Two regional promotions with close ties to the UFC – Legacy FC and RFA – are merging with plans to promote 30 events in 2017.
The new promotion, Legacy Fighting Alliance, will be headed by RFA president and longtime MMA manager Ed Soares, while former Ring of Fire and RFA exec Sven Bean will act as COO, officials today announced.
“This is an exciting day for everyone involved,” Soares stated. “What our two companies have accomplished individually is remarkable, but the sky is truly the limit when you consider what will come next.”
The dissolution of the Texas-based Legacy FC comes amid strong indications that its longtime chief, Mick Maynard, has accepted a position in the UFC’s matchmaking department, which will lose its most prominent matchmaker at the end of this year when longtime executive Joe Silva retires. Maynard and UFC officials have declined reports of his employment (Maynard recently appeared on stage with other UFC matchmakers on stage during a UFC weigh-in event but hasn’t publicly commented).
“We believe the merger of Legacy Fighting Championship and Resurrection Fighting Alliance is an exciting and logical progression of the sport,” Legacy FC President Mick Maynard stated. “As AAA baseball is to MLB, we will continue to develop the best prospects by providing a proving ground and a stage for the fighters to grow that is unrivaled in the sport. In addition, this merger brings together some of the best minds in the business. It truly is an MMA dream team, and it will continue to build our Legacy in the world of MMA.”
“We believe the merger of Legacy Fighting Championship and Resurrection Fighting Alliance is an exciting and logical progression of the sport,” Maynard continued. “In addition, this merger brings together some of the best minds in the business. It truly is an MMA dream team, and it will continue to build our Legacy in the world of MMA.”
The release states LFA has signed a new broadcast deal with AXS TV, which served as the TV home for both RFA and LFC.
“Legacy Fighting Alliance just catapulted to the top of the list when you are talking about fights that matter in 2017,” AXS TV Fights CEO Andrew Simon stated. “Together, these two organizations bring unrivaled experience and success in identifying athletes that make it to the next level. Our new long-term deal solidifies our belief in Legacy Fighting Alliance’s mission and to our sport.”
LFA chief Soares and Maynard emphasized the new promotion’s role in developing new talent, likening it to Triple-A baseball teams that groom players for MLB.
“I have no doubt Legacy Fighting Alliance will be the premier destination for fighters hoping to reach a global stage,” Soares stated. “Our organization will give fighters a chance to gain the experience of competing in a top-tier organization, develop a fanbase on national and international TV, and potentially reach the next level of their career.”
For more on RFA and Legacy FC, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.
Filed under: AXS TV Fights, News
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