Rumor : Golden Boy Promotions & Affliction In New MMA Franchise
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The new mixed martial arts promotion being started by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and clothing apparel company Affliction have been very actively recently when it comes to pursuing free agent fights. FiveOuncesOfPain.com (Five Ounces of Pain | Your Destination for Insider MMA News and Opinion) has learned that former IFL heavyweight Ben Rothwell has received a lucrative offer from the new promotion.
Rothwell has not competed since recording a unanimous decision victory over Ricco Rodriguez during the IFL’s Team Finals on September 20 but has fielded offers from several promotions. A source close to the fighter indicated that of all the offers he has received thus far, the Golden Boy/Affliction offer is considered to be the most intriguing.
Rothwell, who holds a career MMA record of 29-5, was one of the IFL’s signature stars before a contract dispute caused him to be pulled from its World Grand Prix this past November. The Miletich Fighting Systems product posted an undefeated 9-0 record during a two-year tenure with the promotion.
According to Sherdog.com, the new startup collaboration between Affliction and Golden Boy could hold its first card as early as June 28. While it has yet to be confirmed, rumors within the industry have suggested that HBO is considered a likely television partner for the new group.
It is believed that Matt Lindland has already signed a three-fight contract with the promotion and that Aleksander Emelianenko, the younger brother of Fedor Emelianenko, is also on board as well. The names of Fedor, Andrei Arlovski, and Josh Barnett are also believed to be high on Golden Boy/Affliction’s wish-list.
The word behind the new Golden Boy Promotions/Affliction MMA organization is that they already have Matt “The Law” Lindland signed to a three-fight contract, and are chasing after a few other big name fighters as well. Fedor Emelianenko has been linked with the new organization, but according to Inside MMA they are also looking to sign Andrei Arlovski, Josh Barnett, Ben Rothwell and Aleksander Emelianenko.
For those who aren’t aware, Golden Boy/Affliction have the money to pony up and sign all of the aforementioned fighters. The only problem that they are going to run into is whether or not those fighters would be willing to forgo the UFC’s limelight for an up-and-coming organization.
With Oscar De La Hoya at the helm though, there’s no doubt that there will be immediate fanfare and name recognition as soon as they hold their first event.
Rumor has it that they are looking to hold their first event sometime in June in Las Vegas, but obviously they’d have to have some fighters signed before holding an event.
Rumor : Golden Boy Promotions & Affliction In New MMA Franchise
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