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MR.WILLIE
Location : Puerto Rico
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Wsof Canada launches, first event December Empty Wsof Canada launches, first event December

Fri Sep 27, 2013 11:20 am
AFC Closes Doors; Execs Join WSOF Canada
By: Top MMA News Staff

Today, big news broke on Bleacher Report that the World Series of Fighting has purchased the Aggression Fighting Championship organization to enter the Canadian market. Top MMA News has learned from sources close to the deal that there was no purchase but Canada’s AFC is closing its doors and their executives are joining a new organization called WSOF Canada.

Joining up with the WSOF provides the AFC executives with something they have always sought after: National TV exposure. The World Series of Fighting debuted in November 2012 and has held five events to date with WSOF 6 scheduled for October 26th. WSOF events are aired live on NBC Sports Network with athletes like Anthony Johnson, Steve Carl, Andrei Arlovski, and Jon Fitch fighting for the promotion. It is expected that WSOF Canada will contribute four live shows in 2014 for broadcast on NBC Sports Network with an additional eight events shown on tape delay. This national television exposure will be great for Canadian MMA fighters.

The new World Series of Fighting Canada promotion is looking to hold its first event this December. The event could be scheduled for the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) in Vancouver, British Columbia. However, Edmonton and Montreal are also being considered for the Canadian premiere.
The main event is currently set to be Anthony Johnson versus Mike Kyle. Other fighters who could appear include Nick Newell, Ryan Ford, and Chris Horodecki.

It is a bittersweet time for Canadian MMA as Aggression Fighting Championship was one of Canada’s premiere MMA organizations. Born out of a merger between Edmonton’s Aggression MMA, Calgary’s Axe Combat, and Victoria’s Armageddon Fighting Championship, the AFC put on an incredible 13 events since April 2012. Fighters such as Ryan Ford, the UFC’s Jesse Ronson, The Ultimate Fighter’s Louis Fisette, Curtis Brigham, and many more made a name for themselves in the AFC. The promotion also provided a launch pad for Canadian newcomers to MMA like Derek Medler, Trent House, and Alexi argyriou

Topmmanews.com
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MR.WILLIE
Location : Puerto Rico
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Wsof Canada launches, first event December Empty Re: Wsof Canada launches, first event December

Fri Sep 27, 2013 11:43 am
Bleacher Report has the story -

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1789074-world-series-of-fighting-purchases-canadian-promotion-extends-global-reach

World Series of Fighting will be extending its reach on a global scale in the next few years with a series of deals that are expected to be announced in the coming days.

First, World Series of Fighting has acquired Canadian fight promotion Aggression Fighting Championships and will begin promoting shows north of the border in the next few months. Sources close to the promotion confirmed the news to Bleacher Report on Thursday.

Aggression Fighting Championships is known throughout Canada as one of the top fight promotions in the area. It has employed several well-known fighters including Ryan Ford, current UFC fighter Jesse Ronson and The Ultimate Fighter competitor Louis Fisette.

The purchase will allow WSOF to enter the Canadian market immediately, although no specific time line has been given for when the promotion will start there. It is expected, however, that WSOF will plan its first Canadian show sooner rather than later.

Moving into Canada puts the World Series of Fighting alongside promotions such as the UFC and Bellator, which also hold shows in the area as well as the United States.

In addition to the purchase of Aggression Fighting Championships, WSOF has also secured a new global partner to expand its brand into new countries and markets.

IMG Media has signed a multiyear deal with World Series of Fighting to represent the brand globally and extend its reach. International shows are expected to take place in Canada, the United Kingdom and other areas around the world.

IMG will handle any number of services including advertising, media, licensing, talent management and a laundry list of other jobs. It will work with World Series of Fighting on a global expansion for the brand, the fighters and their shows as well as broadcast rights and other responsibilities.

World Series of Fighting remains in a multiyear deal with NBC Sports Network for its United States television rights.

The promotion is expected to make a formal announcement about both deals in the coming days as well as potential plans for its next show, but no details are available at this time about the location or date for the event.
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MR.WILLIE
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Wsof Canada launches, first event December Empty Re: Wsof Canada launches, first event December

Fri Sep 27, 2013 3:29 pm
See more news releases in Entertainment | General Sports | Sporting Events | Licensing
IMG Media Partners With World Series Of Fighting For Three-Year Deal




