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