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Affliction vs. UFCAffliction Uses Big Money Backers to Threaten UFC MonopolyAffliction Clothing throws hat in MMA game, poses legitimate challenge to UFC
The UFC Empire is apparently in serious danger of losing its stranglehold on the mixed-martial-arts universe. Several pretenders have thrown their hat in the MMA pot, but none have been able to dethrone UFC as the top organization in the sport. Even through subscription television backing of some, pretenders have barely been able to put a chink in the UFC's armor. Since buying out their top competition in Japan-based company PRIDE Fighting Championships, the UFC has been able to lure most of the top fighters in the sport with their ability to offer the highest purses, and solid fight reputation. But now a contender has emerged as a threat to the UFC's monopoly. The Affliction Brand rise to fame is mostly due to MMA Fighters and boxers wearing the company's clothing products, particularly UFC Fighters. Now the brand is looking to capitalize on its popular apparel by challenging the UFC. Many of the UFC's big-name fighters such as Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz have shown disdain towards the company's president Dana White, and accused him of underpaying his fighters, causing two of the sport's most recognizable figures to leave the company that created them. Affliction has the financial backing of Real-Estate Tycoon Donald Trump, and has the means to offer higher salaries, and thus draw top fighters away from the UFC. Affliction recently put on its first pay-per-vew show, July 19th, titled Afflcition: Banned, which featured a heavyweight clash between the world-renowned Fedor Emelianenko and former UFC Champ Tim Sylvia. The broadcast also featured a performance by Megadeth and the legendary voice of announcer Michael Buffer. In an apparent response, the UFC put together a last-minute free fight-card the same night on Spike TV, featuring Middle-Weight Champion Anderson Silva making the jump to the 205 lb. weightclass. Although UFC President Dana White denies putting on the card to disrupt Affliction's momentum, it is obvious the UFC is worried, and are aware of the threat the company poses to what the UFC has built. Afflction has already built a solid line-up, particularly in the heavyweight divsion, and are expected to sign several more high-profile fighters in the coming months. Only time will tell if Afflcition's financial advantage will swallow the current MMA Champion, the UFC, but the loser in this war will be the fans, who no longer will be able to see all the top fighters face each other. Here are some factors that could decide this fight: Money - Affliction has several key investors, and could potentially lure top fighters. Experience - Dana White has been in the MMA fight game longer than anyone, and has proved he knows how to run a successful business. Fans- The fans will ultimately decide the winner, based on who they believe puts on the better shows.
The copyright of the article Affliction vs. UFC in Martial Arts is owned by Joshua Ryan Crawford. Permission to republish Affliction vs. UFC in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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