“Affliction Banned” Announces All-Star Broadcast Team

SIGNAL HILL, California (July 7, 2008) – “Affliction Banned,” the greatest MMA show of all-time, will feature an all-star broadcast team for its July 19th pay-per-view event, featuring the WAMMA heavyweight championship fight between the most lethal MMA heavyweight of all-time, Russian M-1 superstar legend Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (27-1), and former UFC heavyweight champion Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia (24-4), live from Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Veteran television sports reporter and announcer, Jay Glazer, will handle blow-by-blow action while MMA fighter Frank Trigg serves as color analyst. Former MMA referee “Big” John McCarthy joins Glazer and Trigg as a ringside commentator and to conduct interviews. Legendary Michael Buffer of “Let’s Get Ready To Rumble” fame will be the ring announcer.

Glazer is a senior writer for FoxSports.com, sideline reporter for NFL® on Fox® since 2004, and was studio host with Trigg on FSN’s PRIDE® Fighting Championship show.

Trigg is a veteran fighter of several MMA organizations, including UFC® and PRIDE®, as well as color commentator and co-host of MMAWeekly and TAGG radio shows.

McCarthy, who has a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, refereed 535 fights during his 14 years as an MMA referee. He started refereeing in the UFC’s® second show in 1994, retired this past December, and is recognized as an MMA ambassador all over the world.

Buffer, arguably the most recognizable ring announcer in the world, has announced many of boxing and wrestling’s greatest events for the past quarter-century.

Retired Referee “Big” John McCarthy Joins Team Affliction as Color Commentator
“Affliction Banned” PPV July 19 in Anaheim

SIGNAL HILL, California (July 3, 2008) – Former MMA referee “Big” John McCarthy may have retired from working in the UFC® Octagon but he will be a color commentator for the July 19th “Affliction Banned” pay-per-view event, featuring the WAMMA heavyweight championship fight between the most lethal MMA heavyweight of all-time, Russian M-1superstar legend Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (27-1), and former UFC heavyweight champion Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia (24-4), live from Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

A black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, McCarthy refereed 535 fights during his 14 years as an MMA referee, and he operates an MMA school in Valencia, California. He started refereeing in the UFC’s second show in 1994 and retired this past December. An MMA ambassador all over the world, “Big” John developed into being as much a part of the UFC as the fighters that entered the Octagon. Now, though, he is a member of Team Affliction.

Affliction Banned Hits New York’s Times Square

SIGNAL HILL, California (July 1, 2008) – “Affliction Banned”, the greatest MMA event ever staged hit New York City’s Times Square last week, as the faces of ten of the sports biggest stars, including Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (27-1) and his opponent Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia (24-4), filled a billboard along Broadway. All will appear on the July 19th event at Honda Center in Anaheim, California, and distributed live on Pay-Per-View.

“Considering the magnitude of this fight, and the partnership between Affliction and Donald Trump, it seemed only fitting that the huge talent pool on the ‘Affliction Banned’ show should be seen by millions in New York’s Times Square,” said Tom Atencio, Vice President, Affliction. “You know it’s a big show when you have a billboard on Broadway.”

“Affliction Banned,” presented by Affliction Entertainment, is so stacked with talent that it had to be separated into two live shows produced for broadcast. The night’s activities will kick off with a one-hour, free live telecast on FSN (Fox Sports Net) in the United States and on The Fight Network in Canada starting at 5 PM Pacific (8 PM/ET), dubbed “Affliction Live.” Following that is “Affliction Banned” — five incredible fights on pay-per-view starting at 6 PM/PT (9 PM/ET) via iN DEMAND, TVN, Shaw Communications, Viewers Choice Canada, DirecTV, DISH Network, Bell ExpressVue and Star Choice in the United States and Canada for a suggested retail price of $39.95.

Tickets for “Affliction Banned” range between $50.00 and $1,000.00, and are on sale at the Honda Center Box Office and also online at Ticketmaster.com.

