"AFFLICTION"

This is shaping up to be a pretty impressive show. Emelianenko vs. Sylvia will be a big draw for the hardcore fan base. Add Linland to the mix and this card is going to be a pretty big debut for the clothing maker. Now let's talk about the brand. Affliction owes its popularity to the MMA fan base. The fighters sport their shirts before and after a fight. Of course this means the fans buy what their favorite fighters are wearing. I've seen Dana White during interviews and public appearances sporting an Affliction tee. I even saw one kid on American Idol (my wife and daughter like to watch...yea that's my story and I'm sticking with it!) sport that limited addition jacket that Affliction put out last year. Bottom-line is that Affliction is in prime position to make a move into the MMA promoting world. Also the fact that they aren't requiring fighters to sign exclusive contracts bolsters their reputation with top tier fighters looking for an employer other than the UFC. If promoted right they will not only see hardcore MMA fans interested in watching...but the casual fan as well.



Affliction can use its brand name to draw big fighters and casual fans. Now can they put on a show? Hopefully they do it right. Add Mark Cubans deep pockets to the mix and you could soon see more defections from the UFC. Think about this for a minute...Randy Couture, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, and GSP among others are all top tier fighters sponsored by Affliction. They have been behind these guys paying them to wear their apparel. Obviously these guys have a good relationship with the brand and the lines of communication are open...this could lead to fruitful negotiations for both the fighters and the promotion side of the Affliction business. I see this being a very good thing for the sport. I'm very excited to what happens next! Just food for thought.



Side note: EliteXC is in prime shape for making a move into prime time...I'm just afraid that letting Showtime and CBS promote "Kimbo Slice" as the face of the company will hurt them in the long run. Taking nothing away from Mr. Ferguson, He's just riding the wave of popularity he's created with his online bare knuckle brawls. I'd do the exact same thing! Unfortunately I feel his checkered pass and "street fighter" promotion will set them and the reputation of MMA back. This would have been fine 10 years ago...that's what MMA was. Now it's evolved into one of the most popular sports in the world. It's no longer brawlers and street fighters that are featured. Most of the fighters in the major promotions are college athletes, Martial Arts experts and top level sport fighters. I feel promoting Kimbo will just hurt them in the long run. I say get Cung Le another fight with a top middle weight and put the company on his back. Just my opinion.



spaceman OUT!!!