Issue 082

December 2011

Things we hear, things we see, things we know.

MMA aliens invade the Octagon

A new line of high-quality alien-themed MMA figurines, dubbed MMAliens, is now available worldwide. Thus far there are four characters available, which include Kazushi Sakuraba-inspired Zenchi Zakuraba (pictured) and the mysterious mechanical-armed Fighter Z-24, all of whom compete in the fictional Intergalactic Fight Federation. The 5lb, foot-tall models are cast in solid plastic resin and are individually hand-airbrushed. Creator, sculptor and painter Aaron Fowler, who started the line in 2009, says the figures will appeal to “anyone who can appreciate a mixture of good-old make-believe, combined with their favorite sport.” 

The models are available for $65 with a basic paint job, or for $165 with full highlighting, decals and veining, at MMAliens.com.

WAMMA title belt put up for sale on eBay  

A belt from dissolved MMA body WAMMA was recently purchased on eBay. Bidding started at $1,595 for the World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts strap, one of four ever made, and went for the same price. WAMMA was a short-lived sanctioning body that sought to “create an environment where fighters from all organizations have the opportunity to openly compete to be the one true, undisputed champion in their respective weight classes.” Only Fedor Emelianenko and Shinya Aoki won versions, while competing in Affliction and Dream respectively. The model style on sale was used at Strikeforce: Fedor vs Rogers.

UFC wants stadium return in Brazil 

Following its massively successful Brazilian jaunt this August, the UFC is looking to up the ante when it revisits the South American nation in 2012. After selling out the 14,000-seat HSBC Arena in Rio, UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta told Tatame magazine: “We underestimated how popular it was here. If we could do it again, we would do it in a big soccer stadium, you know? But when we put the tickets on sale, we really didn’t know.” The concept of using a stadium venue has been echoed by other UFC officials and could see the company shooting to entertain a crowd of up to 82,000 at Rio’s Maracana Stadium on their return.

Asian MMA promotions form partnership

Notable Asian promotions One FC and Road FC have formed a partnership to further strengthen their brands. The Singapore-based One FC, which held its first event in September, and the Korean Road FC, running since 2010, are expected to share talent as opposed to working together in a full-blown co-promotion agreement. The joining reflects upon the growth of MMA in Asia outside of the historical hotbed of Japan, and further enforces those companies’ stated disinterest in the Japanese market. One FC gained press recently for a successful first show at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, which reportedly drew 12,000 spectators.