MMA Universe

Maximum Fighting Championships has signed a one year deal with Canadian sports network, TSN according to the Edmonton Sun. The article reports that TSN approached MFC owner Mark Pavelich as the network wanted an MMA property for its network.

TSN (The Sports Network) is Canada’s leading English language sports tv channel. It appears that MFC programming will be shown on TSN2. The network is owned by Bell Media (80%) and ESPN (20%).

Via the Edmonton Sun:

“It’ll help corporate sponsorship, it’ll help fighter sponsorship and it’ll help in every direction possible,” said (Mark) Pavelich. “They’ll make more money because I’ll make more money. Now, if you’re fighting in the Maximum Fighting Championship, you’re not just on HDNet in Canada, the US and Mexico, you’re on TSN2 and that’ll spread even more.”

Payout Perspective:

A good deal for the MFC to get its chance in front of a broader audience. As Pavelich points out, it will help garner sponsorships for the MFC and its fighters. It also shows the popularity of MMA is growing as TSN sought out an MMA property for its programming. It will be interesting to know from our Canadian readers about the accessibility of TSN2. Is it carried by most of the cable providers in Canada (it looks like it is) and if so, is it a channel on a higher tier for which you’d have to pay a premium to receive?

The MFC announced a sponsorship deal with Tapout Energy drinks. Terms of the deal were not disclosed although the MFC indicated that Tapout Energy would be prominently displayed during its next event October 7th.

Via Mike Whitman at Sherdog.com:

“The MFC has always taken great pride in being an organization that thrives on the support of its outstanding corporate partners,” said MFC owner Mark Pavelich in the official release. “Tapout Energy coming on board with the MFC is unquestionably one of the proudest moments in the history of this company.”

Payout Perspective:

The UFC is not the only MMA organization tha has corporate sponsors. The signing of Canadian energy drink Tapout Energy is good support for one of the better organizations in Canada. Earlier this year, Good 4 U drinks entered into a sponsorship agreement with the MFC. For Tapout, its a good way to market its product to its likely target demo of young males 18-34. Out of curiosity, if anyone has had a Tapout Energy, let us know what you think of it.

While many of us are focusing on football today, those in Canada should keep an eye out for the MFC’s commercial during the Super Bowl.

Via the MFC release:

Fans in Northern Alberta can see the ad while watching the big game on CTV Edmonton. The spot features all the details about the upcoming card on Friday, Feb. 25 at the River Cree Resort and Casino including wicked highlights of light-heavyweight title contenders Dwayne “D-Bomb” Lewis and Ryan “The Big Deal” Jimmo plus lightweight champ Antonio “Mandingo” McKee and his challenger Drew “Night Rider” Fickett.
 
The commercial will air on CTV Edmonton at approximately 6:15 p.m. MT (near the end of the first half) and again at 7:15 p.m. MT (midway through the third quarter).
 
Get your tickets for MFC 28: Supremacy – they are going fast! Tickets are only available by calling the MFC Ticket Hotline at (780) 504-2024 and save at least $12 per ticket by not having to pay any service fees.

Payout Perspective:

Super Bowl commercials have been as popular as the game itself. The MFC is capitalizing on this by investing money in commercials during the game. The commercials are local so none of us in the U.S. will catch them.

Banned by the UFC, Good4U sport and wellness beverages have entered into a sponsorship deal with Maximum Fighting Championships (MFC). MMA Payout had the opportunity to contact Good4U Managing Director Richard DeBanks about the deal.

Via DeBanks:

“We have signed a 3 fight deal with the Maximum Fighting Championship (mid – high 5 figures). There are several reasons we signed a deal with MFC:

They have been probably the most consistent organization after the UFC in terms of putting together solid cards on schedule They attract the highest levels of viewership on HD Net They are running events in the markets that we have already established distribution

We are open to working with any organization that has its house in order, and will be looking for good partnerships in the US and Europe as well.”

DeBanks indicated that UFC star Shane Carwin will continue to endorse Good4U despite not being able to wear the Good4U logo in the Octagon.  DeBanks stated that, “it is business as usual with Shane including photo shoots, posters, point of sale, voice overs, personal appearances etc”

DeBanks added:

“This won’t affect our partnership with Shane Carwin.  Shane is and will be a major asset for us. The logo placement in the UFC is really only a small portion in the overall mix. Gatorade for example doesn’t even have their logo on George St Pierre. Logos on fighters are most important for clothing companies.”

