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Allstars Fight Night CHALLENGES rival promotion to make ”AFN vs. FCR” fight cards
Sweden’s most viral MMA promotion
AFN MMA has quickly become one of the biggest and most influential combat sports promotions in Sweden. Since launching last summer, they’ve put on six events that featured both professional and amateur bouts including several exciting title fights, tournaments and even a couple of influencer matchups to spice things up.
AFN has probably become the most viral MMA promotion in Scandinavia as far as social media views are concerned. Some of their clips on Instagram and TikTok has already reached millions. However, Fight Club Rush is still the more established organisation between the two, with a solid roster and a broadcast deal with UFC Fight Pass.
”We are ready to start before the end of 2024. Are you?”
FCR MMA has been around for some years now with their 20th show approaching. On June 1, they are about to put on their biggest show to date with a stacked fight card featuring top-level fighters such as Tobias Harila, Andreas Gustafsson and defending flyweight champ Jonny Touma.
Recently, AFN and FCR were beefing due to former FCR champ Bernardo Sopai leaving Fight Club Rush to compete for the Allstars Fight Night title before later signing with the UFC.
Related: MMA managers, promoters clash over rising star Bernardo Sopai
Read more: Bernardo Sopai talks UFC debut: ”Some things are good to happen early”
AFN vs FCR: So what is the challenge exactly?
AFN’s challenge is basically to either do two events where the promotions take turns in sending their best fighters to challenge the other on enemy territory, or to do one single AFN vs FCR co-promotion.
AFN also says they want each show to take place in ”larger venues or arenas to accommodate the anticipated excitement and support from fans”.
”Lets do this, lets matchmake, lets give the fans and ourself this thrill – the sport needs us, We are ready to start before the end of 2024. Are you?” Babadivand finishes in the pressrelease.
AFN MMA has continuously been putting on big shows in Stockholm in an attempt to elevate the sport in Sweden and help create more mainstream recognition for mixed martial arts. Photo: Tobias Lindkvist
AFN vs FCR: Read the full pressrelease here!
PRESSRELASE, SOLNA 29th APRIL, 2024
AFN MMA Extends a Humble yet Definitive Challenge to FCR MMA: Uniting Fighters, Uniting Fans
[STOCKHOLM/SOLNA, Sweden – April 29, 2024] – AFN MMA, renowned for its commitment to the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and its vibrant community, is extending a cordial challenge to its esteemed competitor, FCR MMA. In the spirit of sportsmanship and the advancement of MMA as a whole, AFN MMA is proposing a series of events that promise to electrify fans across Sweden.
The stage is set, and the challenge is clear: AFN MMA proposes a monumental showdown, starting in the heart of Västerås, the hometown of our respected competitors, followed by a thrilling event in our beloved capital city, Stockholm.
”We believe in the power of unity through competition,” says Mohammad Babadivand, CEO and the pounding heart of AFN MMA. ”Our goal has always been to elevate the sport of MMA, and what better way to achieve this than by joining forces with our colleagues at FCR MMA for an unforgettable series of events.”
Both AFN MMA and FCR MMA have a rich history of showcasing exceptional talent, and this challenge aims to celebrate the skill, dedication, and spirit of MMA athletes across Sweden. With fighters representing both organizations in different weight classes, male and female fighters -fans can expect nothing short of spectacular matchups that will keep them on the edge of their seats.
”When FCR MMA hosts in Västerås, they will be 100% responsible for making the event, and vice versa when the show hits Stockholm and AFN MMA are the hosts,” emphasizes Babadivand. ”It’s then up to the fighters from each organization to settle who’s got the most skilled and determined fighters AND for the MMA community to decide who will put on the best show.”
In a humble but upfront manner, Babadivand adds, ”If FCR wants, AFN is open to switching the order and start the showdown in Stockholm followed by Västerås. Alternatively, if FCR wants to settle the scores in one single, shared event – held in a big arena in Stockholm – we are all heart and ears for that as well., lets do this, lets match make, lets give the fans and ourself this thrill – the sport needs us, We are ready to start before the end of 2024. Are you?”
The proposed events will take place in larger venues or arenas to accommodate the anticipated excitement and support from fans. AFN MMA is committed to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, with stringent measures in place to adhere to regulatory guidelines.
Check out the latest results from this past weekend’s AFN 6 right here.