LAS VEGAS, Sept. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- IMG Media, a division of IMG Worldwide, the global sports, fashion and media company has signed a three year agreement to globally represent and distribute all media rights for the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) events put on by World Series of Fighting (WSOF).
Plans are in place to expand the number of WSOF events to 8-10 for 2014/15 and for the shows to be staged internationally in venues such as Vancouver, Brazil, the UK, and Eastern Europe. To date, all WSOF events have been hosted in the US – in Las Vegas, Ontario, and Atlantic City – with upcoming events to be hosted in Miami, Chicago and Houston.
NBC, who has shown the first five WSOF events live on NBC Sports Network in primetime, have a multi-year deal for exclusive coverage in the US.
Hillary Mandel, IMG Media's SVP, Head of Media North America, said: "MMA continues to be a highly sought after and highly-rated sport with very attractive male demographics. Even though WSOF is less than a year old, it has been exceptionally well-received and has attracted top quality fighters, both experienced and up and coming."
She added: "We see great potential for 'blue chip' fight programming and the value of distributing a series with high-level production values that has a strong foundation through its management, broadcast partners and investors."
WSOF President Ray Sefo, a kickboxing Hall of Famer and 6 time World Champion added, "We are proud and excited to be represented by IMG. WSOF will put on some of the best MMA events in the world with great fighters and great match-ups."
WSOF's first event in November 2012 was held in its home base of Las Vegas at Caesars Entertainment's Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, and WSOF has since visited such world-class destinations as New Jersey's Revel Atlantic City, California's Citizens Business Bank Arena and Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
WSOF's growing roster of fighters features established superstars such as Andrei Arlovski, Josh Burkman, Jon Fitch and Anthony Johnson, as well as promising talent such as Nick Newell, Justin Gaethje, Marlon Moraes, Tyson Nam and Tyrone Spong, among others.
About IMG
IMG Worldwide is a global sports, fashion and media business, with 3,500 employees operating in more than 30 countries around the globe. IMG's areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG's Joint Ventures in India, Brazil, China and Turkey; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Golf and IMG Tennis; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academy; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing. More information is available at www.imgworld.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
About WSOF
World Series of Fighting is a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering an incredible, action-packed entertainment experience for fight fans by producing the best possible matchups between elite fighters from around the globe. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow World Series of Fighting on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.
SOURCE WSOF / IMG

Prnewswire.com
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MR.WILLIE
Location : Puerto Rico
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Wsof Canada launches, first event December Empty Re: Wsof Canada launches, first event December

Fri Sep 27, 2013 3:34 pm
9/27 UPDATE: “Plans are in place to expand the number of WSOF events to 8-10 for 2014/15 and for the shows to be staged internationally in venues such as Vancouver, Brazil, the UK, and Eastern Europe. To date, all WSOF events have been hosted in the US – in Las Vegas, Ontario, and Atlantic City – with upcoming events to be hosted in Miami, Chicago and Houston.” According to a report from prnewswire.com.
PRIDE4EVER
PRIDE4EVER
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Wsof Canada launches, first event December Empty Re: Wsof Canada launches, first event December

Fri Sep 27, 2013 5:39 pm
This is great hope they try to expand to Japan would love to see WSOF JAPAN
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MR.WILLIE
Location : Puerto Rico
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Wsof Canada launches, first event December Empty Re: Wsof Canada launches, first event December

Fri Sep 27, 2013 6:06 pm
Fans posting in Canadian mma sites such as fightnetwork and topmmanews seem thrilled with this deal!

Vancouver is the rumored venue! Mfc better step up their game or they are going to loose their number one status in the country
adam
adam
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Wsof Canada launches, first event December Empty Re: Wsof Canada launches, first event December

Fri Sep 27, 2013 6:59 pm
Great news. Glad to see them really expand into other territories.

I have a lot of hope for the WSOF. To me they are like the little engine that could.

It's still kind of soon but It kind of feels like the old days when many felt like EliteXC was going to be a big competitor to the UFC, but WSOF has much brighter guys helming the ship.

Hopefully this will put at end to all the haters that think "they're broke" Rolling Eyes


Can't wait to see what they do next!
fka
fka
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Wsof Canada launches, first event December Empty Re: Wsof Canada launches, first event December

Fri Sep 27, 2013 8:05 pm
IMO elitexc was trash any org whose main attraction was kimbo and u had to pay guys to stand is a tarnish on mma.

Wsof is already better and like Adam said the talent is better its just run better and their long term ideas ate better.
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MR.WILLIE
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Wsof Canada launches, first event December Empty Re: Wsof Canada launches, first event December

Fri Sep 27, 2013 8:08 pm
So far rumored for this event

Rumble Johnson vs mike Kyle- main event Johnson has yet to agree

Nick Newell vs jz cavalcante

Chris horodecki vs

Ryan ford vs


The prelims I think they are going to be filled by the afc roster which wsof just absorb
backdoor to zuffa
backdoor to zuffa
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Wsof Canada launches, first event December Empty Re: Wsof Canada launches, first event December

Fri Sep 27, 2013 8:39 pm
WSOF is solid. I think they're in it for the long haul. They've been putting on some solid shows for what they have to work with. It's great that they're on TV too. Lots of opportunity for them to grow. Please take advantage, WSOF!

fka wrote:IMO elitexc was trash any org whose main attraction was kimbo and u had to pay guys to stand is a tarnish on mma.

