LAS VEGAS (Oct. 2, 2013) – With a new global partnership with IMG Media now in place, the Las Vegas-based World Series of Fighting promotion is ready to step outside the U.S.
World Series of Fighting has acquired Canada’s top MMA promotion, Aggression Fighting Championship, and will launch World Series of Fighting Canada beginning with a Dec. 7 event at Vancouver’s PNE Agrodome. The main event sees hard-hitting light heavyweight Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (15-4) take on knockout artist Mike “MAK” Kyle (20-10-1), as well as a rescheduled middleweight tournament semifinal bout between Elvis “The King” Mutapcic (13-2) and Jesse “JT Money” Taylor (26-9).
“The launch of World Series of Fighting Canada is an incredibly exciting announcement for our promotion,” World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo said. “From the beginning, we have maintained our desire to bring our elite-level mixed martial arts action to Canada and the great MMA fans that live there, as well as markets around the globe. We embrace this new division of our company that will allow us to make great strides into Canada, which has long proven to have one of the most passionate and knowledgeable MMA fan bases in the world.”
Johnson has already competed twice for World Series of Fighting, earning a hard-fought decision win over former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski in March, as well as a highlight-reel first-round knockout of D.J. Linderman in the promotion’s debut event.
Kyle is a highly respected competitor of the sport who boasts a solid record stacked with knockout wins. The 33-year-old slugger counts 13 such victories among his 20 career wins.
In the night’s co-feature, Mutapcic and Taylor finally meet in the cage after the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board delayed their planned September fight. The winner of the bout moves on to meet David Branch for World Series of Fighting’s middleweight title.
Further details for “World Series of Fighting 7: Johnson vs. Kyle,” which will feature a blend of established World Series of Fighting talent and some of Canada’s brightest prospects, which will be announced shortly. Like World Series of Fighting’s U.S.-based shows, the event will air live domestically and on NBCSN. International broadcast plans will be revealed in the coming weeks.
“This is an incredible opportunity for us to showcase our Canadian fighters on a massive platform with NBC Sports Network as well as other network partners,” World Series of Fighting Canada Chief Operating Officer Darren Owen said. “Our fans will be getting the chance to see world-class MMA fights, and they will be able to enjoy exciting events across our great country. We couldn’t be more excited for both our fighters and fight fans across Canada. We are thrilled to become part something as big as the World Series of Fighting Canada.”
With the launch of World Series of Fighting Canada, the brand will aggressively expand its global reach and also provide a five-star platform for top Canadian talent.
“I couldn’t be more motivated and excited to make this announcement,” World Series of Fighting Canada Chief Financial Officer Steve Fader said. “We’ve always wanted to do what’s best for the fighters and fans, and this next step clearly does both. World Series of Fighting Canada will allow us to showcase all the top-level talent Canada has to offer. We will be putting on shows bigger and better than ever, coast to coast.”
