Canadian mixed martial arts fans were hit hard yesterday with the news that The Score Fighting Series will cease operations going forward.
SFS matchmaker Alex Caporicci tweeted this out yesterday.
Disappointing few days. Saddened about SFS and just wish we had a chance to show what we could do cause we were building something special.”
The tweet drew an immediate response by many MMA fans in Canada, Ontario in particular. In a hunt to verify the news, I found this brief announcement on topmmanews. This story was in the rumour section of the site and without Caporicci’s cryptic tweet, would not hold very much weight, with no real sources given.
I contacted Score Media Inc. community PR supervisor James Bigg, and he responded that the reports of their demise are premature and no official decision has been made on the future of the promotion yet.
The following press release was posted on the SFS’ Facebook page today:
No Decision Made on the Future of the SFS
– The Score Television Network continues to assess the promotion
TORONTO, January 30, 2013 – Contrary to reports, no decision has been made regarding the future of The Score Fighting Series (SFS).
We can confirm personnel changes were made this week in relation to the SFS. The Score will continue to assess the future of the SFS on an ongoing basis.
To clarify, Rogers Media plays no part in the operations of The Score Television Network (The Score). The Score is currently operating in trust until the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission approves its acquisition by Rogers Media. All decisions affecting the network and SFS are made by the management and trustee of The Score.
The Score Fighting Series was born in June of 2011, and has held seven shows in Ontario to date, in Hamilton, Sarnia and Brampton. SFS has provided many up-and-coming fighters the opportunity to gain experience and exposure in the MMA world and has contributed to many Canadian fighters getting signed by the UFC.
UFC fighters Chris Clements, Antonio Carvalho and Jordan Mein have all fought in the promotion before being signed by the big show. The Score has also showcased some of the best rising fighters in the game, such as Josh Hill, Jesse Ronson, Alex Ricci, Rick Glenn, Jason Saggo and Chris Horodecki, among many others.
Dwight Wakabayashi is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report UFC and regular contributor to Sportsnet.ca’s UFC section. Follow him on Twitter @wakafightermma.
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