The Las Vegas based fight promotion, World Series of Fighting has officially acquired Canadian MMA promotion Aggression Fighting Championhip.
This isn’t the first time the Canadian promotion has merged with another organization. The birth of the current AFC occurred when Aggression Fighting Championship, Armageddon Fighting Championship and AX Combat joined forces back in early 2012.
MMASucka.com spoke with WSOF Canada promoter Darren Owen to get his input on why the AFC decided to join forces with the US based organization.
“We decided to take this opportunity because we truly believe this will help the Canadian MMA fighters and fans. The fighters will be able to showcase their talents on a huge stage being on national TV with NBC Sports, as well as the many broadcast deals around the world. This will allow them to earn more money and gain more exposure and the recognition that they deserve. Our fans will benefit from the increased quality all around, from production to the fight card.”
World Series of Fighting acquires Aggression Fighting Championship, dubbed WSOF Canada
WSOF airs across North America on NBC Sports and the first WSOF Canada event is expected to do the same. In Canada if you are a Shaw or Bell customer then you may still be in luck to catch WSOF Canada 1 live, as they are hoping to air on PPV.
WSOF Canada will look to keep the same fighters under contract that AFC had, but are expecting to sign some of the largest unsigned fighters as well.
Owen is very excited about the opportunity to represent WSOF north of the border.
“For the organization it gives us the ability to not have to cut any corners. We will be operating as the World Series of Fighting Canada. That is something we will take tremendous pride in. Every event we will be representing our great country and that motivates the hell out of me.”
AFC champions will have their belts transfer over and will now become World Series of Fighting Canada champions.
The organization is still expected to hold ten events per year, with a few of those events being aired live on NBC Sports and the rest will air live on Canadian television stations.
“We will be targeting 12 events per year across Canada. A few of those being live NBC events. Those will be major events with the best of the best competing on those cards. The rest will be very high end events targeting majority of the top Canadians with a focus on the local fighters.”
One may wonder what the difference between AFC and WSOF Canada will be other than the name. Well, Owen broke that down for everyone as well.
“There will be a few differences. We will be holding our events in a Decagon from now on. The production level will significantly increase. We will travel to new cities across Canada. The calibre of our fight cards will increase as well as the fan experience.”