FSN To Air Undercard Of Affliction Banned; MMA Event Set To Make Broadcast History
One-Hour Special Airs Live—Pay-Per-View Event To Follow

SIGNAL HILL, California (July 1, 2008) – Fans worldwide now will have a free sneak peak at “Affliction Banned”, the greatest MMA event ever staged. George Greenberg, Fox Sports Net (FSN) Executive Vice President of Programming and Production, announced last week that FSN will air the undercard of the “Affliction Banned” event live on Saturday, July 19 at 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM PST. The broadcast will immediately be followed by all main event fights available on Pay-Per-View. This will be the first time that an event will air live on a basic cable network and immediately switch to Pay-Per-View.

“FSN has long been at the forefront of televised Mixed Martial Arts action,” said Greenberg. “Our viewers are loyal, informed and passionate about the sport. This is a great opportunity to deliver a major MMA event to them featuring world-class fighters.”

The one-hour live undercard will feature at least two fights. In FSN’s main event, Aleksander Emelianenko (13-3) from St. Petersburg, Russia will make his American debut as he takes on Texas native Paul Buentello (23-10) in a 3-round heavyweight bout. This battle will follow a light heavyweight showdown between Chicago’s Terry Martin (16-4) and Vitor Belfort (16-8) of Brazil. FSN was one of the first networks to televise MMA action and has been the home to UFC, PRIDE and IFL. Most every major star in the sport has fought on the network.

FSN is the nation’s leading provider of local sports. FSN’s 16 owned-and-operated regional networks and its affiliated networks reach more than 80 million homes across the U.S. FSN serves as the TV home to nearly two-thirds of all MLB, NHL and NBA teams based in the United States. FSN also produces close to 5,000 live local events each year, including more than 1400 in high definition. In addition to its thousands of home team games and a wide variety of locally produced sports programs, FSN televises national sports events and programs, including Pac-10 and ACC basketball and Pac-10 and Big 12 football.

“Affliction Banned,” presented by Affliction Entertainment, is so stacked with talent that it had to be separated into two live shows produced for broadcast. The night’s activities will kick off with a one-hour, free live telecast on FSN (Fox Sports Net) in the United States and on The Fight Network in Canada starting at 5 PM Pacific (8 PM/ET), dubbed “Affliction Live.” Following that is “Affliction Banned” — five incredible fights on pay-per-view starting at 6 PM/PT (9 PM/ET) via iN DEMAND, TVN, Shaw Communications, Viewers Choice Canada, DirecTV, DISH Network, Bell ExpressVue and Star Choice in the United States and Canada for a suggested retail price of $39.95.

Tickets for “Affliction Banned” range between $50.00 and $1,000.00, and are on sale at Honda Center Box Office and also online at Ticketmaster.com.
To download all video, photos and PR-related media go to: http://www.afflictionbanned.com/media.html

CONTACTS:
Pamela Rogers, Affliction Clothing, 818.282.5788, pr@afflictionclothing.com
Michael Cohen, Exec. VP and Special Counsel to Donald J. Trump, 212.836.3212, mcohen@trumporg.com

Bob Trieger, Full Court Press, 978.664.4482, bobtfcp@hotmail.com
Ilona Kolesnichenko, Access Media Plus, Russian Media Contact: 917.842.2341, ilonakoles@gmail.com

Kelly Swanson, Swanson Communications, 202.783.5500, kswanson@swansonpr.com
Justin Simon, FSN Media Relations Director, 310.369.5864, jsimon@foxsports.net

