Yesterday the first press-conference dedicated to the upcoming inaugural event of Affliction in association with M-1 was held in Los Angeles. Present were Fedor Emelianenko, Tim Sylvia, Renato Sobral, Josh Barnett, Pedro Rizzo and others. Afterwards an autograph session was arranged for the fans. The news from the conference after the jump...
The Aleksander Emelianenko (13-3) vs Paul Buentello (25-10) was officially confirmed. Moreover the signature of Antonio Rogerio "Minotoro" Nogueira (13-3) was announced as well. He's expected to take part in the Affliction maincard.
CEO and president of Honda Center Tim Ryan revealed that the ticket sales are doing great as during the first 30 minutes the raging fans bought the tickets worth $250,000.
Executive Director of California State Athletic Commission Armando Garcia told the organization reserved $3.5 mln for the fighters in case the show will be cancelled which is just a regular procedure required by the athletic comissions to secure fighters' salary.
Having signed a contract with Fox Sports Net will provide fans worldwide with free live broadcasting of the undercard of the event.
Fedor received a hufe reception upon his arrival at Century City Shopping Mall in Los Angeles where the conference was held. He thanked M-1 for making this fight happen and helping Affliction put the great card for the fans. He and Tim Sylvia were both very respectful towards each other.
No word about Andrei Arlovski was broken which means the negotiations are still ongoing. Meanwhile lone Ben Rothwell awaits when the name of his next challenge will be revealed.
Hence the Affliction in association with M-1 first show includes the following pairs of opponents:
Fedor Emelianenko (27-1) vs. Tim Sylvia (24-4)
Josh Barnett (22-5) vs. Pedro Rizzo (16-7)
Aleksander Emelianenko (13-3) vs. Paul Buentello (25-10)
Matt Lindland (20-5) vs. Fabio Negao (8-3)
Mike Whitehead (21-5) vs. Renato "Babalu" Sobral (29-7)
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (13-3) vs. TBA
Ben Rothwell (29-5) vs. TBA
Savant Young (9-7) vs. Mark Hominick (15-8)
Justin Levens (9-8) vs. Ray Lazama (5-5)
J.J. Ambrose (9-1) vs. Patrick Speight (6-0)
Mike Pyle (16-5) vs. Brett Cooper (7-4)
