Dominant new promotion to be called Aggression Fighting Championship

Edmonton, Alberta (Canada): The landscape of MMA in Canada has just shifted course with three dominant MMA organizations in Western Canada merging to create the single largest MMA organization in Canada, which will know be known as Aggression Fighting Championships. Aggression MMA, Armageddon Fighting Championships, and AX Combat have now pooled their efforts in providing the best shows available to Canadian MMA fans under this new banner, which will now hold between nine and eleven fight events per year, with shows taking place in Edmonton and Calgary in Alberta, and Victoria, British Columbia – with expansion plans slated for the latter half of 2012.

The newly formed AFC will unveil its new branding shortly. Fight fans will get to see the new promotion in action at AFC 8 in Victoria on April 14th, AFC 9 in Edmonton June 8th, and AFC 10 in Calgary on June 15th. More details on these and upcoming events will be released shortly.

“Darren Owen of Armageddon and I have been seriously discussing the idea of merging for some time, and in the process reached out to AX Combat and determined that we had the same goals moving forward. We established that all three brands have similar philosophies of making sure that our fan base gets to see the best up-and-coming domestic and international fighters. So it made sense to offer fans across Canada a national brand, ultimately resulting in AFC,” stated Aggression Co-Founder Moin Mirza.

“This is by far the largest deal in Canadian MMA history, and I’m ecstatic to be a part of it,” said Armageddon Co-Founder Darren Owen. “It just makes sense to standardize matchmaking, contracts, logos, and production. Contracted fighters now have the opportunity to fight more frequently than they did before, which we are confident they will be happy about. With Armageddon’s current TV deal, the AFC will readily be available in 70 million homes, and now with increased content and expansion, the sky is the limit for AFC opportunities.”

“When AX was approached with this opportunity, I knew that I had a chance to be involved with something special,” explained AX Combat Co-Founder Steve Fader. “With partners like these, we all bring different strengths to the table and more importantly, this is a group that you can trust – a situation where you don’t need to be looking over your shoulder at all times. The deal makes sense for fans, fighters, and everyone involved, and I can’t wait to see how far the AFC can go.”

I have a pretty diverse perspective of MMA. I have worn most of the hats in this industry. I fought as an amateur on 2 Canadian national teams (boxing, kickboxing) and as a professional in two different sports (boxing, MMA), I have judged and refereed, am a gym owner that trains and manages athletes and producer of the Armageddon Fighting Championship.

MMA is a grind, most of the athletes have other jobs that we work so we can pay our bills. There are very few athletes in MMA who can afford to solely support themselves from fight purses. MMA is extremely hard physically and mentally. This challenge deserves reward. Due to the short comings of this sport and mistreatment of fighters I have seen throughout the years I decided put my athletic career on hold and promote to try to make the sport better for the athletes.

AFC President, Darren Owen and I started the AFC with a goal of having a promotion built on raising the standard of the industry, building a better, brighter and more stable future for the athletes. This is a work in progress, step by step with fan, sponsor, media and athlete support we will get it there. I believe the key to this relies on good behaviour of all involved. With proper conduct from its athletes, fans and coaches the sport grows making it an enjoyable experience for everyone. The larger and more accepted this sport becomes the better it will be for all involved.

The AFC selects it athletes on many factors however the most important are athletic potential and good character. There is a saying: “A few bad apples spoil the whole bunch.” My perspective changes now that I am seeing through the eyes of a promoter. I have now become the guy that has to discipline athletes and cornemen should there be professional conduct violations. This is the last thing I want to do but we have to have consequences for its athletes, coaches entourages and fans actions that violate its policies and damage the sport.

Thankfully there has yet to be a problem with athlete conduct in the AFC and we want to keep it that way. We know that when we get in the cage testosterone flows, people get excited and emotional. But if your friends, family, coaches and supporters cannot behave in a sportsmanlike manor then we suggest you leave them at home. They have the potential to damage the sports growth, reputation and your career.

Regards, Jason Heit

Armageddon Fighting Championship, Executive Producer

The Canadian Cancer Society is pleased to announce the support of the Armageddon Fighting Championship (AFC) as a sponsor to the Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock 2011. Riders from the 2011 Tour team will be in attendance at AFC 6 “Conviction” at Bear Mountain Arena on June 18 to raise funds in support of the Canadian Cancer Society and Camp Goodtimes. AFC Executive Producer, Jason Heit had the following to say about the alliance “We are calling on the AFC fans to give generously for help in supporting Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock, anything you can spare to this worthwhile cause is greatly appreciated.”

