AFFLICTION BANNED POST FIGHT NEWS & NOTES

By Gary Herman

Affliction MMA made a huge statement with its inaugural show. The organization put on one of the biggest cards the U.S. has ever seen, led by Fedor Emelianenko’s dominant victory over Tim Sylvia. Now that show has concluded, Affliction has to decide where to go next.

In order to provide some direction, many of the participants provided some interesting information about the future possibilities of the company.

Emelianenko’s next match

Emelianenko was not the only standout performer during the show. Two other highly ranked heavyweights put on very exciting performances as well.

Andrei Arlovski battered former IFL standout Ben Rothwell for over eleven minutes before finally registering the knockout victory. Earlier, Josh Barnett avenged a loss from close to seven years ago when he used a perfect left hook to finish Pedro Rizzo.

While not committing too much, Affliction VP Tom Atencio did confirm that Emelianenko’ opponent would come from one of the two.

“Yes, it would be Arlovski or Barnett,” said Atencio.

For his part, Barnett feels a fight with Emelianenko would be a classic.

“I think a fight with Fedor would be one that nobody would forget.”

Of course, that could all change if Randy Couture’s UFC contract situation finally gets resolved. In Emelianenko’s post-fight in-ring interview, he said that Couture is the guy he’d like to fight next.

Couture is widely regarded as a very skilled all around fighter, but Emelianenko believes there are some holes in Couture’s game.

“Randy is a fighter with a lot of strengths, but I see a lot of weaknesses as well,” said Emelianenko.

Babalu wants Ortiz

One of the loudest ovations of the Affliction MMA show was not given to a participating fighter. It was given to former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz when he arrived at the arena.

Ortiz has been a major star in the sport for close to a decade. Now, Ortiz is a free agent looking for a new promotion.

Renato “Babalu” Sobral left no doubt where he would like to see Ortiz end up.

“I told Tom Atencio who the one guy I want him to sign is,” said Sobral, “Tito Ortiz is my dream fight.”

Man or Machine?

Emelianenko’s thirty-six second destruction of former UFC heavyweight champion Sylvia was one of the most impressive showings in the history of the sport.

Sylvia isn’t even positive he knows what he was in the ring with.

“I’m not sure if he’s human,” said Sylvia.

As evident by his expressionless demeanor, Emelianenko remains one of the most focused fighters in mixed martial arts. Emelianenko explained his calculated style.

“It’s just the way that I approach a fight,” said Emelianenko, “I want to approach each fight in a calm manner.”

Emelianenko did however give an answer to Sylvia’s quandary.

“I do get nervous as I am human.”

Lindland vs. Belfort?

Matt Lindland and Vitor Belfort both scored convincing victories at Affliction MMA’s debut show. The two fighters have been very highly ranked at different points of their careers. Now that they are fighting in the same organization, they have a chance to finally meet.

Lindland really wants that opportunity.

“I would love to fight Belfort,” said Lindland, “He’s a legend in the sport. I respect him a lot. To get in the ring with a guy like him would be great.”

Lindland was not done naming names though. He mentioned two other fighters that he would like to even the score with.

“I’d like to avenge the losses against Murilo Bustamante and David Terrell,” Lindland said.

Bustamante and Terrell both defeated Lindland a few years back in the UFC.

Joint Promoting

As MMA awareness exploded over the past few years, many start-up promotions tried and failed to get a piece of the action.

Atencio confirmed that in order for new organizations to be successful, they may have to work together. He mentioned two people in particular that he would do business with.

“Scott Coker of Strikeforce and Monte Cox of Adrenaline are two guys I’d like to work with,” said Atencio.