Cross-promoting
Szady has had conversations with UFC’s parent company Zuffa and has not been able to make it budge in his direction. But talks with other MMA groups like HDNet Fights, M-1, International Fight League and EliteXC have been promising.

Mike Lynch, WAMMA’s COO, says outside of UFC, other MMA organizations are beginning to realize working with each other has benefits.

“There’s already a trail of cross-promotions,” said Lynch, citing an upcoming show that features Strikeforce USA and EliteXC sharing a fight card in California.

But still there are doubters.

“They might start off with good intentions, but inevitably they end up with crooked rankings and ridiculous sanctioning fees,” said Arias of sanctioning organizations.

WAMMA intends to prove otherwise.

“We’re not asking for a sanctioning fee,” said Szady. “All our funds come from our sponsors, not the fighters.”

The sanctioning group uses ad sales from its web site to sustain itself.

“We’re not here to cause fracturing of titles and watering down the sport,” says Lynch. “We truly are a value to MMA.”

Bottom line, says Lynch, it’s about the best fighting the best.

For recent WAMMA rankings and more on the organization go to www.gowamma.com

Fights coming up
Fri. Feb. 22 – MFC 15: Rags to Riches at River Cree Casino Resort in Edmonton, Canada (877) 377-7774.

Sat. Feb. 23 – Strikeforce at the Dome at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington. (253) 627-8497.

Sat. Feb. 23 – XFO 22 at Holiday Inn in Crystal Lakes, Illinois. (815) 477-7000.