Since the UFC ban, DeBanks is optimistic about the future of MMA sponsorships for Good4U:

“I also think that we are going to see greater interest in other organizations. It is a big world out there and anyone would be foolish to think that all of the best fighters and best fights are all within one company.”

Payout Perspective:

DeBanks had stated that the MFC was a possible target for sponsorship. This made sense since, as DeBanks pointed out in his third bullet point, the MFC is running events in areas where Good4U is established. Consumers will not have any problems identifying Good4U.

It will be interesting to see the outcome of the sponsorship deal after the three fight contract.

The Canadian-based Maximum Fighting Championship (MFC) announced a partnership with entertainment agency S.L. Feldman and Associates (SLFA).

According to Monday’s press release:

“I’m very enthused and optimistic about the partnership with S.L Feldman & Associates”, says Mark Pavelich, Owner/President of MFC. “They bring decades of experience in live events, talent development, marketing and sponsorships to the table and that coupled with the explosive MFC business we envision an extremely successful collaboration.”

Jeff Craib, Senior Vice President at Feldman states, “We’re all very excited for this new joint venture with Mark. The MFC is flourishing, and our collective goal will be to continue to make inroads into further expanding the MFC business and its excellent and growing stable of world class fighters. Justin Sudds, Sr. Agent at Feldman states, “As SLFA continues to expand into many new areas of live entertainment, we’re thrilled to be working with Mark and his strong MFC business.”

Payout Perspective:

This is a positive move for MFC as it attempts to expand beyond its core base of fans. If you have not seen an MFC card, hopefully you can catch one on HD Net or The Fight Network. The fights are entertaining and feature many ex-UFC vets. Although the press release does not indicate any specifics, it will be interesting to see in what capacity SLFA will work with MFC. It could assist with a number of things including TV production, recruiting more talent, live event management and marketing for the MFC.

- Akiyama Charges Manager with Embezzlement

- MMA promoter sues over canceled match

- XCAP Proud to have Ryan Couture on Board

- President: Announcement of Shark Fights 13 broadcast plans coming next week

- Bellator sues UFC, alleges “tortious interference of contract” of Jonathan Brookins

Akiyama Charges Manager with Embezzlement

Proving once again that the sharks in MMA swim mostly outside of the ring, Bloodyelbow.com and GotMMA.com have unearthed that Yoshihiro Akiyama once accused his (obviously former) manager of embezzlement. Writing in his autobiography, “Two Souls,” Akiyama claims the unnamed party stole anywhere from hundreds of thousands to a million, representing nearly all of his career earnings. That’s bleak stuff.  (Sherdog)

MMA promoter sues over canceled match

Maximum Fighting Inc. has filed a $500,000 lawsuit against the Edmonton Concert Hall Foundation (ECHF) after alleging it suffered losses when the ECHF unilaterally cancelled an agreement for three Maximum Fighting Championship (MFC) events to be held at the Winspear.

According to a statement of claim filed July 28, MFC and ECHF entered into a written agreement on Dec. 15, 2009, whereby MFC would be entitled to hold an MFC event at the Winspear on April 9. (Edmonton Sun)

XCAP Proud to have Ryan Couture on Board

Strikeforce officials announced last week that Las Vegas resident Ryan Couture, son of MMA legend Randy Couture, has agreed and signed a multi-fight deal all in which XCAP (Xtreme Couture Athletic Pharmaceutials) is proud to have Ryan  Couture represent the line and wear its colors. (XCAPNEWS)

President: Announcement of Shark Fights 13 broadcast plans coming next week

“One of the great things is that I’ve got great, great investors who are committed,” said Medley, a former pro fighter who owns a 1999 victory over WEC contender Leonard Garcia. “They’re big fight fans themselves. … So I went to them, and we got separate money for this show. I said I want it (the event costs, including fighters salaries) paid for before the event.

“I’m a fight fan then a promoter. … Are we trying to play with the big boys? Is this event going to leverage our company? The answer is no. The event is separate from our day-to-day profile.” (MMAJunkie)

Bellator sues UFC, alleges “tortious interference of contract” of Jonathan Brookins

The legal battle between the Bellator Fighting Championships and the Ultimate Fighting Championship has taken an unexpected turn.

