Affliction Shuts Down MMA Promotion

Affliction has decided to shut down their MMA promotion, after the cancellation of their latest card. Affliction had put two great pay-per-view events centered around Fedor Emelianenko, but the company was losing money hand over fist. The Affliction company has also decided that their clothing division will now become a sponsor for the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).

Affliction's biggest downfall was their collapse of their August 1st card, titled "Affliction: Trilogy". Their big main event was Fedor Emelianenko, the top heavyweight in all of MMA, against the number one contender for his belt, Josh Barnett. But one week before the fight was to take place, Barnett tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid and suddenly the fight was in jeopardy. Promoters of the event scrambled to find a replacement opponent, contacting stars such as Vitor Belfort, Brett Rogers, Jeff Monson, and Bobby Lasley, but none seemed to oblige to fight Fedor on such short notice.

Even before the fallout of their big event, Affliction was already in trouble. They have had two previous fight cards, that featured Fedor in the main event, but were financial disasters for the company. And apparently, ticket sales for "Affliction: Trilogy" were dismal and they were set to lose more money for this event, so they just closed down their doors.

It will be interesting to see what will happen to the fighters who have contracts with Affliction. The fighters could join the UFC or become free agents and fight for other MMA organizations. The one fighter everyone is interested to see what he will do is Fedor Emelianenko. It is currently unclear where Fedor will go. The last time the UFC contacted Fedor, the deal could not be reached because Fedor asked for too much money. The biggest fight in MMA right now is Brock Lesnar versus Fedor Emelianenko and that could be made if Fedor signs a UFC contract. It would perhaps be the biggest fight in the history of the UFC and MMA. If that doesn't work out, Fedor could possibly join Strikeforce or other MMA promotions.

Reportedly, Affliction tried to make some sort of merger with Strikeforce, another MMA promotion, earlier this week, but the deal fell apart. Strikeforce now becomes the #2 MMA promotion, and could pick up a couple key fighters from Affliction to help them. After the deal with Strikeforce could not be done, Affliction decided to partner with UFC in their clothing apparel.

Dana White has said that he will make a big announcement at a press conference soon, with possible plans on showing future UFC matches on ESPN, the acquisition of Affliction fighters, and the future of Fedor, and whether he will become a UFC fighter.