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Part
3
©
Marc Wickert It’s
just under a fortnight away from one of MMA’s biggest events,
Affliction: Day of Reckoning, and Knucklepit.com has caught up
with Chief Operating Officer for Affliction Entertainment, Michael
Cohen, to get some inside info on this upcoming ultimate-fighting
extravaganza. The
excitement is evident in Michael’s voice at the prospect of hosting an
even bigger show than Affliction: Banned, with the main event
being between the undisputed king of MMA, Fedor Emelianenko, and former
UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski. “Affliction: Day of
Reckoning is going to be a fantastic event and is being well
received by both diehard and casual fans,” says Mr. Cohen. When
Andrei Arlovski was UFC Heavyweight Champion, and he seemed unstoppable,
everyone was saying that Andrei wouldn’t be the true world champion
until he could defeat Fedor Emelianenko. And Freddie Roach is
raving about the ‘new’ Andrei Arlovski. So it would appear
this WAMMA World Heavyweight Title match-up was made in heaven. But
Michael Cohen isn’t too concerned about predictions. “I
don’t have an opinion as to Freddie Roach’s comments, but Fedor and
Andrei both certainly have incredible punching power; they both have
incredible ground techniques; they’re just amazing fighters and it’s
going to be a very entertaining fight. “I
definitely would not count out Andrei Arlovski, as some are doing.
At the same time, Fedor Emelianenko is such a fantastic fighter that
this has all the makings to be an incredible event.” Of
Affliction: Day of Reckoning’s main event, Randy Couture told Knucklepit:
“That should be a very interesting fight. Andrei is looking as
sharp as I’ve ever seen him look. He’s got all the tools to
make it an interesting fight. He’s a great athlete – very
explosive, and has tremendous striking, probably the most pure boxing in
mixed martial arts. And Fedor has such an unorthodox striking
style. It should be an interesting clash.” And Michael
Cohen agrees there seems to be more growing support for Andrei’s case. “Well,
I’m certainly nobody to argue with the likes of Randy Couture. I
happen to agree with Randy. Andrei Arlovski looks fantastic:
He’s in great shape. The few times that I have reached out to
him, he has been training incredibly hard and is totally dedicated to
coming into this fight in the best shape of his life, and his skills
have never been more fine-tuned. “I
go back to the point I previously made… Yet he is still fighting a
phenom in Fedor in that his entire game is always on. So when
Andrei enters the ring he will certainly be aware that his opponent,
Fedor Emelianenko, is coming in at his top game as well.” Michael,
apparently Fedor’s camp has been very quiet since he lost to Bulgarian
Blagol Ivanov at the Combat Sambo World Championships last November.
Do you think Fedor is likely to use Affliction: Day
of Reckoning as an opportunity to make a
physical statement to the world? “I
don’t put much into that sambo tournament. Fedor will step into
the ring in typical Fedor style, which is fully prepared, in fantastic
shape, and ready to do battle.” Gilbert
Yvel shook the foundations at PRIDE, and at Cage Rage in the UK.
Has he been cleared by the Californian Athletic Commission to lock horns
with Josh Barnett? “He
has been, subject of course to normal testing and proper weight
compliance. Gilbert Yvel is clear to challenge Josh Barnett.” Gilbert
Yvel is an animal in the ring. He’s amazing. “This
is yet another example of the great work of Tom Atencio in matching up
fighters who will put on a spectacular show. I too am a fan of
Gilbert Yvel. Gilbert is a fantastic athlete, and, as you
correctly put it, is an animal in the ring; however the ‘animal’ is
now stepping in front of the ‘Baby Face Assassin’. Josh
Barnett is not a newcomer to the sport, is a fantastic striker, has an
incredible ground game, and will also provide a fight that the fans will
marvel at.” The
undercard is also saturated with outstanding talent, including Vladimir
Matyushenko vs. Antonio Nogueira. And Nogueira is coming off a
loss to Frank Mir, so he should be out to change the tide against ‘The
Janitor’. To have the entire card so chock-a-block with high-caliber
fights is a great sign considering these are still early days for
Affliction events, isn’t it? “I
truly agree that the fighters who will be appearing in the Affiction: Day
of Reckoning event are each uniquely fantastic athletes and are
matched up very well against their opponents. This card has no
meatballs. Every one of these fighters has the capability to knock
out or submit his opponent. Every one of these fighters is
training incredibly hard and is looking forward to showcasing his talent
on January 24.” Fedor
also has his training partner, Kirill Sidelnikov, on the Affliction card
opposite Paul Buentello, and the twenty-year-old Kirill is expected to
be weighing in at around 195 against Paul Buentello, who usually walks
in at 245lbs. Is it going to be raining hammers and nails in that
