| While the UFC is the most popular mixed martial arts | | | | IFL fights are broadcast on FSN and MyNetwork and |
| fighting organization in the U.S., the International Fight | | | | although are not as popular as UFC fights are gaining |
| League or IFL is working to rival the UFC for | | | | popularity as mixed martial arts get more popular in |
| attention. | | | | general. The event is also trying to change mixed |
| The International Fight League was founded in | | | | martial arts convention in the way they treat their |
| January of 2006 and has a different approach to | | | | players. Because the IFL uses a team format, they |
| mixed martial arts competition by using team match | | | | want to offer regular fighters a base salary and even |
| ups. Each team has a coach and fighters in each of | | | | health insurance as well as fight winnings. These ideas |
| five weight classes. This team approach is closer to | | | | are quite revolutionary for the world of mixed martial |
| wrestling where remembers face off and each | | | | arts but will probably prove popular with both fighters |
| victory counts as points for the team. The first team | | | | and mixed martial arts fans. International Fight League |
| to win three out of five matches is declared the | | | | fighters still make a decent living, most make |
| winner. | | | | between five and six figures depending on their fight |
| Teams compete throughout the season and the two | | | | records and performance. |
| winning teams then compete for the team | | | | The International Fight League is also different form |
| championship. Like other sports, each league name is | | | | the UFC because it offers their fighters more |
| related to the city in which they train. The IFL also | | | | security. The UFC is quick to drop fighters that are |
| holds open drafts to find new talent unlike the UFC. | | | | not performing well. The International Fight League |
| They seek skilled fighters that will add excitement to | | | | puts more weight on the team aspect and the |
| the sport of mixed martial arts. | | | | excitement of the match. As long as an International |
| Although the IFL focuses on the team aspect, they | | | | Fight League fighter puts on an exciting show, they |
| still allow for individual matches and championships. | | | | are likely to stick around. |
| The company takes the top competitors from each | | | | Although the event is not yet as popular as the UFC, |
| of its weight classes and has them compete in | | | | as mixed martial arts become more popular the |
| individual matches for a championship title. This | | | | league is sure to gain even more fans. The UFC |
| practice appeases the team format critics and also | | | | faced extreme opposition in its early days, but the |
| gives recognition to the fighters. Fighters get the | | | | International Fight League has not endured as much |
| chance to highlight their individual skills and win | | | | controversy so it is sure to gain rapid popularity in |
| championship title just for themselves. | | | | the years to come. |