Press Release: IFL introduces new six-sided ring called "The Hex"
Unique fight surface developed by IFL, Throwdown Industries will debut August 15 in New Jersey
NEW YORK, May 8, 2008 – The International Fight League (IFLI: OTC.BB) today announced it is in the process of developing a hexagon-shaped mixed martial arts ring, to be used in future IFL competitions. The new ring, created in conjunction with Throwdown Industries, the makers of Throwdown Energy Drink, will debut on Friday, August 15, at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J. The fight card for that event will be announced in June.
Dubbed “The Hex,” the six-sided surface will measure 24 feet across (27’ 8 ½” end-to-end) and will be enclosed by five ropes. The use of The Hex maintains the viewing advantage for fans in attendance as well as the television audience that the ring provides, while also allowing for the strategic benefits of a hexagonal surface.
“From a production and live event standpoint, the ring has proven to be the most fan and media friendly environment, as well as providing the safest possible environment for our athletes,” said Jay Larkin, IFL CEO. “The Hex allows for the larger surface that is utilized in other MMA organizations while still retaining the advantages we have enjoyed with the ring.”
A prototype of The Hex is currently being constructed and will be housed in Las Vegas. Throwdown, the leader in MMA Gyms and Training centers, has built training centers and personal gyms for the top MMA athletes in the world. Athletes and coaches will have the opportunity to work out in it prior to the August 15 New Jersey event.
“‘The Hex’ is quite different from the other world-class MMA facilities we have built,” said Throwdown President Mike McIntyre. “We are excited to be putting our expertise to work in developing what we feel will be an optimal surface for the sport as it continues to grow.”
too bad they can't throw a
too bad they can't throw a cage around it...
Underboss MMAfia
Head of the West Coast Family
ULTIMATE CHALLENGE CHAMPION UFC 83
The IFL seems to strongly
The IFL seems to strongly believe that "mainstream" fans are turned off by cages and that the ring offers better viewing.
I'm not sure if the ring is the problem for the IFL though...I can't see the company turning it around suddenly because of the hex...
It's an unfortunately ironic name actually...
haha...had to think for a
haha...had to think for a second!
Underboss MMAfia
Head of the West Coast Family
ULTIMATE CHALLENGE CHAMPION UFC 83
they're desperate huh? maybe
they're desperate huh? maybe they're trying to make the stock rise a penny and then get the hell out of there while they can?
I have seen live events with
I have seen live events with both a cage and a ring... I guess there was a slight advantage to the ring... not really that much though. I think a 'hex' sounds a little gimmicky...
Either way, it's sad the IFL is not doing better... they would have been my personal pick for the ideal competition to the UFC. To me there is a certain amount of authenticity primarily because of the people involved... and I really like the idea of 'schools' being identified as the 'teams' in the league. Getting behind the various schools and thier primary styles really would help to educate the fans more and eventually draw more interest if it would have been done properly (I think)...
BTW - did they lose thier tv deal because I have not seen them on in AGES (even re-runs)....
i watched the IFL everytime
i watched the IFL everytime i knew it was on...
they did lose their tv deal and they only they're only on hdnet for the next 3 shows...it's on the headlines or something...
Underboss MMAfia
Head of the West Coast Family
ULTIMATE CHALLENGE CHAMPION UFC 83
so ... it's like the TNA
so ... it's like the TNA wrestling ring, except it has more ropes?
All in all, I'm not a huge
All in all, I'm not a huge fan of the ring. I think it disrupts action if fighters go through the ropes or have to be restarted in the center.
I like that this ring is bigger. I don't think the shape of it makes one bit of difference. I like the IFL. The last event I was at had some great fights. Unfortunately, UFC, EliteXC, and to a lesser degree Strikeforce are making better moves right now and have more visibility.
In addition, I believe we are inevitably going to see the elimination of the team/camp format. I loved the idea but MMA is in essence an individual sport and has to be marketed that way.
it wasn't the IFL's format
it wasn't the IFL's format that didn't appeal to me, it was the feeling that i wasn't watching a fight in real time. there were fast-forwards, cuts to audience members ... stuff that made the presentation more movie-like than an actual fight.
i think the team idea wasnt bad ... the regional thing seemed contrived but the aspect of your camp competing as a camp was inventive and ok with me.
it just felt fake because of the presentation style.
Exactly Bosco! I hate the
Exactly Bosco! I hate the FF's and time lapse's. They did it in Pride too, but somehow it didnt have that same gimmick feel. I really like the camps... it is an individual performance, but most fans tend to favor different styles. Once you get to know the various major camps and the styles to primarily use... it helps you to know what to expect from a fighter you have never heard of before coming out of a certain camp. It instantly gives me someoen to cheer for... or against.
Bosco and Sixtus, I think
Bosco and Sixtus,
I think both of your comments point to the fact that pre-packaged taped fights don't sell a league. For the IFL to succeed they need live televised events on a network with more reach than HDNet... I don't see it happening.
Maybe they can team up with another league to form a new promotion. They have some very good athletes and some up-and-coming talent and are tapped in to all the major camps in this country. It would be a shame to see them go. I like their league...
I'm glad they're being
I'm glad they're being unconventional, but at the same time, I'm a little curious as to why they chose to stay with the ring. It doesn't make much sense as American fans seem so attached to the cage concept and the marketing the IFL is doing is not international.
That said, it'll be interesting to see how the new arrangement changes the fighting styles of fighters, and I tend to think that it will benefit wrestlers (rounder fighting arenas tend to benefit guys who like to shoot), but we'll have the wait and see.
For a fan's view I enjoy the
For a fan's view I enjoy the ring much more. I've spent thousands going to UFC's and my view has been obstructed b/c of the cage. Never have I had that problem with the ring.
On the flip side, I think the IFL would do much better with a cage, I really do. I think it's what the fans want, so let them have it. I like the IFL alot, it would be a big time shame to see them fold.
"Sometimes you're flush and sometimes you're bust, and when you're up, it's never as good as it seems, and when you're down, you never think you'll be up again, but life goes on."