bout? “It’s
going to be a huge fight. Let’s also not forget that Fedor –
six-plus inches shorter and forty or fifty pounds lighter than Tim
Sylvia – had a positive result that evening. Now I’m not a
betting man so I would not take odds on either Kirill Sidelnikov or Paul
Buentello. “My
understanding is that Kirill has insane submitting techniques, while
Paul Buentello certainly outweighs him. One would look for Paul to
stand and knock Kirill out, and I suspect it’s not going to be an easy
night for either fighter.” Chris
Horodecki vs. Dan Lauzon is another huge bout. Most of these
matches could be main events in their own right. “Well,
as I said in a previous answer, Tom Atencio did a phenomenal job in both
selecting fighters for this card, and in matching them up.” And
Tito Ortiz is going to be in the commentator’s seat? “Also
appearing at the event will be the antics of Scott Ferrell (Howard Stern
Radio) and Chuck Zito (HBO series Oz, This Thing of Ours ).” Is
Affliction: Day
of Reckoning going to be aired in
Australia? “We’re
working on that.” Rumor
has it that 29-year-old Donald Trump, Jr. is now playing a very active
role in the Affliction events. How much of your time,
Michael, is taken up working on Affliction events? “Don Trump, Jr. has taken a very active role in this Day of Reckoning event to ensure its success. As we continue to grow, allocating more time has become necessary. I spend a tremendous amount of time with Don Trump, Jr. – who has taken over the reins from Mr. Trump and is acting as the executive on this project – which is due to the success and momentum of the company.” Fedor
VS Arlovski - Affliction's Day of Reckoning Promo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-fWp8XrX4w Fedor
VS Arlovski MMA Press Conference Highlight Reel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ze-pzcBvMAQ Freddie Roach on Andrei Arlovski and His Training http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7YXC5ewFX8
AFFLICTION
BANNED Part
2 Pulling No Punches
Michael
Cohen - Executive
Vice President and Special Counsel ©Marc
Wickert In
response to the ongoing debate between UFC and Affliction, and to UFC
President Dana White’s recent comments on www.matratz.com
about
Affliction, www.knucklepit.com
contacted the Chief Operating Officer for Affliction Entertainment,
Michael Cohen, for his view of Dana’s opinions. “No.
Based on his poor performance as an interviewer, I am certain he has no
credibility in the world of radio or for that matter, even in his own
local market.” Are
you saying that UFC should be afraid of Affliction, or are you saying
that everybody can work together? Who
was Dana referring to when he said ‘the idiot who sells T-shirts’? “He’s
referring to the Affliction clothing line.” But
which person? “There
are many people at Affliction Clothing, so to whom he is referring, not
only do we not know, but in reality we don’t even care. “Dana
White is truly an embarrassment to executives in any type of business,
irrespective of whether it’s high finance, real-estate development, or
mixed martial arts. His continuous use of profanities to get his
point across, to me indicates that either he’s a wannabe tough guy, or
he’s just plain and simply ignorant. “Executives of billion-dollar companies do not speak the way Dana White speaks. I’m willing to bet that you will never hear Lorenzo Fertitta speak in such a manner. Dana White is an embarrassment to this sport, to the UFC, and to corporate executives.”
Do
you think the real competition is not between the UFC and Affliction,
but between MMA and other sports –
such as boxing and baseball, or with other activities, such as people
goofing off on drugs or whatever… that a number of successful
organizations in the sport would be good for the sport, and that the
attention should be directed towards other activities that are a
distraction from the MMA market? “I
don’t want to get into social ills… What I will tell you is: Donald
Trump made a significant announcement, approximately three weeks ago,
whereby he notified the world of his involvement in mixed martial arts
as an equity partner in Affliction Entertainment. Whenever Donald
Trump enters into a business enterprise, those who are already in that
enterprise tend to be nervous. As it relates to MMA, I believe
that as a result of Mr. Trump’s involvement, Affliction will not only
continue to host the best fights, but will sign the best fighters –
and ultimately be the preeminent, dominant league in mixed martial
arts.” The
‘interview’ appeared to be more of a staged commercial rather than
an actual interview. What are your thoughts? “It
sounds like Dana White has planned this interview and that they are very
chummy. No one is here to attack Dana White. Donald Trump
and Affliction are here to promote the best fights with the best
fighters, and to compensate the fighters appropriately. “It
is without question that Dana White and the UFC have created a fantastic
forum for these mixed martial artists to showcase their talents.
