WAMMA COO Michael Lynch Resigns

Michael Lynch, Chief Operating Officer for the World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts, has stepped out of his role with the organization. He expects to have an announcement of a new MMA-related venture within the next sixty days, stating “folks will be very excited to see what I have in store.”

Lynch will be replaced by Combat Sports Media founder and notable MMA writer Sam Caplan, who has worked as the head of WAMMA’s ranking board for some time now. Caplan is an immensely respected figure in the world of MMA and his many accomplishments include founding FiveOuncesOfPain.com and extensive work with large promotions including M-1 Global.

Caplan is not expected to act as a personal replacement for Lynch, but will hold the position for an unspecified interim while helping CEO David Szady look for a permanent replacement. It seems that Caplan will, simultaneously, remain as head of the rankings committee, as he has been for some time now, and will work to continue many of the projects that Lynch was working on for the company.

In personal correspondence, Caplan mentioned:

The resignation was amicable and according to those higher up on the food chain, not unexpected. Mike had been working 16-18 hour days for 6-7 days a week since WAMMA got going. He worked his ass off. Being that he is well-spoken, well-educated, an attorney, and has a strong knowledge of the industry, it’s not surprising that companies were coming after him.

This news was released soon after WAMMA hosted members of the U.S. Marine Corps at the Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Shamrock (where the picture, above, was taken), event in San Jose, with Michael Lynch in attendance.

NOTE: I consider Michael Lynch a personal friend, so it’s hard to see him leave WAMMA, as I know that he did a great deal of work for the organization. All of that said, I hope that he is working on big things, and wish him all the best in his new pursuits within the sport.