Affliction -- one of the most recognized and popular clothing brands out right now -- made its bid to become the latest mixed martial arts promoter official today during an episode of "Inside MMA" on the HDNet network.
It's been known for some time now that Affliction would throw its hat into the MMA ring. In fact, the UFC and Elite XC recently banned their fighters from wearing Affliction gear during events because of the looming competition.
And if the proposed inaugural pay-per-view (PPV) fight card slated for the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. on July 19 is any indication of things to come, then Affliction will indeed pose some stiff competition.
Here's what we can expect thus far:
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Tim Sylvia
Josh Barnett vs. Pedro Rizzo
Matt Lindland vs. Fabio Negao
Renato "Babalu" Sobral vs. Mike Whitehead
Ben Rothwell vs. TBA
That's one hell of a star-studded line up ... and there's more than likely still more to come.
Of course, it will be interesting to watch this all unfold -- successful MMA promotions are a dime a dozen. It must also be noted that Affliction will have to clear a few regulatory hurdles, too, which the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) is mandating for the show to go on.
In particular, according to SportsIllustrated.com, the "CSAC requires a bond that covers twice the fighters' costs." That's no small feat, considering some of the unconfirmed salaries that are being tossed around (Fedor is rumored to be making more than $1 million guaranteed and Sylvia is set to pocket at least $800,000).
Do the math ... and that's just the possible main event purses.
In addition, the CSAC will request urine tests from Sylvia and Barnett -- both fighters have tested positive for the banned performance enhancer earlier in their careers.
Regardless, if Affliction can get all its ducks in a row -- and not blow its wad straight out of the gate -- this could be something special. Let's just hope those in charge realize this is a marathon and not a sprint.
Check out a video snip of Affliction Clothing Vice President Tom Attencio on "Inside MMA" after the jump.
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