MUMBAI: Legend Fighting Championship (Legend), Asia’s producer of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) entertainment, has announced a strategic investment led by CA Media, LP (CA Media), the Asian division of US-based The Chernin Group, LLC. Diamond Ridge Ventures, LLC (DRV) also invested in the financing round. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 2009, Legend has already hosted four world-class events in Hong Kong and is now expanding to Macau, where it will host the first of a series of four events on 16 July, 2011 at City of Dreams, Macau’s leading integrated casino and entertainment destination. Legend’s strategy is to bring together national champion MMA fighters from throughout the Asia-Pacific to compete in elite-level MMA tournaments at select locations in the region. Legend was co-founded by Michael Haskamp and Chris Pollak, both of whom are managing directors of the business.
CA Media and DRV’s investment will enable Legend to continue to grow with a more expansive and ambitious event schedule. With the support of CA Media and DRV, Legend will aggressively broaden its television and digital media distribution, and build its sponsor relationships, affiliated content and licensed offerings. CA Media CEO Paul Aiello and DRV managing director Josh Swartz will join Legend’s board of directors.
CA Media chairman Peter Chernin said, “We are committed to helping Legend develop its high-quality MMA offering into the leading and most exciting martial arts franchise coming out of Asia – the original home of martial arts – and onto the world stage.”
Haskamp and Pollak added, “CA Media brings a tremendous depth of industry experience and capabilities across media and sports, both globally and here in Asia. As a strategic partner, they are uniquely positioned to help us scale our business in production, distribution, sponsorship and licensing.”
Aiello said, “Legend’s strong track record of audience and reputational growth make them the natural partner to help us raise MMA to the level of popularity in Asia that it has already achieved elsewhere in the world. We are confident that Chris and Mike’s passion, energy and integrity, together with CA Media’s experience in building media and entertainment businesses, will help Legend become the undisputed leader in MMA content originating from Asia.”
