WSOF Looking to Acquire MMA World Expo, Targets Events in NYC

Las Vegas-based MMA promotion World Series of Fighting announced Friday its intentions on acquiring the New York-based MMA World Expo. The WSOF signed a letter of intent to acquire the expo and, pending New York State Athletic Commission approval, the promotion plans to host a series of bouts at the seventh annual affair at Manhattan’s Jacob Javits Center in December.

The announcement comes on the heels of the historic passage of legalized mixed martial arts throughout the Empire State last month. The WSOF opened a satellite office in midtown Manhattan three months ago and just two weeks ago, the company appointed Michael Mersch to the dual role of Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel. Mersch was one of the key figures involved in the charge to legalize the sport in New York.

The MMA World Expo also serves as the site to an assortment of martial arts seminars, jiu-jitsu and wrestling tournaments, muay Thai events as well as a fan expo filled with vendors, instructors, martial arts legends and athletes.

“This is a very exciting and momentous time for our great sport,” said World Series of Fighting CEO Carlos Silva. “We could not be more thrilled to take significant steps towards becoming owners of the MMA World Expo, which has been consistently delivering an incredible fan experience for the last six years and which will make for a great home for live World Series of Fighting action at a landmark location in Manhattan.”

WSOF officials will announce additional details about its MMA World Expo acquisition plans at a later date.