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| Amir Khan |
The world's first MMA league "has been launched in India," with British boxer Amir Khan "giving superstar backing to the initiative," according to Sam Morshead of the London DAILY MAIL.
Eight franchise teams "will take part in the competition -- dubbed the Super Fight League" -- which will get under way on Aug. 26 and run until Oct. 1. A total of 96 fighters will take part, "with Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai, Haryana, Bangalore, Punjab, Pune and Goa all represented." Nine members of each 12-strong side "will come from India, with the other three heralding from abroad, while the teams will feature both men and women." A prize money fund of roughly £500,000 ($665,000) "will be up for grabs" (
DAILY MAIL, 7/2). In London, Aaron Flanagan wrote Khan, chairman of the Super Fight League, said, "It’s indeed an honor to present the world’s first ever MMA league from a country like India known for their rich history in combat sports. MMA is not just a sport but is soon catching up as a lifestyle globally for fitness enthusiasts" (
DAILY MIRROR, 7/2). The PTI reported the league "will be a platform for Indian MMA players like Anup Kumar, CJ Singh, Amit Roy, Dhruv Chaudhary to showcase their skills." A total of 72 bouts "will be played in the league stage which will be followed by two semi-finals, third place and the final bout" (
PTI, 7/2).