ANDREI “The Pitbull” ARLOVSKI vs. “Big” BEN ROTHWELL

The Tale of The Pitbull and The Giant

SIGNAL HILL, California (June 30, 2008) – There are a number of reasons not to miss the mega mixed martial arts extravaganza, “Affliction Banned,” this July 19th at Honda Center in Anaheim, California — not least of which is the unbelievable main event — a dream match-up between heavyweight champs Fedor Emilianenko and Tim Sylvia. But the list of transcendent fight talent doesn’t end there. In one of the biggest cards in the history of the sport, the inaugural fight event of Affliction Entertainment will feature an unprecedented line-up of the best MMA combatants competing against each other, including a brutal, full contact bout between the two heavyweight powerhouses, Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski and “Big” Ben Rothwell.
Former UFC® Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski is a 6’ 4”, 240-pound former cop from Belarus with dangerous stand up skills, a brutal right punch, and deft mobility and striking accuracy. Arlovski tears into his opponents, often dealing out devastating damage before the other fighter even has time to recover. Considered one of the top ten ranked heavyweight fighters in the world, “The Pitbull” is one of the world’s most complete MMA fighters, as well as one of its most fearsome. This dreaded competitor gets high marks in grappling ability and massive striking power. He has won notable victories over Tim Sylvia, Paul Buentello, Vladimir Matyushenko, Fabricio Werdum and Wesley “Cabbage” Correira, among others. For his upcoming fight with Rothwell, Arlovski has been training with legendary boxing trainer Freddie Roach, who has trained many boxing champions such as Mike Tyson, Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins and Manny Pacquiao. Arlovski’s hard work combined with sheer talent and strong mental preparedness give his opponents plenty to worry about in the ring.

Arlovski will face-off with former IFL® heavyweight standout Ben Rothwell, who is riding an impressive 13-fight winning streak and is currently ranked as the number 10 best heavyweight fighter in the world. At 6'5" and 265 pounds, this gritty, determined Wisconsin native is a force to reckon with in the ring—just ask anyone who has squared off against him. A young fighter full of zest and energy and a personality as big as his frame, Rothwell is one of the most entertaining athletes in MMA—Rothwell never fails to deliver. And he has an impeccable record, rattling off 11 knockouts among his first 17 MMA victories with a flair that crowds eat up. A wicked combination of aggression, power and style drives Rothwell’s numerous victories. The sheer force with which this giant strikes his opponents leads to the frequent knockouts he is famous for. But his brute strength is tempered by a good measure of agility, allowing him to inflict accurate and precise punishment. “Big” Ben’s fierce ring presence and heavy-handedness often has opponents voluntarily choosing to leave the ring to avoid serious injury.

The brawl between the ferocious “Pitbull” and giant “Big” Ben is sure to please sports fans hungry for a truly ballistic competition and a performance full of charisma. These two magnetic, world-class fighters always put on a great show. With their collective striking power and bigger-than-life personalities, these well-matched opponents combine powerful fighting techniques with a spark of showmanship that electrifies their audience. Both fighters are known for their tremendous hard-hitting styles and numerous victories. Their bouts often end in knockouts — explosive, expedient, and purely exciting. On July 19th in Anaheim, fans will bear witness to a dynamic exhibition of prowess, as these two crowd-pleasing and accomplished warriors deal out a gallon of pain for guts and glory for “Affliction Banned.”

Russia’s Last Emperor vs. The American Maine-iac

Fedor Emelianenko vs. Tim Sylvia

SIGNAL HILL, California (June 26, 2008) – The Cold War might be over, but old rivalries die hard. On July 19th at Honda Center in Anaheim, California, two of the world’s greatest MMA super powers will collide when Russia’s Fedor Emelianenko faces off with America’s Tim Sylvia for the WAMMA heavyweight championship.

These two formidable heavyweight champions finally make it into the ring together, in an event as impressive as the two athletes heading the bill — “Affliction Banned.” These two heavy hitters are so accomplished it’s a challenge for them to find competitive opponents. The two are almost perfectly matched in number of professional bouts they’ve fought in, with Sylvia compiling 24 wins and only 4 losses, and Fedor recording 28 wins and 1 loss. It’s hard to imagine what it will be like in the ring with these two monsters of MMA go head-to-head.

