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