World Series of Fighting will be extending its reach on a global scale in the next few years with a series of deals that are expected to be announced in the coming days.
First, World Series of Fighting has acquired Canadian fight promotion Aggression Fighting Championships and will begin promoting shows north of the border in the next few months. Sources close to the promotion confirmed the news to Bleacher Report on Thursday.
Aggression Fighting Championships is known throughout Canada as one of the top fight promotions in the area. It has employed several well-known fighters including Ryan Ford, current UFC fighter Jesse Ronson and The Ultimate Fighter competitor Louis Fisette.
The purchase will allow WSOF to enter the Canadian market immediately, although no specific time line has been given for when the promotion will start there. It is expected, however, that WSOF will plan its first Canadian show sooner rather than later.
Moving into Canada puts the World Series of Fighting alongside promotions such as the UFC and Bellator, which also hold shows in the area as well as the United States.
In addition to the purchase of Aggression Fighting Championships, WSOF has also secured a new global partner to expand its brand into new countries and markets.
IMG Media has signed a multiyear deal with World Series of Fighting to represent the brand globally and extend its reach. International shows are expected to take place in Canada, the United Kingdom and other areas around the world.
IMG will handle any number of services including advertising, media, licensing, talent management and a laundry list of other jobs. It will work with World Series of Fighting on a global expansion for the brand, the fighters and their shows as well as broadcast rights and other responsibilities.
World Series of Fighting remains in a multiyear deal with NBC Sports Network for its United States television rights.
The promotion is expected to make a formal announcement about both deals in the coming days as well as potential plans for its next show, but no details are available at this time about the location or date for the event.
Damon Martin is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
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