Legend Fighting gets VC funding for martial arts events
Legend Fighting Championship, a producer of mixed martial arts (MMA) fighting shows in Hong Kong and Macau, has received an undisclosed capital commitment from investors CA Media, which is the Asian division of US-based The Chernin Group, and Diamond Ridge Ventures.
Legend recruits national-champion MMA fighters from across Asia Pacific to compete in elite-level live tournaments. Launched in 2009, the group has hosted four shows to date in Hong Kong, and will put on its first fighting event in Macau this weekend at the City of Dreams.
According to the outfit, the newly raised capital will be used to fund future events and boost its television and digital-media distribution. The exposure will enable Legend to and build its sponsor relationships, affiliated content and licensed offerings, Michael Haskamp and Chris Pollack, Legend's founders and managing directors, said.
Haskamp and Pollack have self-funded the venture to date, and the additional investment comes at a crucial time for Legend. "CA Media and Diamond Ridge are some of the most savvy and well-connected media players out there. What they bring to the table is more than financial support - they bring a level of expertise and relationships that will propel Legend to the next level," Haskamp told AVCJ. "We couldn't be more excited about this new partnership, and what it means for MMA in Asia in general, and Legend in particular."
As part of the transaction, Paul Aiello, CEO of CA Media and former CEO of Star TV, and Josh Swartz, DRV managing director and former Wasserman Media Group COO, will join Legend's board of directors.
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