Looks like Affliction likes the idea of getting as much talent from the now-defunct International Fight League (IFL) as it can.
Former International Fight League welterweight champion Jay Hieron has followed in the path of Xtreme Couture teammates Mike Pyle and Chris Horodecki, announcing his intent to sign a one-year, three-fight deal with Affliction.
IFL Heavyweight champ Roy "Big Country" Nelson is on board to fight at the next PPV in October. Former IFL lightweight champ Chirs Horodecki just recently signed a one-year, three-fight deal with Affliction.
And now, we have this news:
IFL welterweight champ Jay Hieron last week told MMAWeekly.com he had offers on the table from EliteXC, UFC, and Affliction, but the clothing company turned fight promotion brought the best deal.
"They came and offered me what I thought I was worth, and I'm happy to be a part of it," he said.
Hieron and his lawyer are currently in due diligence with the contract, ironing out details of pay and exclusivity. He says he would like to test his skills overseas if the opportunity were there.
"I know I could definitely fight overseas, and I'm trying to see what we're doing entails in the States," he said.
The signing ends a two-month period of limbo for Hieron's career following the cancellation of the IFL's Aug. 15 card at the Izod Center in New Jersey. He said he had heard rumors of the company's demise, but didn't take them seriously until the event was cancelled.
"I'm finally going to see where my career's going," he said. "Now I can just put my mind at ease and train and know I have a home. Get back to what I love doing, and that's competing."
Now, the search is on to find the welterweight a worthy opponent. A quick survey of Affliction's welterweight ranks shows that the company needs to import more talent to keep Hieron busy in the next year. The only other notable fighter in the division is teammate Mike Pyle, and that's not even an option for him.
Hieron said he has already begun training for Oct. 11's "Day of Reckoning," and should know more about his opponent soon.
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