Affliction’s October Show Now in Doubt

Jul 30, 2008 9:57 PM John Chandler

Affliction caused quite a stir earlier this month when right after their successful debut into the world of MMA with “Banned”, VP Tom Atencio immediately started discussing plans for a second show later this year. News floated around and eventually it was reported that the promotion would hold a show right in the UFC’s backyard, even using one of their former champions in the main event.

However those clamoring to see Fedor Emelianenko and Andrei Arlovski duke it out for WAMMA’s “title”, (that would be all of us) may now have to wait a little bit longer for that to happen, and for more than one reason.

It’s not that alarming but the California State Athletic Commission released the official list of medical suspensions from Affliction’s July 19th event earlier today. Normally it would just be protocol to list out the suspensions and their length. However two of the the second planned show’s biggest draws may be unable to participate.

Both Fedor and Tim Sylvia have been medically suspended for six months following Fedor’s quick submission win over Sylvia. Fedor has been sidelined for six months due to an undisclosed hand injury while Sylvia may be forced to take the same amount of time off because of an injured left elbow. Now it’s key to note that nothing is set in stone here. Both fighters can return to action relatively quickly after being cleared by a doctor. However that’s basically a 50/50 chance.

If both aren’t able to be cleared, the show could still do pretty well. Atencio could always match Arlovski and Josh Barnett together to create a number one contender to face Fedor. Plus, there’s always the rumored Tito Ortiz-Babalu light heavyweight bout that could serve as the night’s co-main event. It might not be all that bad.

Not so fast. Atencio has continually refused to comment on Kevin Iole’s original report that Affliction’s next show would take place at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, until now. In a new interview with Fighters Only Magazine, Atencio now states that the October 11th date most likely isn’t going to work out.

“I know everybody is reporting that but we haven’t confirmed it,” Atencio said in the article. “It’s not necessarily going to be in Vegas. We’re looking at different places. I don’t like to announce anything until papers are signed and we haven’t signed anything, so nothing is concrete. If we could do it in Vegas it would be great. I think the buzz in Vegas is great, I think the fanbase is great. I think Las Vegas would be wonderful. We’re looking at October 11th for our next event but it doesn’t look like that is going to work out.”

Hopefully everything works out and the October date stays intact because it would take away from the incredible amount of MMA action the month is going to provide. Also, East Coast fans might have reason to rejoice if Affliction decides to ditch the Vegas idea - the other top choice on the board is apparently Atlantic City. Still, Atencio’s original target date of November now looks more likely. Although, Fedor’s participation might not come to fruition due to his desire to compete overseas on New Year’s Eve.

A press conference regarding Affliction’s next event is said to be taking place on August 6th so we won’t have to wait too much longer for a definitive resolution to this mess. Until then, it’ll be interesting to see how Affliction handles it’s first set of growing pains as a full-fledged MMA promotion.

General • Media • Yahoo! Sports • Personalities • Tom Atencio • Athletic Commissions • CSAC • Andrei Arlovski • Fedor Emelianenko • Josh Barnett • Renato Sobral • Tim Sylvia • Tito Ortiz • Affliction • Heavyweight • Light Heavyweight

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Comments:

1. JT
from Toronto
Jul 30, 2008 11:21 PM

The writer of this article clearly knows very little about medical suspensions. Medical suspensions are precautionary measures at best. All that is needed is the clearance of a Doctor, any Doctor and the suspension is lifted. The chances are not ‘50/50’, they’re 100% if you find/pay the right Doctor.

More research is required by the writer. Half-assed article with poor reasoning and little knowledge of medical suspensions.

2. MM
Jul 30, 2008 11:49 PM

He wrote: “Both fighters can return to action relatively quickly after being cleared by a doctor.”

You wrote: “All that is needed is the clearance of a Doctor, any Doctor and the suspension is lifted.”

Way to show him up. Oh, wait, that’s right. You guess 100% and he guessed 50/50. Guess he should have “researched” more for that.

3. John Chandler
from Philadelphia, PA
Jul 31, 2008 12:44 AM

Note that even before I started talking about the medical suspensions, I stated that the whole thing wasn’t that alarming. My 50/50 statement is common sense. Based on what the doctor sees, he’s going to say yes or no. Not that hard to comprehend.

4. Anon
from USA
Jul 31, 2008 2:17 AM

I cringe every time I see the CSAC anywhere. Seems like they screw EVERYTHING up. I’m surprised anyone can even tolerate holding shows in California still.

5. Misha
from Toronto
Jul 31, 2008 8:24 AM

Piss poor article written here. I’ve been under medical suspension before for a broken finger. Chances were never ‘50/50’ according my personal Dr. or the organizations Dr., it was ‘rehab the injury and you’ll be fine in 4-6 weeks.

This whole article is an alarmist bunch of b.s., Fedor will fight and so will Arlovski. It’s amazing how no-nothings manage to get their stories published. Until someone other than a hack blogger states that the fight in October is in question, I call bullshit.

6. powerpuncher
Jul 31, 2008 8:47 AM

“Affliction’s October Show Now in Doubt”

There is no doubt about the Affliction show, there is only doubt about who is fighting in it. I agree with some of the other comments, this article is more scare tactics than fact. If Affliction wants Fedor/Arlovski to fight and Fedor and Arlovski want to fight, then they’ll find a doctor who will clear them to fight.

The author is confused been fighters who actually recover from injuries in a timely fashion and perpetually injured Matt Hughes.

7. David M Singer
from NY
Jul 31, 2008 10:21 AM

All John did was lay out the facts. This is what’s announced, this is what’s official, this is what’s not. Little more in there.

Yes, we all get that suspensions can be lifted easily, but the point is they haven’t been yet, that’s all - John doesn’t ignore that it happens, it’s right there in the article.

The fact is, until the suspensions are lifted it is what it is. You never know what’ll happen. DRs have been paid off to lift it, to hold it, or to wait it out as negotiating tactic.

8. craig o
Jul 31, 2008 2:09 PM

either JT, MIsha and powerpuncher can’t read at a h.s. level or they didn’t read the whole article…. either way it reiforces my belief that the american education system is failing it’s people.

9. Anon
from USA
Jul 31, 2008 6:11 PM

Something tells me it’s all the same person making those comments. Probably the fact they refer to it as “the article” in the same fashion.

Fedor’s problem is likely just his thumb he mentioned popping out during the fight so no biggy. As for Sylvia, if it was bad enough that he didn’t think he’d be in action for awhile, he would have said something before hand. Unless there’s some serious and unlikely foul play by a doctor, there’s no reason to sweat. Belfort’s broken hand could end up being a problem, but he sounds like he’s not even worried about it. And if they aren’t, why should we be?

10. Larry McGlade
from Manhattan, NY, USA
Aug 1, 2008 10:00 PM

GUYS! “Misha” Barton speaks from experience, so we must all bow down!
I didn’t know you needed doctor’s clearance to play jacks on the street.
Do you think cursing makes you seem tougher online? I find it’s a accurate sign of stupidity.
If you don’t like the site, it’s simple. Go back on the streets since your doctor cleared you and get back on that hopscotch playground, and make sure not to break a nail, I mean finger.

HAHAHA!