Please help the AFC and The Canadian Cancer Society “Pick a Fight with Cancer” by attending the event on June 18 and donating generously when you see a Tour de Rock Volunteer.

Thanks to the Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock, some of that financial and emotional strain is lessened. Over the past 13 years, the Tour has raised over $15 million.

AFC 6: “Conviction” will feature a middleweight title fight between UFC veterans Kalib Starnes and John Salter. Plus the return of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu phenom Robert Drysdale, the 2007 ADCC Open Weight Champion and three time world Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion. He will face a stiff test against 3X Pan American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gold medalist, former UFC vet and Ultimate Fighter cast member Mike Nickels (9-4).

AFC 6 Full Card

Kalib Starnes 12-6 vs. John Salter 6-2 185

Robert Drysdale 2-0 vs. Mike Nickels 9-4 205

Derek Medler 5-0 vs. Jaret Evans 7-3 170

Andrew Buckland 13-8 vs. Brian Coldwell 4-2 185

Connor Wood 3-2 vs Dustin Dickeson 2-4 155

Chris Jones 3-1 vs. Dan Ring 2-0-1 155

Nik Ramsay 0-0 vs. Paul Cheng 0-0 265

Ryan Janes 2-1 vs. Duncan Wilson 2-1 185

Corey Gower 3-0 vs. Brendan Frost 2-3 140

Karel Bergen 3-0 vs. Ethan Owusu 1-1 170

Nathan Swayze 1-1 vs. Brian Coldwell 2-2 185

Tristan Connelly 1-2 vs. Upneet Rai 2-3 150

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through the Armageddon Fighting Championship website – www.armageddonfc.com – Juan de Fuca Rec Centre, Sports Traders, Island MMA or by calling (250) 478-8384. Prices range from $30-$150.

AFC 6: “Conviction” takes place Saturday, June 18th, 2011 and is available around the world via webcast for $9.99 at www.armageddonfc.com.

Doors open at 6 pm. Fights begin at 7 pm.

For more information, contact Darren Owen (Darren@armageddonfc.com) or Jason Heit (Jason@armageddonfc.com) or visit the AFC website (www.armageddonfc.com).

If you would like to donate on-line, you may do so at:

http://www.copsforcancerbc.ca/tourderock/mikemassine

VICTORIA (BC): Victoria-based Armageddon Fighting Championship has announced the line-up for their sixth event, AFC 6: “Conviction” to be held at the home of the AFC, Bear Mountain Arena on Saturday, June 18th. In the main event of the evening, AFC middleweight champion Kalib Starnes (10-6-1)will face-off for the 185 lb belt against UFC and Strikeforce veteran John Salter (6-2).

Along with the title defense AFC 6: “Conviction” will feature the return of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu phenom Robert Drysdale, the 2007 ADCC Open Weight Champion and three time world Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion. Robert is the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach of many of the world’s top MMA athletes including Forrest Griffin and Frank Mir. He will face a stiff test against 3X Pan American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gold medalist, former UFC vet and Ultimate Fighter cast member Mike Nickels (9-4).

Derek Medler (5-0) puts his undefeated record on the line against Jaret Evens (7-3) in this highly anticipated match up. This event will also feature a heavyweight tilt between 2 former CFL players and BC Lion draft picks. Victoria’s own Justin Shaw (2-0) drafted 18th overall in 2007 against Vancouver’s Paul Cheng (4-1 pro boxer) drafted 6th overall in 2002. Plus Andrew Buckland (13-8) vs. Chase Deganhardt (7-2), and local standouts Corey Gower (3-0), Ryan Janes (2-1), Karel Bergen (3-0), Nathan Swayze (1-1), Chris Jones (3-1), and Tristan Connelly (1-2).

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through the Armageddon Fighting Championship website – www.armageddonfc.com – Juan de Fuca Rec Centre, Sports Traders, Island MMA or by calling (250) 478-8384. Prices range from $30-$150.

AFC 6: “Conviction” takes place Saturday, June 18th, 2011 and is available around the world via webcast for $9.99 at www.armageddonfc.com.

Doors open at 6 pm. Fights begin at 7 pm.

For more information, contact Darren Owen (Darren@armageddonfc.com) or Jason Heit (Jason@armageddonfc.com) or visit the AFC website (www.armageddonfc.com).