No one can take that away from them; however I suspect that soon there
will be a changing of the guard and you will see a new preeminent force.
And that name will be Donald Trump’s Affliction Entertainment
Company.” When
we were talking before, I asked you if you expected Affliction to be in
complete competition with UFC, or down the track, do you think there
will be a more cooperative relationship? You said: “I suspect
that in a short period of time, Mr. Trump’s Affliction will surpass
the UFC. We are not opposed to co-promoting with the UFC.” “That’s
correct. The goal is to ultimately crown the true champion – not the
champion for a specific league.” It
would seem that having another major MMA organization would be healthy
for the sport and great for the fans, that both should exist, rather
than just Affliction or just UFC, as opposed to a big battle between the
organizations… and that the titles should be unified. “In
capital letters: ABSOLUTELY! The goal is to give the fans
the best fight that they can see, and to create competition among all
fighters – not just fighters in a designated league.”
Affliction
Banned - July
For
more on Dana White: http://www.knucklepit.com/mixed-martial-arts-dana_white.htm For
more on Michael Cohen: http://www.knucklepit.com/mixed-martial-arts-affliction_banned_and_michael_cohen.htm
AFFLICTION
BANNED Pulling No Punches
©Marc
Wickert, June
18, 2008
On
July 19, 2008, Affliction Clothing and the Trump Organization, in
association with Roy Englebrecht Events, will be presenting what is
expected to be ‘A Bigger Bang’ in the world of mixed martial arts
with Affliction Banned. And they are leaving no stone
unturned to deliver what they are calling “The Greatest MMA Event in
the History of the Sport”. To
be held at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, the main event will
feature Pride’s undisputed heavyweight champion and M-1 legend Fedor
‘The Last Emperor’ Emelianenko (27-1) against former two-time UFC
heavyweight champion and Team Miletich legend Tim ‘The Maine-iac’
Sylvia (24-4). Also
on this star-studded bill will be IFL’s undefeated heavyweight
champion, Ben ‘War’ Rothwell (29-5), who is on a winning streak of
13 fights, versus another former UFC heavyweight champion, Andrei ‘The
Pitbull’ Arlovski (12-5). Making
his US debut on the night will be Fedor’s brother, Alexsander
Emelianenko (13-3), who will be facing Paul ‘The Headhunter’
Buentello (23-10). Donald
Trump confirmed his interest in MMA when he recently stated at a press
conference: “I have been a fan of professional sports since childhood,
and I am particularly impressed by the athleticism, courage, and
strength of these disciplined athletes… This particular sport
resembles my business style of being fast paced, strategic, and
aggressive…remembering to never give up. I am particularly
excited to partner with Affliction and become a major player in
promotion of MMA, the youngest and fastest growing sport to emerge in
the last century.” Knucklepit.com
caught up with New York-based Michael Cohen (Executive Vice President
and Special Counsel to Donald Trump, and more recently, elected Chief
Operating Officer for Affliction Entertainment), to give readers a bit
of an insight into Affliction Banned, and Affliction Entertainment’s
plans for global dominance. Mr.
Cohen says
he has a specific passion for this venture in MMA because he enjoys the
sport from both the perspective of a spectator and as a participant in
the art of Muay Thai. “I love the sport. I believe that
with the involvement of Donald Trump, Affliction Entertainment will
become the dominant mixed martial arts company,” says Cohen. Michael,
you said, “I’m nearly speechless knowing Mr. Trump and Affliction
have the trust in me for an event that features the greatest assembly of
MMA fighters for one show in MMA history. This is like having Ali,
Frazier, Tyson, Holyfield and other top heavyweights all on the same
boxing card.” Will Affliction be focusing primarily on the
heavyweight division or is that just the class mainly featured for
Affliction Banned? “No. Future events will include all weight classes. As more and more fighters defect from other organizations, Affliction will continue to sign the best fighters and pit them against one another. This will present the best possible card to MMA fans, nationally and internationally.”
