The International Fight League gets their big chance to shine on November 3rd. Not only are they holding their World Grand Prix Semi-Finals in Chicago, but they are also airing an hour worth of fights on live television on MyNetworkTV. In a world where Pride (when it was around) and the UFC rule the PPV game, the IFL needs this hour of live coverage to showcase it’s offering to the sport of MMA. Not only will these 60 minutes help the IFL, it will also help MMA as a whole.
A monopoly in the MMA world is only hurting the fans, the fighters, and the organizations. Without exposure to these other companies, MMA fans are limited to who they see and what they ultimately “know” about the sport based on a few UFC live shows, a reality show, and monthly PPV’s. We get lucky once in a while and other smaller organizations may give us a free streaming event on the web, but it’s not the same. At a time where MMA is finally gaining the exposure that it deserves from ESPN, Yahoo, CBS, and apparently even Time Magazine, these smaller and lesser known fight productions need to find ways to break into the mainstream, even if it’s only an hour at a time.
Will I be watching the IFL for that one hour on that Saturday night? You better believe I will be. I will most likely have a few things to share as well. You can watch the fights at 9PM EST on MyNetwork TV. Click here for a listing of MyNetworkTV channels in your area or click here to get tickets for only $12 to the event at the Sears Center in Chicago, Illinois. Either way, check it out.
Loading ...
October 31st, 2007 at 3:35 pm
I am right there with you. I have always been a supporter of the IFL as, hopefully, a big alternative for MMA fans. I am disappointed the Grand Prix is not what it once was, but hopefully with next season’s new camp instead of team competition we can see some good talent fill the void.