MMAFA.tv has learned from sources close to the situation that a legal dispute between fighter Ryan Ford and Mark Pavelich, owner of Maximum Fighting Championship (MFC), has gone on for some weeks. This is in stark contrast to a press release statement from the promotion claiming that “The Maximum Fighting Championship and its legal representation have received no letters, emails, phone calls or communication of any kind in any attempt to resolve this matter.”
Ford’s representatives have made more than ten attempts to resolve the dispute with Pavelich and his representatives, dating back to October 30, 2010, including more than 4 formal letters and a draft of a settlement agreement.
Pavelich released a press release today just prior to arbitration claiming that Ford has accused the promotion of racism and is likely sidelined with the MFC until his contract expires. Ford’s camp claims that the relationship between Ford and Pavelich is contentious and has disintegrated for reasons beyond business.
The dispute between Ford and Pavelich originated from Ford’s claim that he was not paid sums due and owing under a promotional agreement with the MFC. According to the agreement, Ford was eligible to sell tickets for MFC events and in turn receive a percentage of the tickets sold.
Ford alleges he sold tickets totaling $21,560 for MFC 27 which took place in late November, 2010. Ford claims the promotion has refused to pay him his due amount of $2,695, a percentage of his ticket sales guaranteed to him in his contract. Additionally, Pavelich now claims that Ford owes the promotion money.
Speaking with MMAFA.tv, Pavelich claimed that he is not allowing Ford to fight with any other promotion until contract expiration. Sources have confirmed to MMAFA.tv that Pavelich has allowed other Canadian mixed martial arts promotions make offers on Ford’s contract but has demanded unreasonable and exorbitant amounts, making the purchase impossible.
Ford’s camp claims that he has no intent to fight for the MFC in the future and that all trust with the promotion is broken. Representatives from both groups will convene in an attempt to settle the matter via arbitration in the following days.