Attencio says original plan was AA vs. Barnett for Elitexc, not Nelson

[jhell]

Exclusive: Affliction's Atencio Says Original EliteXC Fight Was Supposed To Be Arlvoski vs. Barnett


By: arielhelwani
09/24/08
Views: 299
Comments: 0
Tags: tomatencio , affliciton , andreiarlovski , elitexc
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We're still wrapping our head around today's announcement that Andrei Arlovski will face Roy Nelson on next Saturday's EliteXC on CBS card.

Earlier today, we spoke to EliteXC VP, Jared Shaw, about the deal, but now it's time to hear from the other side of the specturm: Affliction Entertainment VP, Tom Atencio.

"We've been working on the CBS deal for ten days or so," Atencio told MMARated.com. "What we're trying to do is things that are good for the industry. If we can work with these guys great."

Interestingly enough, Atencio mentioned that the original plan for this card was not Nelson vs. Arlovski.

"It was going to be Arlovski versus (Josh) Barnett," Atencio said. "But what happened was we couldn't finalize a deal with Barnett and he went to sign with Sengoku."

Atencio wanted to reiterate that there was never any bad blood between Affliction and EliteXC despite the clothing line ban.

"The name of our entertainment group was Affliction, that's where they had the problem," Atencio said. "Busines-wise it makes sense, it didn't bother me."

On the economics side of things, Atencio added that the Affliction brand will be heavily visible throughout the CBS broadcast. He also mentioned that Arlovski and Nelson were receiving different purses from what they were set to earn for their appearance on the now-cancelled October 11th Affliction show.

Oh, and in case you still don't believe Fedor is fighting for Affliction next, Atencio had this to say:

"I spoke with Fedor's people at M-1yesterday after reading everything on the Internet," Atencio said. "And they assured me that he is with us and he will be fighting for us next."

Of course, Fedor could be loaned out to DREAM much like Arlovski and Nelson are, but that's a different story for a different day.

Damn, that's too bad.

[NebraskaMMAfan]

Yes, it is. I hope AA-Barnett still happens.

[Bubbles]

Originally Posted by NebraskaMMAfan

Yes, it is. I hope AA-Barnett still happens.

If AA loses then Fedor vs Barnett at Affliction


But AA is going to win

[jhell]

Originally Posted by Bubbles

If AA loses then Fedor vs Barnett at Affliction


But AA is going to win

I totally think so, he looked impressive against big goonie Rothwell.

[maxp84z]

Originally Posted by jhell

I totally think so, he looked impressive against big goonie Rothwell.

Yeah, AA is the fat guy killer. Good bye Nelson. It's unfortunate that the Barnett/AA fight cant be made. He signed with Sengoku probably right after the October Affliction was cancelled. Oh well, still nice to see AA

[jrcbk]

I'm probably going to catch hell from the Fedor people, but when Arlovski was dominating the UFC, he looked as scary and impressive as Fedor to me. With AA's newfound Pitbull attitude, Fedor/Arlovski is easily the best HW match of next year, followed by Nog/Couture hopefully.

[jlruthven84]

If AA wins (and I can think of no reason that he shouldn't), he can fight Fedor at the January Affliction show if the issue with Barnett can't be settled.

[Noise Chopped]

"The name of our entertainment group was Affliction, that's where they had the problem," Atencio said. "Busines-wise it makes sense, it didn't bother me."

Funny, isn't that why they were mad at the UFC for? Could be wrong, but whatever. Just sounds like a different tune now, hah.

Can't wait. Not the best competition for Arlovski, but I just want to see him on free television again. Next Saturday can't get here soon enough!

[Y2JUBAE]

Originally Posted by jhell

I totally think so, he looked impressive against big goonie Rothwell.

Rothwell was the last guy to beat Nelson.

AA will also beat this blob.

AA v. Fedor- make it happen!