Affliction: Trilogy CANCELLED

**G-Off** · Posted On: 7/24/2009 12:04pm

The source is sports illustrated and is also reported on bloodyelbow, so I'm thinking this is legit.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...led/index.html

In a matter of days Affliction Entertainment's "Trilogy" event when from promising the top heavyweight fight in mixed martial arts to being cancelled outright, multiple sources confirmed to SI.com Friday morning.
Affliction Entertainment vice president began making calls with the news Friday morning to fighters scheduled to appear on the Aug. 1 card, SI.com has learned.
The abrupt change comes in the wake of 31-year-old Josh Barnett testing positive for banned substances following a California State Athletic Commission pre-fight drug test.

Is this the end for Affliction?

**3moose1** · Posted On: 7/24/2009 12:11pm

I was at work, when I heard the news of Barnett juicing again.

I said, "Why am I not surprised?"

**datdamnmachine** · Posted On: 7/24/2009 12:12pm

Originally Posted by G-Off

The source is sports illustrated and is also reported on bloodyelbow, so I'm thinking this is legit.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...led/index.html

Is this the end for Affliction?

Seems like it unfortunately. Figured that any replacement they find would be the end of Affliction. This may be a good thing for the company as a whole. Interest has waned since the news of Barnett's failed test surfaced. It probably isn't a financially good idea to put on the event now. They probably wouldn't be able to make their money back(and most reports out there suggest they have yet to actually make ANY money from their past two events due to a bloated payroll, production costs, etc).

**G-Off** · Posted On: 7/24/2009 12:14pm

So what do they do now if they're going to try and re-schedule? Barnett surely isn't going to be able to get liscenced in the states again.

I'm pretty disappointed we won't see Mousasi fight Babalu.

**datdamnmachine** · Posted On: 7/24/2009 12:21pm

Originally Posted by 3moose1

I was at work, when I heard the news of Barnett juicing again.

I said, "Why am I not surprised?"

That's the sad thing. You said it, I said it, and I'm sure a lot of other people said it. I wonder if Randy Couture said it?

Originally Posted by G-Off

So what do they do now if they're going to try and re-schedule? Barnett surely isn't going to be able to get liscenced in the states again.

I'm pretty disappointed we won't see Mousasi fight Babalu.

I doubt they can afford it (for the most part) but considering the problems Strikeforce has been having with its card, it would be a good idea if Strikeforce takes on some of these matches. It could be an absolutely win/win situation. Strikeforce comes in to save the day with some exciting matches. The fighter's training would not have been for naught. Affliction can advertise throughout the whole Strikeforce card with their brand name in case they want to put on a future card or just sell more t-shirts. The fans are happy.

Just imagine some of the future cards that can be put on. Jake Shields vs Vitor Belfort for the 185 pound title or even Robbie Lawler vs Vitor Belfort would be cool. Dan Lauzon vs Nick Diaz at a catchweight of 160. Awesome stuff here.

**G-Off** · Posted On: 7/24/2009 12:28pm

Originally Posted by datdamnmachine

That's the sad thing. You said it, I said it, and I'm sure a lot of other people said it. I wonder if Randy Couture said it

He definitely thought it, at least. No wonder his (Barnett's) twitter posts are so full of unnecessary rage.

**Goju - Joe** · Posted On: 7/24/2009 12:28pm

This is what happens when you try and build a promotion around 1 fighter and don't try and grow your own talent.

Maybe Attencio should concentrate more on promoting than fulfilling his fight fantasies

**datdamnmachine** · Posted On: 7/24/2009 12:41pm

Originally Posted by Goju - Joe

This is what happens when you try and build a promotion around 1 fighter and don't try and grow your own talent.

Maybe Attencio should concentrate more on promoting than fulfilling his fight fantasies

They decided to go the EliteXC route of blowing through a lot of money for some quick short term gains. Basically, they figured they could buy their way into the no. 2 MMA org position. Unfortunately, like all the others who tried the same (the aforementioned EliteXC, WFA, and K-1) they seem to have pretty much failed.

In my opinion, the no. 2 MMA org here is Strikeforce. They have long been known for putting on solid cards, building up solid competitors, and not going bankrupt doing it (and actually making decent money doing it). They also have never overextended themselves either. They have a good solid core market in California with the occasional ventures into other territories.

I think that a long as they continue to go in this direction, they will (eventually) be in a position to truly compete with the UFC on equal footing.

**3moose1** · Posted On: 7/24/2009 12:45pm

I still like the WEC alot...

**HappyOldGuy** · Posted On: 7/24/2009 12:47pm

The WEC has put on some great cards. Most of my favorite fights the last couple of years.

Which is why Zuffa gutted them. No point in being your own competition.