Fedor is a powerful, intelligent fighter and technician who doesn’t outwardly show much emotion, but fights (and trains) with a lot of heart. This astounding fighter never retreats, has great takedown and ground control skills, and is the most devastating fighter that MMA has ever seen when he’s on the inside. And Fedor hits very hard, with amazing knockout power in both hands. Unlike most fighters, Fedor is also a master game planner who follows through on the plan, and simply doesn't wilt under pressure, no matter what the circumstances. Fedor’s record is impeccable, losing only once when a referee decided to end a fight early when he sustained a bad cut from an elbow. All in all, Fedor seems virtually unbeatable.

Although Fedor is the top-ranking heavyweight in the world, there’s no doubt that Tim Sylvia is a force to be reckoned with. With a full 8 inches and 30 pounds over Fedor, Sylvia is a monster with an impressive record, surprisingly quick hands and a long reach that many opponents find hard to escape. His size and striking power, coupled with a rock-em sock-em attitude and stamina are a dangerous combination every time he steps in front of an opponent. Trying to regain the championship title in a fight in 2004, Sylvia wouldn’t tap out when Frank Mir locked him in an armbar, even after his arm was snapped. The ref had to put an end the fight, because Sylvia, broken arm and all wouldn’t give up.

Fedor, who has already proved himself in the ring, is looking to earn a different kind of reputation with the American people. “As far as American fans, I'd like them to get to know me personally…not just as a fighter — as a human being as well." And Sylvia, who has suffered from some criticism and controversy, has a personal, as well as professional, agenda as well — he’s just looking for a little respect. A win against the current world heavyweight champion just might quiet the chatter and earn him the respect he yearns for. In Sylvia’s own words, “It’s time to see if Fedor still has what it takes to be #1.”

Megadeth To Perform At Affliction Banned July 19 PPV in Anaheim

SIGNAL HILL, California (June 19, 2008) – Affliction Entertainment, scheduled to make MMA history on July 19th at Honda Center in Anaheim with the greatest line-up of mixed-martial-arts fights ever presented in one night, keeps building this event with the latest news—heavy metal band Megadeth, led by frontman, guitarist, and songwriter Dave Mustaine, will be performing live at the event.

The platinum selling band, Megadeth has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide and will electrify the audience with a special highlight performance. Known for their distinctive, in-your-face guitar solos, snarling vocal style and dark lyrical themes, Megadeth is sure to resonate with the “Affliction Banned” fan base and intensify the already action-packed event.

“Affliction Banned”, a mixed-martial-arts pay-per-view event in association with Roy Englebrecht Events, features the much-anticipated return of Russian heavyweight superstar Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko, in association with M-1, and supported by an star studded undercard, July 19th at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Fedor (27-1), the former undisputed PRIDE® heavyweight champion and Russian M-1 legend, has been universally recognized for the past five years as the most dominating heavyweight in the world. He faces former two-time UFC® heavyweight title-holder Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia (24-4), fighting out of Iowa by way of his native Maine.

An impressive four-fight undercard will be loaded with Josh “The Baby Faced Assassin” Barnett (21-5) of Seattle facing off stateside for the first time in two years in a grudge match against the only opponent to ever knock him out—Brazilian strongman Pedro “The Rock” Rizzo (16-7).

Three-time All-American wrestler Mike Whitehead (20-5), of Salt Lake City will battle Brazilian sensation Renato “Babalu” Sobral (29-7) of Costa Mesa, California. 2000 Olympic Wrestling Silver Medalist Matt “The Law” Lindland (20-5) of Oregon City faces Brazilian favorite Fabio “Negao” Nascimento (8-3). Former IFL® titlist “Big” Ben Rothwell (29-5) of Kenosha, Wisconsin is scheduled to fight Andre “The Pitbull” Arlovski in this groundbreaking event.

Tickets for “Affliction Banned” range between $50.00 and $1,000.00 and are on sale at the Honda Center Box Office and also online at Ticketmaster.com.

