Bloody Elbow reports that Asian MMA organization, Legend FC has ceased operations. Despite the rise of MMA in Asia, the organization will disband and dispense with its assets by the end of the month.
Via Bloody Elbow:
Legend FC did have their share of controversies while they ran for about 3 and a half years, but they also did a lot of right things that others can emulate. Apart from developing talent in the Asia-Pacific region, they were one of the few promotions in the region who constantly had a very high production quality. With this, they were able to secure quality broadcast deals with ESPN, AXN, and several other outlets that had them televised in China and all over Asia.
There is no official reason for the organization’s demise. The article indicates its main investor has decided to cease operations. Its fighters will transfer to other organizations.
Payout Perspective:
OneFC has been making much noise in Asia since it came into existence. Its core sponsorships and network deal in Asia has made it a prime player in the region. On the other end of the spectrum, the UFC is making its way into the region with an emphasis on market penetration into China. It held an event last year in Macau and now has announced its roster for The Ultimate Fighter China. Although the end of Legend FC is disappointing for its fans and fighters, the overall outlook for Asia looks to be on the upswing.
Tops of says
One fc is all hype….and will fold anytime soon….they are trying to build a sport for the whole region….and they are going nowhere….they don’t have homegrown fighters that a certain country cheer for…..they are so spread out that they do events in one country twice a year….They sign fighters long term contracts but can’t give them fights…..cui is all about the fan expos and hype…
Machiel Van says
I don’t know why…. I’m adding…. all these punctuation marks…. nonsensically…. between every few words I write…. maybe because…. what I’m saying…. isn’t grounded in…. reality…. and I don’t…. want people to notice….
Please regale me with all the evidence surrounding OneFC’s failing business model. It’s not like they’ve wisely set up a feeder system that costs them nothing and funnels the best local Asian talents into their organization. It’s not like they don’t overextend their resources and fail to make the most out of each event.
A few fighters are unsatisfied with their contracts? Good lord they must be doomed! That certainly doesn’t happen to pretty much every combat sports promotion under the sun.
Machiel Van says
Oh yeah, I forgot the obligatory “hahaha”, because I want everyone to know that I don’t even take my own statements seriously.
Tops of says
Well onefc is the same as promotion martial combat of years ago(which folded up as well)..backed by star sports espn ….the common person is victor cui (the front) but the one financing now it is Thai owner of evolve gym….they only have 6 promotions this year so far that’s 4 countries lol they promote once a year in a country and it’s a success lol……,5 promotions last year.
…they still haven’t built fighters who people root for…only aoki and bibiano Fernandez are consistent up to now because they’re with evolve gym….you see it’s just a club promotion to promote evolve fighters (thou the still lose a lot lol)
Tops of says
Hahaha
Machiel Van says
I almost feel a bit bad now as it’s readily apparent that English is not your primary language. At least I hope that’s the case.
Tops of says
Hahaha..yeah” though they” I mean….whats sad is knowing that it’s all hype…victor cui Dana white are all the same…taking ufcfanboys for a ride..the pied piper..they are saying onefc represents MMA in Asia….the whole continent? Hahaha….
They hype it so well because they organize the onefc junkets in singapore inviting most MMA media,fighters etc….etc….hire renzo Gracie to tell everybody that onefc is the next big thing bigger than pride lol…..
Jose says
UFC is clearly racing to dominate the globe before any regional competitors gain a strategic foothold.
UFC has the Western Hemisphere on lockdown with the US and Brazil. It’s in the final stages of locking down Europe, last big piece is dominating Russia.
Asia is the last big market up for grabs.
It’ll be interesting to see how this new UFC Europe project goes the next couple years. If successful, I expect UFC will launch a similar UFC Asia initiative.
The UFC is pursuing a time zone strategy and seems intent on running their own feeder systems.
5 years from now UFC Europe and UFC Asia will be putting on fights live in local primetime for local TV in Europe and Asia.
Machiel Van says
They’re launching TUF in China soon with Cung Le as the sole coach. I have no idea how it will fair.
Random Dude says
Legend FC was a good promotion or at least put on good events.
God says
We’ve established a fact. That “Tops of” is a ONE FC hater.
Tops of says
Who’s we? Hahaha…..ufcfanboys?
God says
Your old man, my dear boy. 🙂