AFC 6 Full Card

Kalib Starnes 10-6 vs. John Salter 6-2 185
Robert Drysdale 2-0 vs. Mike Nickels 9-4 205
Derek Medler 5-0 vs. Jaret Evans 7-3 170
Andrew Buckland 13-8 vs. Chase Degenhardt 7-2 185
Justin Shaw 2-0 vs. Paul Cheng 0-0 265
Chris Jones 3-1 vs. Dan Ring 2-0-1 155
Ryan Janes 2-1 vs. Duncan Wilson 2-1 185
Corey Gower 3-0 vs. Brendan Frost 2-3 140
Karel Bergen 3-0 vs. Ethan Owusu 1-1 170
Nathan Swayze 1-1 vs. Brian Coldwell 2-2 185
Tristan Connelly 1-2 vs. Upneet Rai 2-3

Cagefighter, bartender, musician among new MPs

By Amber Hildebrandt, CBC News

Posted: May 3, 2011 2:20 PM ET

A motley crew of political newcomers — including a cagefighter, university bartender, a musician and Canada’s youngest MP ever — will soon arrive on Parliament Hill to learn the ropes.

With the Conservatives sweeping to a majority and New Democrats securing a historic number of seats and Official Opposition status, a number of first-time candidates ended up with seats.

Perhaps the most suprising victor as part of the NDP’s overwhelming win in Quebec was Ruth Ellen Brosseau.

An assistant manager at a Carleton University’s Oliver’s pub, she won Berthier-Maskinongé, a rural riding north of Montreal, with a 10 percentage point lead over the three-term Bloc Quebecois MP, Guy André.

This, despite taking a vacation in Las Vegas during the campaign and continuing to work in Ottawa — a several hours’ drive away from her riding.

And though she works in the bilingual nation’s capital, an NDP spokesman told the Globe and Mail during the campaign that Brosseau was not ready to do a press conference because her French still needed work.

A short bio on the NDP website describes Brosseau, who has a college advertising and communications diploma, as a community activist whose passions are finding homes for stray animals.

NDP MP Charlie Angus, left, and newly-elected New Democrat Andrew Cash played together in the post-punk band L’Étranger in the early 1980s. (Courtesy of Luis Marmelo) During the campaign, an NDP spokesman commented that the riding was one of several good places for young candidates to “cut their teeth” in politics since the party wasn’t expected to win there. That was before polling showed the perennial underdog political party was about to overtake “Canada’s natural governing party.”

Up in Canada’s mountaineous northwest corner, a cage fighter successfully fought his way into the Yukon seat.

Conservative candidate Ryan Leef, 37, narrowly defeated four-term Liberal MP Larry Bagnell, with less than a one percentage point lead.

He will now have to learn the rules of the political blood sport when he heads to Parliament Hill to represent the expansive 455,400 square kilometer territory.

Though perhaps best known for his cage fighting, the athletic, blue-eyed incoming MP is a deputy superintendent at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre, worked as an RCMP officer in the area and teaches local self-defence courses.

In Canada’s largest city, a musician running for the New Democrats managed to unhinge the Liberal Party’s 49-year-long rule in the Davenport riding.

Andrew Cash — a freelance journalist and alternative musician whose latest record is titled “Murder = ” — routed longtime politician, Mario Silva, gaining twice the votes.

The regular contributor to Toronto’s Now Magazine ran with the catchy slogan “Trade your Silva for Cash” and used the playful Twitter handle “Cash4TO.”

Early Tuesday, the mellow songster tweeted that May 2 was “the absolute BEST night.”

The NDP sweep in Quebec also saw three current McGill University students and a recent graduate elected as Members of Parliament in the federal election.

Two of them are co-presidents of the NDP McGill: Charmaine Borg, who won the southern Quebec riding of Terrebonne-Blainville with 49 per cent of the vote and reportedly does not own a cell phone, and Matthew Dubé, who won Chambly-Borduas.

But the McGill students weren’t the youngest in the bunch of newly elected.

That title goes to NDP candidate Pierre-Luc Dusseault, 19-year-old Universite de Sherbrooke student, who will forego a summer job at a golf course to represent the Quebec riding of Sherbrooke in Ottawa. He breaks a nearly four-decade old record held by a Liberal MP, Claude-Andre Lachance, who was elected at the age of 20.

