather just call them all fighters and not be a douche about it.

oh i did not read the last line, douche? you are giving me the green light to disrespect you also, dont put words on my mouth ive never used the woed reject, you want respect show some respect first

I wasn't referring to you. As stated in my original post, I was referring to the people that call fighters UFC rejects. If you are one of those people that refers to any fighter no longer in the UFC as a UFC reject, then I guess you fall under that category but it isn't my intention to call you a douche.. just the people that disrespect the fighters and orgs by calling them that.

delete

mmainamerica wrote:

fka wrote:Yeah funny how Abdul aziz talks shot about bellator saying askrens one dimensional now sefo comes out and talks crap on Taylor for being one dimensional and wrestling too much lmao dumb move.

Trashes Bjorn and Trashes Bellator, Mr. WSOF I mean Willie posts one word "non-sense" and doesn't respond to them blasting Bellator and sitting at a Zuffa event as guests.

Anyone else see what is going on with WSOF? Dagwood?

Lol! Funny guy!

delete

mmainamerica wrote:Anyone else see what is going on with WSOF? Dagwood?

I don't want to bash WSOF or any other non-UFC orgs. If there is some evidence that any organization has some documented relationships to Zuffa and/or the Fertittas business-wise, politically, or with other current or former NSAC officials I will have to bring that more to light here. That is why the site is here. To oppose Zuffa and expose their history along with all the conflicts of interest their is between them, the beholden MMA media, the NSAC who is their state legal enforcement policing organization. [/u]There is a lot of very serious stuff here that not many are aware of.

If it turns out that M-1 or KSW are found to have those type of relationships with Zuffa or the Fertittas... then I will try my best to expose them as well. Collusion or corruption is not good for the sport of MMA ANYWHERE but our sole focus is to fight Zuffa in their quest to dominate MMA around the globe with their cage, their style of fighting, their business practices, & their family history. Any smaller players are not the enemy here and any shenanigans by anybody else by themselves is irrelevant at this point.

All hands are needed to be on deck at battle stations for the #1 threat who has already conquered most of the MMA world. This is our mission here. We need to unite behind any and all competitors to Zuffa no matter who they be. They are not our enemy. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend"... until my enemy is defeated. We need all the help we can get. When Zuffa falls the power-base of worldwide MMA will become more dispersed and no one organization or group will be able to do what Zuffa has been doing.

If there is any well-documented evidence of circumstances anywhere that look bad/smell funny about Zuffa and their associates (in the light, or with some evidence in the dark) that potential for corrupt things needs to be brought out here. Not just for scrutiny by us, but for scrutiny our fans, MMA industry people, MMA media, & fighters (which we do have come here!) & other forum lurkers.

Tito yeah past prime but I bet his name alone puts more asses in seats then jt money okami or Fitch.

Bellator also acquired Kurt pelligrino,Matt riddle(stoner LOL),rich clementi who himself took out
Tourney favorite tiger sarnavsky and cheick Kongo who has looked great.

Rampage is not done.....I didn't initially buy into the whole my kneese are fixed but he definitely looked good koing a former hw and Guy who never was stopped by strikes.

My point is wsof is being patted on the back for doing what bellator has done meanwhile ufc and fans alike gasp in horror at the signings bellator make which honestly IMO will bring in more viewers and money and legitimacy.

fka wrote:Tito yeah past prime but I bet his name alone puts more asses in seats then jt money okami or Fitch.

Bellator also acquired Kurt pelligrino,Matt riddle(stoner LOL),rich clementi who himself took out
Tourney favorite tiger sarnavsky and cheick Kongo who has looked great.

Rampage is not done.....I didn't initially buy into the whole my kneese are fixed but he definitely looked good koing a former hw and Guy who never was stopped by strikes.

My point is wsof is being patted on the back for doing what bellator has done meanwhile ufc and fans alike gasp in horror at the signings bellator make which honestly IMO will bring in more viewers and money and legitimacy.

bro we think different!!! congrats!!!

i dont really care, imo tito needs to stay retired, his body doesnt holds up in mma anymore!!!

as a fan i can care less who puts asses in the building thats the promoters problem...

if im a promoter i do a show in miami with kimbo slice!!! asses in the seats but not the best talent...that seems to be your way of thinking!!

im done discussing this shit with you!!!lol

mmainamerica wrote:Funny, that you wouldn't respond that, spew your WSOF propaganda.

Fact: WSOF bashed Bellator
Fact: WSOF bashed Bjorn
Fact: WSOF thanked Zuffa for tickets to their event
Fact: WSOF wished IFC good luck

Anyone see what WSOF and Zuffa have in common?

funny guy!!! i dont think the same way as you do!!! that simple...you are free here to support your favorite event, so get off my ass now please!!!!

you seem a little paranoid with all your zuffa and wsof working together crap, but thats the way u think, good luck with that!!!

if you see my ''wsof propaganda'' dont read it, i just made a post of mmaelite.com giving props to the company, its not my own opinion, ok!!! good night

No we don't think the same ....

You said talent well its roundabout the same with bellator having a couple bigger names then wsof.

Yeah I agree Tito is done rampage is legit not elite but legit.

You would rather have an event no one would tune into.

It does matter who puts asses in seats reguardless of how great of competition occurs what does it matter if no one tunes in to watch.

You need big names to get people to tune in in return they watch the up and comers vets and built up stars and are eager to tune in again.

Otherwise you have well kotc

fka wrote:No we don't think the same ....

You said talent well its roundabout the same with bellator having a couple bigger names then wsof.

Yeah I agree Tito is done rampage is legit not elite but legit.

You would rather have an event no one would tune into.

It does matter who puts asses in seats reguardless of how great of competition occurs what does it matter if no one tunes in to watch.

You need big names to get people to tune in in return they watch the up and comers vets and built up stars and are eager to tune in again.

Otherwise you have well kotc

nobody was going to buy that ppv thats why the cancelled it!!! tito was a big name!!! not anymore

you know mma, and wsof is not kotc!!! your problem bro its simple, you cant compare a company that has 115 events with a company that has 7!!

is not fair is not smart for people to compare the 2

I'm comparing it the way it is.....

Remember it was wsof who attacked bellator and is acting like its already #2 when really like you said there is no comparison.

Bellator took its time growing and didn't use ufc guys as headliners until page vs Tito but you would be wrong in thinking wsof wouldn't have put together the exact fight headliner if given the oppurtunity.

Bellator has grown from castoffs to #2 and did it respectfully not stepping on anyone's toes.

Wsof has made great strides in a small time but did so on the coat tales of other orgs by buying them or using ufc guys as headliners from the jump.

Also badmouthing a company who never said anything bad about you is disrespectful and then to fo the very thing you were bad mouthing them for is just plain retarded.