The UFC could have a new challenger in the world of mixed martial arts.
The World Series of Fighting has been granted a promoter’s license by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and could be on the verge of a television deal with NBC Sports Network, according to reports.
Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Keith Kizer told MMAWeekly.com that The World Series of Fighting has applied to hold its first event Nov. 3 at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. WSOF officials are claiming, according to MMAFighting.com, that show will air on the network formerly known as Versus, which had a deal with the UFC before the UFC signed a contract with Fox and its subsidiary channels.
The World Series of Fighting’s website currently lists the first card as having a main event of former UFC lightweight contender Roger Huerta taking on Kurt Southern, who has bounced around in smaller promotions. The site also says WSOF’s plans are to have tournaments in five weight classes – ranging from 155 to 265 – to crown champions within a calendar year.
Former UFC fighters Jorge Santiago, Thales Leites, Gilbert Yvel and Dave Branch are listed on WSOF’s roster. Ray Sefo, a longtime training partner of UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture, will act as the company’s president.
The UFC currently has a stranglehold on the MMA universe, especially after purchasing its top competitor, Strikeforce, in March 2011. Bellator, which has emerged as a potential challenger to the UFC’s throne, was bought this year by Viacom, which is owned by the parent company of CBS. It’ll begin airing on Spike TV, UFC’s old network, in January.
WSOF’s roster seems a little thin at the outset, but it seems to have the desire to make a big splash. A little competition for the UFC isn’t a bad thing at all, especially for fans.