“Affliction Banned” Live on Pay-Per-View 6PM/PT
Saturday, July 19, 2008
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA

MAIN EVENT – HEAVYWEIGHTS – PPV
FEDOR “The Last Emperor” EMELIANENKO
Former PRIDE Heavyweight Champion
Red Devil Sports Club
Stary Oskol, Russia
27-1 (6 KOs, 14 Submissions)

TIM “Maine-iac” SYLVIA
Former 2-Time UFC Heavyweight Champion
Miletich Martial Arts
Bettendorf, Iowa
24-4 (16 KOs, 2 Submissions)

HEAVYWEIGHTS – PPV
ANDREI “The Pitbull” ARLOVSKI
Former UFC Heavyweight Champion
Rickson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Chicago, Illinois by way of Belarus
12-5 (8 KOs, 3 Submissions)

“Big” BEN ROTHWELL
Former IFC Heavyweight Champion
Miletich Martial Arts
Kenosha, Wisconsin
29-5 (17 KOs, 10 Submissions)

HEAVYWEIGHTS – PPV
JOSH “The Babyfaced Assassin” BARNETT
Former UFC Heavyweight Champion
CSW
Seattle, Washington
22-5 (4 KOs, 14 Submissions)

PEDRO “The Rock’ RIZZO
3-Time UFC Heavyweight Title Challenger
Ruas Vale Tudo
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
16-7 (9 KOs, 4 Submissions)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS – PPV
MATT “The Law” LINDLAND
2000 Olympic Wrestling Silver Medalist
Team Quest
Oregon City, Oregon
20-5 (6 KOs, 8 Submissions)

FABIO “Negao” NASCIMENTO
Team Oyama/Lotus Club
San Paulo, Brazil
8-3 (4 KOs, 2 Submissions)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – PPV
RENATO “Babalu” SOBRAL
Former UFC Light Heavyweight Title Challenger
Gracie Barra Combat Team
Costa Mesa, California via
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil 29-7 (2 KOs, 16 Submissions)

MIKE WHITEHEAD
3-Time All-America Wrestler
Xtreme Couture
Salt Lake City, Utah
20-5 (5 KOs, 10 Submissions)

Undercard
“Affliction Live” on FSN (Fox Sports Net) 5PM/PT
Saturday, July 19, 2008
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA

HEAVYWEIGHTS – FSN (FOX SPORTS NET)
ALEKSANDER EMELIANENKO
Red Devil Sports Club
St. Petersburg, Russia
13-3 (7 KOs, 4 Submissions)

PAUL “The Headhunter” BUENTELLO
American Kickboxing Academy
Amarillo, Texas
25-10 (16 KOs, 9 Submissions)

HEAVYWEIGHTS – FSN (FOX SPORTS NET)
ANTONIO ROGERIO “Minotoro” NOGUEIRA
Brazilian Top Team
Vitoria da Conquista, Brazil
13-3 (2 KOs, 5 Submissions)

VERNON “Tiger” WHITE
Lion’s Den
Palo Alto, California
26-32-2 (10 KOs, 7 Submissions)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS - SWING FIGHT “May not be broadcast”
TERRY MARTIN
Chicago, Illinois
16-4 (10 KOs, 5 Submissions)

VITOR “The Phenom” BELFORT
Curitiba, Brazil
16-8 (10 KOs, 2 Submissions)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS - SWING FIGHT “May not be broadcast”
JUSTIN LEVENS
CSW
Laguna Niguel, California
9-8 (7 KOs, 2 Submissions)

RAY LIZAMA
San Diego, CA
5-5 (3 KOs, 2 Submissions)

WELTERWEIGHTS - SWING FIGHT “May not be broadcast”
JJ AMBROSE
Bodyshop Fitness Team
Lakewood, California
9-1 (2 KOs, 4 Submissions)

MIKE “Quicksand” PYLE
Xtreme Couture
Las Vegas, Nevada
15-5-1 (2 KOs, 13 Submissions)

LIGHTWEIGHTS - SWING FIGHT “May not be broadcast”
SAVANT YOUNG
Bodyshop Fitness Team
Lakewood, California
9-7 (2 KOs, 4 Submissions)

MARK “The Machine” HOMINICK
Team Thompkins
Ontario, Canada
15-8 (7 KOs, 5 Submissions)

RELATED ARTICLES >>>