SCOTTSDALE, AZ – January 12, 2009 – The Mixed Martial Arts Fighters Association (“MMAFA”), on behalf of its members, forwarded a demand letter today to EliteXC Live, a California corporation (“EliteXC”). MMAFA, on behalf of its members, seeks an acknowledgment from EliteXC that its promotional agreements have been terminated. While hopeful that litigation will be unnecessary, a draft of complaint has been prepared and forwarded to EliteXC officials. According to the letter, EliteXC has a limited time in order to voluntarily provide the release to all of the fighters, and if EliteXC refuses, MMAFA will file a complaint on behalf of its members.
On November 10, 2008, in an action initially spearheaded by agent Ken Pavia, a group of agents, including Ed Soares and Monte Cox, collaborated to “pool resources” to fight the proposed auction of and transferability of EliteXC’s promotional agreements. “The unity of this effort is unprecedented and the message that is being sent is clear,” declared the agents. Recognizing the success of their prior action, a number of agents sought collective action again in resolving contractual issues with EliteXC.
“This situation has gone on entirely too long,” stated agent Ed Soares. “I can’t have my fighters left in the dark and unable to sign with any promotion they choose.”
“Unfortunately, individual litigation is cost prohibitive for our members. While it is our intention to reduce any unneeded expense,” stated Rob Maysey, “MMAFA has reached out to and contacted top litigation counsel and is prepared to litigate this matter to a conclusion. Fighters and their families have been put in an unfortunate position and are unfairly bearing the burden of EliteXC’s situation.”
Maysey continued, “MMAFA acts only upon the instruction of our fighter members and their representatives. MMAFA has actively solicited input from agents and their respective legal teams. This initiative is truly collaborative and support has been widespread. At this time, our focus is solely on resolving the EliteXC contractual issue for our members.”
About The MMAFA
The MMAFA is a voluntary association of professional mixed martial artists formed to engage in activities that foster the economic interests of and protect the welfare of its members. Additionally, the MMAFA has been established to provide its members with an influential and central voice in matters affecting the world of mixed martial arts.
The organizers
Rob Maysey: An attorney licensed in Arizona, California and Minnesota and a former collegiate athlete with training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Zev J. Eigen: An attorney licensed in California, currently working on his PhD at M.I.T., and a former amateur muay-thai kickboxer.
Matt Maysey: A pitching instructor at Proway Baseball Academy in Houston, Texas, and a former Major League Baseball Player as a pitcher with the Montreal Expos and Milwaukee Brewers.
Jason P. Smith. The director of student services and admissions for the Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington, and a Major in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.
Fighters wishing to join the MMAFA should contact Rob Maysey.
Contacts
Rob Maysey
213-280-0126