HDNet rejects Affliction event
The announcement of the long rumored Affliction fight company became official last week, but a TV deal still looms in the air for the new promotion. One outlet in particular, Mark Cuban's HDNet, had been mentioned as a possible carrier for the promotion's first event, but it appears for now the brand will not land on the Dallas Mavericks owner's network.
Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights, spoke to MMAWeekly Radio on Tuesday night and commented on the rumored deal, and while nothing was ever solidified, he did confirm that the two companies could still work together in the future.
"We talk to everybody and I wouldn't say that any conversation is dead yet," Simon stated. "You just never know. You know how this sport works, one day you think you're not working together and the next day you might announce something."
One thing that is for sure is the fact that the debut Affliction card will not take place in the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas. Simon says that was a scheduling and marketing conflict with the company.
"No, unless they move the date, we wouldn't do a show on July 19 in Dallas," he commented. "That's too quick without the proper promotion there."
Simon did compliment the new organization for the star power on its debut card and had kind words of encouragement for them on the cusp of their first event.
"Todd and Tom and those guys at Affliction are great guys and I wish them the best of luck," he stated. "They have a monster card coming up. Everything you hear is just name after name. It will be a great event and from what I'm hearing it's in Anaheim."
But the door is not shut on a possible relationship between HDNet and Affliction just yet.
"Affliction... I would say, never say never," said Simon in parting about the two companies working together.
Affliction is currently scheduled to hold its first event on July 19 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. The main event features perennial No. 1 heavyweight fighter Fedor Emelianenko and former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia.
