IFL to Announce August 15 Event and “Hex” Ring - Fight Forum - MMA - UFC - Boxing - K1

Gygax · 05-08-2008, 08:01 AM

I've gotten some info that the next IFL event is set for August 15 in East Rutherford NJ. Its been posted to MMAonTap. Please check there for more info including a pre-sale password.

dsver1 · 05-08-2008, 02:41 PM

From Five Ounces of Pain (Sam Caplan)

Quote:

International Fight League revealed plans on Thursday to debut a six-sided ring as the fight promotion’s fighting surface. The new ring has been branded as “The Hex” and will debut on August 15 for a show at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J.

The prototype of the new ring is still being constructed. Upon completion, it will be stored in Las Vegas.

While not addressing the issue directly, it’s likely that the IFL’s decision to use a six-sided ring is based on claims by critics that their product looks too much like boxing on television. Publicly, the IFL is indicating that its audience enjoys the ring and that they are going with a six-sided version in order to create a larger fighting environment.

“From a production and live event standpoint, the ring has proven to be the most fan and media friendly environment, as well as providing the safest possible environment for our athletes,” IFL CEO Jay Larkin is quoted as saying in a press release. “The Hex allows for the larger surface that is utilized in other MMA organizations while still retaining the advantages we have enjoyed with the ring.”

No matches for the Aug. 15 card have been announced. The promotion may start revealing matchups to the public in June.

edit: Pic removed

Gygax · 05-08-2008, 02:47 PM

The image is from the TNA pro wrestling video game, so its completely unofficial.

AikaImmortal · 05-08-2008, 02:52 PM

PRIDE also used a 'hex' ring for thier short lived feeder show 'THE BEST'. SpiritMC has used one in the past as well. It adds nothing to the presentation or viewing of the fights and is gimmicky (but at least its not the YAMMA Pit)

The financial outlook for the IFL is very bad right now. In SEC filings, they have expressed serious doubts of being able to operate through the end of this year.

Gygax · 05-08-2008, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AikaImmortal

PRIDE also used a 'hex' ring for thier short lived feeder show 'THE BEST'. SpiritMC has used one in the past as well. It adds nothing to the presentation or viewing of the fights and is gimmicky (but at least its not the YAMMA Pit)

Wow, great reminder Aika. I had completely forgotten about those Pride shows!

Drewplata · 05-08-2008, 03:15 PM

Anyone else think the name "HEX" was a poor choice? I guess when they go out of business, they can blame bad luck!

Gygax · 05-08-2008, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drewplata

Anyone else think the name "HEX" was a poor choice? I guess when they go out of business, they can blame bad luck!

Come on Drew, give us some inside dirt!

Just kidding!

Drewplata · 05-08-2008, 03:23 PM

Well, I can't say that I hadn't heard about the new ring, but I think AikaImmortal is right- the dirt is in the SEC filings. If you have anything else you want me to try and dig up, send me a pm with questions (Gygax). I will, though, be in CT for their next endeavor. Considering how successful (in the ring, at least) the last show was, could we (ok, I) be selling them short? Can Fabiano and (ugh) Horodecki carry a league? Is it an embarrassment that 2 former IFL fighters are on this season of TUF? More questions than answers at this point, my friend. Might need a press pass to get more

JoeRoganismyhero · 05-08-2008, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gygax

Wow, great reminder Aika. I had completely forgotten about those Pride shows!

I've been looking to get Pride the best shows on DVD, but haven't found them anywhere

Don't know if I like this Hex ring idea, I like the good ole Squared ring, but i'll be at the event regardless in August.