UMMAF, Xplode part ways

MMAFighting.com’s Marc Raimondi recently did a three-part series on a controversial, unregulated show in California – XPlode MMA.

Part 1: Viral KO video spurs state investigation into unsanctioned MMA events in California

Part 2: Xplode explained: A look inside unsanctioned MMA events in California

Part 3: Worth the risk? Fighters explain why they compete on unsanctioned shows

Fighters who ‘no show’ are a big problem in the regional level. Big shows are entranced by long win streaks. And medicals can cost up to $1,000. Founder Gregg Sharpe organizes his XPlode Fight Series events so that by many accounts medicals including bloodwork are optional, and an opponent will always be found or your money back even if the opponent is 0-20.

Early this month, Sharpe agreed to bring in an independent sanctioning body.

“I have recognized the need to have an independent third-party relationship working with XFS with a strong level of integrity, trust and credibility that was financially feasible for us for a long time,” said Sharp to Raimodi for MMA Fighting. “It is truly the key for us to be able to take the next step with our company and the timing for XFS worked out well. Until I was able to talk to UMMAF, I was not able to find what we were in need of. Now that we have a working partnership with UMMAF moving forward we are excited for what the future holds for XFS.”

Less than a month later,Ryan C. Brueggeman, Director of Operations / Compliance for the UMMAF has declared the relationship over.

The United States Mixed Martial Arts Federation has announced a dissolution of sanctioning of Xplode Fight Series after being unable to reach a mutual agreement regarding medical requirements as set forth by the California State Athletic Commission for professional fighters.

After speaking with XFS CEO Gregg Sharpe we have come to a mutual agreement to terminate the relationship between our organizations. says UMMAF Director of Operations Ryan Brueggeman.

UMMAF stands firm in its commitment to upholding and enforcing each states medical requirements as set forth by many of their governments as well as cooperating with the ABC to enforce best practices as required in their respective states, and this commitment has made UMMAF sanctioning unfeasible for the direction XFS has decided to take.

We had high hopes for Xplode fight Series and it was our earnest desire to move forward, however it became clear over the last week that our ideals were too far apart regarding sanctioning. Says Brueggeman.

It is our sincere hope that XFS finds credible sanctioning for the safety of its fighters and the progression of Mixed Martial Arts and that the standard of success is not measured by which major promotion signs a fighter or by cost cutting, but by safety, credibility, and recognition by credible sanctioning bodies such as UMMAF and the ABC.

You can learn more about UMMAF at usammakif.org or on facebook.com/USAMMAKIF.