Here is an interesting article by MARVIN GOODWIN of The Oakland Press
AUBURN HILLS — Now that professional mixed martial arts has been sanctioned in Michigan, promoters appear to be fighting for territory in a potentially lucrative market.
A scheduled professional mixed martial arts show Saturday at The Palace of Auburn Hills turned out not to be a professional card after all.
Several pro fighters pulled out at the last minute, according to promoter Joe Donofrio, and the state-mandated minimum of 30 rounds (10 bouts) to hold a pro mixed martial arts show could not be met.
Donofrio said rival Matt Flynn was trying to undermine him.
“He called all my fighters and paid them not to fight,” Donofrio said. “They went as low as to pay these guys a thousand dollars to not show up, after I paid for their medicals. Despite them trying to sabotage my show, we still had 7,800 (spectators). He made a failed attempt to destroy my show and that didn’t happen.”
Flynn said he did not pay fighters not to be on the card, and added Donofrio knew all along his show didn’t have enough fighters to clear medical requirements.
“He’s using that as a scapegoat,” Flynn said. “Joe was never even close to having a pro show. He knew this thing (pro show) was cancelled before he had the press conference. He couldn’t even put together the minimum requirements (and) medical clearance. (And) I did not pay anybody not to be on that card. I’m getting ready to start suing people for saying it.”
Flynn, along with Greg Ahrens and Carlos Llinas, co-promoted a professional mixed martial arts show Jan. 16 at the Royal Oak Music Theater, which was the first in Michigan.
The pro fighters who did show up at The Palace, such as Jimmy Smith, host of the show “Fight Quest” on the Discovery Channel, Jason Holmes and Joe Battaglia of Birmingham, were not allowed to fight. Holmes and Smith, though, did put on a grappling exhibition.
“I think there are unscrupulous promoters out there who are bribing guys,” said Battaglia, who was disappointed he couldn’t fight. “It just doesn’t hurt Joe Donofrio, it hurts all of us pros. This is the biggest venue in the state and his (Flynn’s) fights are in bars.”
Flynn claimed Battaglia had never fought in states he said he had fought.
Dr. James Weber, chairman of the Unarmed Combat Commission, wanted the pro show to happen.
“I’m a proponent for safety and the rules are put there for a reason,” he said.
A crowd did get to see lively amateur fights, including a women’s battle between Kelly Warren of Lapeer and Randa Markos of Windsor, which capped the evening.
Sean Baker of Eastpointe, who was scheduled to make his pro debut, remained an amateur and defeated John Horn at 2:31 of the first round, and Vince Murdock of Lapeer, who trains at the Fight Club Proving Grounds in Waterford, won his bout against Mohammad Alshatri of Dearborn.
A number of unauthorized mixed martial arts shows have taken place around the state, according to Donofrio.
“What’s going to happen is we’re going to have a bunch of rogue promoters who are going to put their name on the marquee,” said Donofrio, who has already scheduled a show for April 17 at The Palace. “I don’t wish harm on anybody. They can continue to do their childish antics. My concentration is a successful show at The Palace.”
Flynn said they would continue doing shows, with the next pro MMA show scheduled March 6 at the Emerald Theatre in Mt. Clemens.
“Obviously, The Palace gets some type of priority because it’s The Palace,” Flynn said, “(but) it’s disheartening for The Palace. The Palace shouldn’t have had that show. The public … all those people should be getting their money back.”
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