IFL is seeking buyers for the troubled league
by BRIAN KNAPP, The Fight Network
Read more at...
"Are we actively looking for a partner or sale?" Larkin asked. "The answer is yes. We entertain phone calls and questions almost on a daily basis from potential investors, potential buyers, people who want to get in the MMA business, people who are already in the MMA business."
Seasoned by more than two decades with Showtime, Larkin touted the IFL's organizational pieces, which include global television deals and partnerships, along with some of the sport's top young talents and relationships with many of its best-known trainers, including Pat Miletich, Renzo Gracie and Olympic silver medalist Matt Lindland.
"We're looking at a number of possibilities about how to get to the next step, and for those who are looking to get into the MMA business — and it seems every day there's a new group cropping up — we're making it clear that we have a solid infrastructure, maybe one of the best in the business," Larkin said. "We think that is a very valuable asset as we look around for strategic partners."
Larkin cautioned those who have predicted the IFL's downfall and did his best to comfort the promotion's supporters, many of whom might view the company being for sale as the beginning of the end.
"Everything is for sale for the right terms and the right price. Microsoft is for sale. Verizon is for sale," he said. "We're not going anywhere."
The IFL has remained in a state of flux since it debuted with a team-based concept in 2006. Since then, the promotion has undergone a significant overhaul, including numerous changes in leadership, the addition of individual championships in six weight classes and a move toward a freer camp-based setup. Larkin believes the IFL has benefited from the modifications.
"We've made significant changes to the IFL business structure," he said. "We have cut our losses significantly, and we moved towards a business plan for the future which we have a lot of confidence in. In recent weeks, we've continued to receive support from our original investors, as well as those in the business community who think our structure now makes a lot more sense."
Larkin, who spoke candidly throughout the teleconference, thinks the sport of MMA can only move forward through cooperation between promotions.
"There are just too many little groups out there fighting over the same meatless bone," Larkin said. "I do believe the MMA world is a fractured world, and the way to make it a healthier, stronger and mainstream sport is through consolidation and rollup."
He points to the recent shutdowns of several organizations — the Canada-based Hardcore Championship Fighting ceased operations last week — as evidence and questions whether the popularity of the sport outside the UFC might have been overly exaggerated.
"In the last three to six months, I would say about 10 MMA companies have either folded, changed hands, closed down for reorganization or completely gone out of business," Larkin said. "That is a very high casualty rate, especially with all the noise about how popular MMA is and how it's crossing all demographics."
Having repeated his calls for co-promotion within the industry, Larkin backed up his words with actions. Two of the IFL's top young stars — Bart Palaszewski and Rory Markham — will compete at Adrenaline MMA's inaugural show on June 14. Larkin also revealed he had discussed the possibility of loaning welterweight champion Jay Hieron to EliteXC for an event.
"We're indicating and saying very clearly without hesitation we want to work with other promoters," Larkin said. "We would happily loan our fighters out if they're available to fight. That's the way to do it."
Larkin forecasted a grim future for the sport — outside the UFC — if promoters do not embrace the idea of co-promotion. Unified championships, he said, are also a must.
"If there is a future to MMA and that future goes beyond UFC, then there has to be co-promotion," he said. "Fighters have to fight fighters from competing promotional camps, and everyone's got to work together to have unified champions. Otherwise, this is doomed to peter out."
advertisement