As with all the newcomers headed to Parliament Hill, Dusseault will earn a basic MP’s salary of $157,731. Not bad for a novice.

Drysdale finishes off Huveneers with an Arm Triangle
Robert Drysdale will be returning to fight in Victoria for Armageddon Fighting Championship. The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, who is 2-0 in his MMA career, will be looking to stay unbeaten on June 18. After beating Bastien Huveneers and Clay Davidson at AFC 3 and 4, the Abu Dhabi champion will be taking a step up to fight UFC veteran Mike Nickels at AFC 6.
Nickels (9-4) is also a BJJ black belt. Mike won his last fight against Kyle Seals and is 1-1 in the UFC where he has faced Stephan Bonnar and Wes Combs. Fans will also remember Nickels for his MFC Fight of the Year performance against David Heath at MFC 22. Nickels will be a good test for Xtreme Couture’s Robert Drysdale at AFC.
Once again, the AFC is looking to bring a packed card to Victoria with Kalib Starnes looking to defend his Middleweight title and top prospects Nick Driedger and Justin Shaw also on the card.

Nickels is a UFC vet and was a cast member on The Ultimate Fighter Season 3. Drysdale is arguably the best BJJ practitioner on the planet. This is will be an epic battle between 2 black belts.

Following another successful card earlier this month, Armageddon Fighting Championship’s President Darren Owen has already got the ball rolling on the promotion’s next event, AFC 6: CONVICTION.  Just days after AFC 5: JUDGEMENT DAY, Mr. Owen had this to say via his Twitter account:

“mmaAFC Darren Owen Starting to matchmake for AFC 6 June 18.”

AFC’s official website, http://armageddonfc.com/, also confirms the date and location of the event:

“AFC6 – Conviction: June 18, 2011 at Bear Mountain Arena, Victoria BC. Doors open at 6:00pm, Fights start at 7:00pm.
More information and fight card to be announced. ”

Tonight, Owen built more anticipation for the show, announcing a lineup of fighters expected to compete on the card via his Facebook account:

“AFC 6 CONVICTION June 18 Bear Mtn Arena. Starnes, Drysdale, Driedger, Shaw, Medler, Hinchliffe, Wood, Swayze, Perron, Janes, Jones, Connelly, Gower, Buckland. Etc… What Chu Know About Dat!!! Kaufman???”

While no official matchups have been announced as of this writing, the AFC is looking to secure a tough challenge for their Middleweight Champion, Surrey’s own Kalib Starnes. MMASucka.com has learned this opponent could be announced as early as next week.

World-renowned Jiu-Jitsu master Robert Drysdale will look to continue his winning ways, sitting at 2-0 since making his professional debut for the Vancouver Island-based promotion at AFC 3: EVOLUTION, back in July of 2010.  We’ll find out if the next opponent can find some sort of answer for the grappling skills of Drysdale, who won both of his fights in 2010 by 1st-round submission, and both in under 3 minutes.

The biggest question right now is whether or not Victoria’s former World Champion, Sarah Kaufman, will compete on the card.  After dazzling her hometown fans at AFC 5, with her fantastic footwork and precision striking, it may be hard for the promotion to come up with an opponent at her level in such a small time frame.  Years of training with Adam Zugec, of ZUMA (http://www.zuma.tv/), coupled with the extraordinary coaching talent of New Mexico’s Greg Jackson (http://www.jacksons.tv/), have taken Kaufman to the top of the sport, and she now finds herself in a situation much alike that of Strikeforce Champion, Christiane “Cyborg” Santos, with many women entering the sport, but simply not in their league.

Here are the fighters on tap for the upcoming event: Kalib Starnes, Robert Drysdale, Nick Driedger, Justin Shaw, Derek Medler, Nick Hinchliffe, Connor Wood, Nathan Swayze, David Perron, Ryan Janes, Chris Jones, Travis Connelly, Corey Gower, Andrew Buckland, and maybe, just maybe…Sarah Kaufman.

MMASucka.com will stay on top of the details covering the event.

You can keep up with all the latest from the AFC via Twitter:

http://twitter.com/#!/mmaAFC – Darren Owen

http://twitter.com/#!/JasonHeit – Jason Heit

And on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Armageddon-Fighting-Championships-AFC/242302834914

Don’t forget about MMASucka!

http://twitter.com/#!/MMASucka

http://www.facebook.com/#!/mmasucka