Obviously
Affliction is the clothing company involved, but why ‘Affliction
Banned’ for the title of the upcoming event? “The
term ‘Banned’ came from the historical
relationship with the UFC. Dana White banned Affliction Clothing
from being worn by UFC fighters. For several
years, Affliction had been sponsoring many of
these fighters’, whose
income was significantly derived by
the Affliction sponsorship.” “When
Dana White banned Affliction Clothing from the UFC, it
dug into the pockets of the fighters.
Affliction decided it was time to create their own
league for the benefit of the company as well as
the fighters.” How
often will your events be held? “We
are planning a number of events throughout the
year. As the Affliction family of fighters grows, there will
be more and more events scheduled.” So
are you looking at the prospect of one a month? “Ultimately:
It could potentially be even more. If there is a fighter out there
today coming up in the world of MMA, I would recommend that he/she
not look towards the UFC; but rather, towards
other organizations, (such
as Affliction), whose contracts are less stringent
and provide opportunities for the fighters to be
compensated for the services they provide.” You
don’t pull any punches, Michael. “Why
should I?” Was
Donald Trump’s attendance at UFC 85 mainly a PR exercise for
Affliction MMA? “No.
It was based upon the relationship he has with Tito Ortiz. As you
may be aware, Tito was on The Celebrity Apprentice this past
season and Mr. Trump and Tito Ortiz had become quite friendly.
Tito requested Mr. Trump to attend the event as
his guest. There was no PR stunt involved;
simply, it was a request by Tito based upon their friendship.” It’s
a huge card being billed as “The Greatest MMA Event in the History of
the Sport”. With such a huge card, is that a sign of the
organization’s commitment to the sport? “The
answer would be ‘yes’. Everything that Mr. Trump does, he does
over the top, whether it’s erecting a 90-story
building, the amenities he provides… Everything
he does is the biggest, and this (as well)
will be the biggest MMA event ever put on, to
date.” I
believe you said of Affliction Banned, “It’s unprecedented and will
revolutionize the way MMA fans view this sport.” How do you
follow it up? “You continue by featuring other great fighters. The match-ups are really what make the fights. There are certain fighters who match up well against one another. Our goal is to match the best fighter to the best competitor and put on the best show for the fans.”
Do
you expect Affliction to be in complete competition with the UFC, or
down the track, do you think there will be a more cooperative
relationship, like the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, where they made
sure they didn’t conflict with the release dates of their albums? “Currently,
the UFC is the preeminent organization in
martial arts. I suspect that in a short period of time, Mr.
Trump’s Affliction will surpass the UFC. We are not opposed to
co-promoting with the UFC, to put their best fighters against
Affliction’s best fighters to determine once and for all: Who is the
true mixed martial arts champion for that specific weight class? “We
would not be opposed to a ‘co-promote’ down the road with the UFC.
We would also prefer the fighters to be allies as
opposed to being in an adversarial position with one another: It’s not
good for the organization, it’s not good for the
sport, and it’s definitely
not good for the fans.” Now
that there are so many MMA organizations, will it become like boxing
where there is a ‘world’ champion for every organization, rather
than a unified world champion? Do
you see the MMA athletes and fans being the real winners here? “Absolutely;
without a doubt.” Is
it fair to guess that you guys have been talking with Randy Couture? “And
others, of course.” Any
comment on the outcome, or you can’t at this stage? “I
couldn’t at this time.” Will
we be seeing Affliction on p-p-v in Australia? “We
certainly hope so.” No
news at this stage? “No
news at this specific moment, but we certainly hope so, and it would be
on p-p-v direct.” Michael,
what’s next after ‘Affliction Banned’? “Tom
Atencio, the Vice President over at Affliction, is in the process of
completing the anticipated fight card for the second event. It is
our belief, and I believe it will be the belief of the fans, that the
second event card will be equally as impressive as the first.”
Fedor
Emelianenko, Donald Trump and Tim Sylvia AFFLICTION
BANNED Fedor
Emelianenko vs. Tim Sylvia Ben
Rothwell vs. Andrei Arlovski Josh
Barnett vs. Pedro Rizzo Mike
Whitehead vs. Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral Matt
Lindland vs. Fabio Nascimento Antonio
Nogueira vs. Vernon White Alexsander
Emelianenko vs. Paul Buentello Terry
Martin vs. Vitor Belfort Justin
Levens vs. Patrick Speight JJ
Ambrose vs. Mike Pyle Savant
Young vs. Mark Hominick For
more info: www.afflictionbanned.com and www.Trump.com
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