Adrenaline MMA: Emelianenko Holding Up Sylvia and Rothwell Fights
Posted by Chad Edward on April 26th, 2008Apparel-maker-turned-MMA-promoter Affliction announced the label for their 19 July premier event in Dallas Friday night.
Banned.
It’s a swipe at the UFC’s apparent ban of the company’s apparel due to Affliction’s relationship with UFC heavyweight co-titlist “The Natural” Randy Couture (16-8), who is in litigation to tap out of his UFC contract.
“The Law” Matt Lindland (20-5) made the announcement on Inside MMA. Lindland is scheduled to fight in Dallas, though no opponent has been named.
Fighters.com’s fifth-ranked heavyweight “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelinenko (27-1) confirmed at his websitethat a match-up versus third-ranked “Maine-iac” Tim Sylvia will headline the card.
However, Adrenaline MMA, Emelianenko’s former promoter (then known as M-1 Global), won’t release the Russian from his agreement with them until Emelianenko repays a $1.5 million signing bonus.
Thursday, Adrenaline MMA VP Brian Patton told Fighters.com, “Fedor [fighting Sylvia] is still not official.”
Sylvia signed with Adrenaline MMAafter receiving his release from the UFC. Adrenaline MMA’s CEO, Monte Cox, is Sylvia’s manager.
Patton confirmed Adrenaline MMA’s other heavyweight, Ben Rothwell (29-5), will also appear on the card if Emelianenko repays the final $500,000 he owes the promotion.
“Rothwell is scheduled to fight in July; but, I would think Fedor’s deal would need to come through in order to pull off both fights,” Patton explained. “Big difference only having one of those fights to promote as a promoter versus both fights.”
