“Affliction Banned”
The Greatest MMA Show of All-Time
Saturday night PPV in Anaheim
SIGNAL HILL, California (July 16, 2008) – History will be made Saturday night (July 19) when Affliction Entertainment presents, “Affliction Banned,” the greatest line-up of mixed-martial-arts fights ever presented in one night, showcasing talent from around the world in the fastest growing sport on earth, live on pay-per-view from Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
“This is a phenomenal card, a dream come true, absolutely the biggest in MMA history,” Affliction vice president Tom Atencio said.
The superstar-studded card is so talent laden that it had to be separated into two live broadcasts in the same night. First up, starting at 5 PM Pacific (8 PM/ET), FSN (Fox Sports Net) will present “Affliction Live”, a one hour live special, Followed by “Affliction Banned”—five incredible fights on pay-per-view starting at 6 PM/PT (9 PM/ET) via iN DEMAND, TVN, Shaw Communications, Viewers Choice Canada, DirecTV, DISH Network, Bell ExpressVue and Star Choice in the United States and Canada for a suggested retail price of $39.95.
Kicking off the night with “Affliction Live” on FSN is the highly anticipated US debut of Russian heavyweight Aleksander “The Grim Reaper” Emelianenko (13-3), brother of Fedor Emelianenko, against tough Texan brawler Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello (23-10), of Amarillo, and veteran Terry Martin (16-4) against Brazilian sensation Victor “The Phenom” Belfort (16-8).
Then, live on pay-per-view, “Affliction Banned” features six of the 10 heavyweights in the world, including the much-anticipated return of the former undisputed PRIDE® heavyweight champion and Russian M-1 legend Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (27-1), who takes on former 2-time UFC® heavyweight title-holder Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia (24-4), fighting out of Iowa by way of his native Maine, in the main event (5 five-minute rounds) for the inaugural WAMMA heavyweight title.
The co-feature of the night will match former UFC® heavyweight title-holder Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski (12-5), fighting out of Chicago by way of Belarus, facing IFL® titlist “Big” Ben Rothwell (29-5) of Kenosha, Wisconsin.
The PPV action continues with three more super showdowns as Josh “The Baby Faced Assassin” Barnett (22-5) of Seattle, faces off stateside for the first time in two years in a grudge match against the only opponent to ever knock him out — Brazilian strongman Pedro “The Rock” Rizzo (16-7); three-time All-American wrestler Mike Whitehead (20-5) of Salt Lake City battles Brazilian sensation Renato “Babalu” Sobral (29-7) of Costa Mesa, California; and 2000 Olympic Wrestling Silver Medalist and Oregon House of Representative candidate, Matt “The Law” Lindland (20-5) meets Brazilian favorite Fabio “Negao” Nascimento (8-3).
Finally, for the thousands in attendance at the Honda Center, the off-television swing bouts will fill out an exciting night of action as light-heavyweights and Justin Levens (9-8) of Laguna Niguel (CA) vs. San Diego’s Ray Lizma (5-5, 3 KOs, 2 Submissions); welterweight JJ Ambrose (9-1) of Lakewood (CA) vs. Mike “Quicksand” Pyle (15-5-1) of Las Vegas; lightweight Savant Young (8-7) of Lakewood (CA) vs. Mark “The Machine” Hominick (15-8), representing Ontario, Canada; Brazlian heavyweight Antonio Rogerio “Minotoro” Nogueira (13-3) vs. Arizona’s Edwin “Babyface” Dewees (35-12).
Veteran television sports reporter and announcer, Jay Glazer, will handle blow-by-blow action while MMA fighter Frank Trigg serves as color analyst. Former MMA referee “Big” John McCarthy joins Glazer and Trigg as a ringside commentator and to conduct interviews. Legendary Michael Buffer of “Let’s Get Ready To Rumble” fame will be the ring announcer.
Heavy metal band Megadeth, led by frontman, guitarist, and songwriter Dave Mustaine, will be performing live at the event.
Tickets for “Affliction Banned” range between $50.00 and $1,000.00, and are on sale at the Honda Center Box Office and also online at Ticketmaster.com.
PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fedor Emelianenko: “I want to thank Affliction, M1 Global and Tim Sylvia. We will be great in the ring. I also want to thank all of the fans. I guarantee that after this show, they’ll be coming back for more.”
Tim Sylvia: “It’s finally here and this fight is finally going to happen. You’re seeing the future. Affliction is helping fighters and giving other organizations competition. They’re putting on a great show. The WAMMA belt is on the line and fighters in other organizations will recognize this one belt. I want to thank Fedor. It’s going to be an awesome fight. I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time.”
Ben Rothwell: “I’m glad TBA announced his name. They’re coming to see us. Arlovski and I won’t disappoint.”
Andrei Arlovski: It’s a great opportunity to fight on this show with so many great fighters.”
Josh Barnett: “I like Pedro. He’ll be a better win under my belt and then we can say we’re even, steeven. We’re stealing the show. We’re going to blow the roof off that place; I hope they budgeted for repairs.”
Pedro Rizzo: “I’m very excited to be part of this show. I want to thank Josh for this fight. We’ll give you a great show Saturday night.”
Mike Whitehead: “I’m honored to be here with al of these great guys. You saw me two months ago (first press conference) and I’m 60 pounds lighter. I may not be the best grappler or best Roan Greco wrestler, but I work hard. The fight between me and Babalu is going to be a big pile of smoke and we’ll see who is standing when the dust settles.”
Renato Sobral: It’s a pleasure to be here fighting. I’m honored to be fighting on the same show with these guys. We’re like brothers but you going to see everybody beat each other.”
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira: “I’m happy to be able to show my friends in America, finally fighting here, and give them a very good show.”
Edwin Dewes: “I’m honored to be here fighting on this historic card. I’m the youngest one here and I’ve had the most fights. I’ve been all over the world fighting.”
Fabio Nascimento: “I want to thank everybody. I promise to do my best for a good fight.”
Matt Lindland: “I’m so excited. My last fight was April a year ago. I’m giddy right now. Fabio’s real tough. He’s fought his whole life growing up with his name. We’re going to have a good fight. I’m going to put a suplex on his head Saturday night.”
Aleksander Emelianenko: “I want to thank my opponent for this opportunity and wish him the best. We will show everybody a great technical, beautiful fight.”
Paul Buentello: “You have to follow the monsters and Affliction has the best heavyweights on this card. Me and Aleksander Emelianenko’s paths have crossed and Affliction’s brought us together. Iet’s not going to be a takedown; it’s going to be war, don’t blink.”
Vitor Belfort: “It’s a pleasure to be fighting at home, Los Angeles, on a phenomenal card like this. It’s a new challenge for me fighting at 185 (lbs.).”
Terry Martin: “I’m excited to be here fighting Vitor Belfort. I guarantee you’re going to see a fight you won’t forget, one you’ll be talking about for years.”
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