Could the IFL Become #1? - MMAUniverse.com

Could the IFL Become #1?

Date submitted: 18 December 2006

Submitted by: Jonathan Beattie

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Kurt Otto has the IFL growing at a rapid rate. Is the IFL on its way to becoming the top organization in MMA?

The IFL has teams in the US, Canada and Japan. They are expanding within the US and into the UK. We've heard that they are also interested in having teams in Holland and Germany. Twelve teams in all by 2008.

I'm sure we'll also see a team fielded out of Brazil and Russia one day soon.

They are more than just a promoter, but a league. The first truly global pro sports league. In addition to following State Athletic Commission rules, they do impose their own rules and regulations as well.

Almost any fight you hear that has fought for them sings their praises. If you take care of your fighters, guys will want to fight for you. Ivan Menjivar is fighting for Toronto now. And Vernon White has been listed as possibly joining a team soon as well.

The IFL have a TV deal with FoxSportsNet. With the Team vs Team matches they offer one or two Super-Fights per card. Ticket prices are much cheaper than the UFC and Pride. And they offer something most shows can't, a built in home team to follow.

Many hardcore fans are not that keen on the team concept; or "having matches that don't count" or saying "its an individual sport." But, they still watch since its free MMA on TV.

Its Funny ask most of those guys what camps they like and you hear "AKA", "ATT" ,"Chute Boxe" and "Militech."

The IFL doesn't have to do anything to get the avid MMA fan to watch. They already will. What the IFL will be able to capture is the casual fan and the people who haven't watched before.

People who don't follow the sport avidly or may not be familiar with fighters. Can easily begin to follow their local team and know who to cheer for.

The IFL may very well be able to put on one or more shows a week in different cities over the next year or two. Something the big two haven't been able to do yet.

They've also announced a Grand Prix Tourney taking the top four fighters from each division to face off. They'll then crown an individual champ in each weight class. Which should make them more legit in the eyes of the hardcore fan.

Having and individual reign each year until the next Grand Prix.

The IFL is growing & evolving. They may very well be the first MMA to be covered regularly on ESPN. Their format makes it perfect for sports news coverage.

Pride FC is the number one MMA promotion in the world. But are stumbling as of late; their first show in the US though a success has two fighters coming back with positive steroid tests. And another's test coming back saying his sample isn't human. They have no TV contract in their home country. Its said to say it, but there could be no Pride in a year or so with their high cost productions and lack of new revenues.

The UFC is ever growing & still top dog in the US. Guys like Matt Lindland have a team in the IFL and are having successful careers in the US without working for Dana White.

The IFL really seems to have the plan & vision. They could become the Premiere MMA organizer in the world. With mass appeal and owners interested in producing a good clean product for all.

Who knows what will happen in the future. The IFL though could be poised for greatness.