Wsof is already better and like Adam said the talent is better its just run better and their long term ideas ate better.
EliteXC put on some good shows, but I agree about the Kimbo/standup garbage. Such an embarrassment to the sport. Ironic but not surprising that standup fighting was what led to Kimbo's and EliteXC's downfall. Wsof Canada launches, first event December 3973136183 
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MR.WILLIE
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Wsof Canada launches, first event December Empty Re: Wsof Canada launches, first event December

Sat Sep 28, 2013 8:30 am
Ali and sefo both confirmed that okami and them are in talks, well see if he debuts here with them
adam
adam
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Wsof Canada launches, first event December Empty Re: Wsof Canada launches, first event December

Sat Sep 28, 2013 9:58 am
fka wrote:IMO elitexc was trash any org whose main attraction was kimbo and u had to pay guys to stand is a tarnish on mma.

Wsof is already better and like Adam said the talent is better its just run better and their long term ideas ate better.
I was talking about how it feels similar in "this could be big" not so much on how they were operated.

Kimbo eventually became their main attraction but he shouldn't have been.

They actually had a pretty decent roster if you go back and look.

This actually would've been a nice little card but they went under before it could happen.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EliteXC:_A_Night_of_Champions

Makes me wonder what could have been if they weren't morons who paid guys to stand with their big green money making machine just so he could have a better chance to win.
adam
adam
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Sat Sep 28, 2013 10:00 am
MR.WILLIE wrote:Ali and sefo both confirmed that okami and them are in talks, well see if he debuts here with them
I really hope he ends up there instead of Bellator for some reason.

They could either make him an alternate in case someone gets injured or the first challenger for the winner of the MW GP.
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MR.WILLIE
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Wsof Canada launches, first event December Empty Re: Wsof Canada launches, first event December

Sun Sep 29, 2013 2:19 pm
Official announcement this week! Already a wsofcanada in twitter and the afc roster moves to wsof! Big under the radar move if you ask me
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MR.WILLIE
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Wsof Canada launches, first event December Empty Re: Wsof Canada launches, first event December

Tue Oct 01, 2013 10:34 pm
The Las Vegas based fight promotion, World Series of Fighting has officially acquired Canadian MMA promotion Aggression Fighting Championhip.

This isn’t the first time the Canadian promotion has merged with another organization. The birth of the current AFC occurred when Aggression Fighting Championship, Armageddon Fighting Championship and AX Combat joined forces back in early 2012.

MMASucka.com spoke with WSOF Canada promoter Darren Owen to get his input on why the AFC decided to join forces with the US based organization.

“We decided to take this opportunity because we truly believe this will help the Canadian MMA fighters and fans. The fighters will be able to showcase their talents on a huge stage being on national TV with NBC Sports, as well as the many broadcast deals around the world. This will allow them to earn more money and gain more exposure and the recognition that they deserve. Our fans will benefit from the increased quality all around, from production to the fight card.”

WSOF airs across North America on NBC Sports and the first WSOF Canada event is expected to do the same. In Canada if you are a Shaw or Bell customer then you may still be in luck to catch WSOF Canada 1 live, as they are hoping to air on PPV.

WSOF Canada will look to keep the same fighters under contract that AFC had, but are expecting to sign some of the largest unsigned fighters as well.
Owen is very excited about the opportunity to represent WSOF north of the border.
“For the organization it gives us the ability to not have to cut any corners. We will be operating as the World Series of Fighting Canada. That is something we will take tremendous pride in. Every event we will be representing our great country and that motivates the hell out of me.”
AFC champions will have their belts transfer over and will now become World Series of Fighting Canada champions.

The organization is still expected to hold ten events per year, with a few of those events being aired live on NBC Sports and the rest will air live on Canadian television stations.
“We will be targeting 12 events per year across Canada. A few of those being live NBC events. Those will be major events with the best of the best competing on those cards. The rest will be very high end events targeting majority of the top Canadians with a focus on the local fighters.”

One may wonder what the difference between AFC and WSOF Canada will be other than the name. Well, Owen broke that down for everyone as well.

“There will be a few differences. We will be holding our events in a Decagon from now on. The production level will significantly increase. We will travel to new cities across Canada. The calibre of our fight cards will increase as well as the fan experience.”

Mmasucka.com


Last edited by MR.WILLIE on Tue Oct 01, 2013 10:36 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : Space)
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