While Zuffa, LLC – the parent company of the UFC – recently filed suit in Nevada against Bellator due to an alleged theft of “trade secrets and confidential Zuffa documents,” Bellator officials have now fired back with a suit of their own.  (MMAJunkie)

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Targeted by Bellator lawsuit, Mickey Dubberly says company’s claims inaccurate

Mickey Dubberly, the CEO of K.O. Dynasty Sports Management has a simple message for Bellator head Bjorn Rebney: Stop lying.

Dubberly and his client, Jonathan Brookins, are among the defendants targeted alongside Zuffa, LLC in a lawsuit filed today by Bellator that claim tortious interference was at play in Brookins’ recent run on “The Ultimate Fighter 12.”  (MMAJunkie)

PICTURE OF THE DAY

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Eye Injury Puts Alan Belcher in Career Jeopardy : “I had a detached retina, I just lost the vision in my right eye. It just happened all of the sudden, pretty much overnight. I was training in Brazil, messing around there for a few days and had surgery the day after I came home. I think it happened in training but I don’t exactly know when. It’s gonna take a couple of months to heal, to be at its peak, so then I’ll know how much my vision comes back.” (MMAFA.TV)

QUICK HITS

• Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante well-prepared by life lessons for Strikeforce title shot(MMAJunkie)
• Nick Catone to undergo surgery on re-injured shoulder and back, return date unknown (MMAJunkie)
• UFC 118 weigh-ins to air live on Spike TV (MMAJunkie)
• Paul Daley meets Jorge Masvidal at Shark Fights 13 (MMAJunkie)
• Strikeforce CEO: Fabricio Werdum out until 2011, no opponent set (MMAJunkie)
• Silva: Submission Was Payback, Injury Layoff Undetermined (Sherdog)
• Commission: Daley Suspended 30 Days for Koscheck Punch (Sherdog)
• King Mo Declares Himself Underdog for Title Fight (MMAFighting)
• Leonardo Santos vs. Sotaro Yamada Announced for SRC 14 (MMAFighting)
• TRENDING INDICATED BIG PPV NUMBERS FOR UFC 117 (MMAWeekly)
• STRIKEFORCE WILL HOLD 185 CONTENDERS TOURNEY (MMAWeekly)
• Bellator Fires Back, Sues UFC Regarding Jonathan Brookins (Heavy)
• UFC 117: Risks Don’t Outweigh Rewards (Heavy)

TV LISTINGS

• Bellator 24: Lombard vs Goodman on FSN (08/12/10)
• HDNet Fights Vault: DREAM at 8:00 PM ET on HDNet (08/13/10)
• Fighting Words with Mike Straka (Chael Sonnen) at 8:30 PM ET on HDNet (08/13/10)
• Inside MMA (Ben Henderson, Reed Harris, & Chad Mendes) at 9 PM ET on HDNet (08/13/10)
• HDNet Fights: KOTC: Imminent Danger at 10 PM ET on HDNet (08/13/10)
• Strikeforce Challengers: Riggs vs Taylor 11 PM ET on Showtime (08/13/10)

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Bellator 24: Lombard vs Goodman on FSN (08/12/10)
• Strikeforce Challengers: Riggs vs Taylor 10 PM ET/PT on Showtime (08/13/10)
• HDNet Fights: KOTC: Imminent Danger at 9 PM ET on HDNet (08/13/10)
• WEC 50: Cruz vs Benavidez at 9 PM ET on Versus (08/18/10)
• Bellator 25 on FSN (08/19/10)
• Strikeforce: King Mo vs Rafael Feijao at 10 PM ET/PT on Showtime (08/21/10)
• Bellator 26 on FSN (08/26/10)
• HDNet Fights: Sengoku Raiden Championships 14 on HDNet (08/27/10)
• UFC 118: Edgar vs Penn 2 at 10 PM ET on PPV (08/28/10)
• Bellator 26 on FSN (09/2/10)
• UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Belcher at 9 PM ET on SPIKE TV (09/15/10)
• UFC 119 : Minotauro Nogueira vs Frank Mir 2 at 10 PM ET on PPV (09/25/10)