Former International Fight League (IFL) Welterweight Champion Jay Hieron has followed in the path of his Xtreme Couture teammates Mike Pyle and Chris Horodecki, announcing his intent to sign a one-year three-fight deal with Affliction MMA promotion.Hieron last week told that he had offers on the table from EliteXC, UFC and Affliction, but the clothing company turned MMA promotion brought the best deal.
"They came and offered me what I thought I was worth, and I'm happy to be a part of it," he said.
Hieron and his lawyer are currently in due diligence with the contract, ironing out details of pay and exclusivity. He says he would like to test his skills overseas if the opportunity were there.
"I know I could definitely fight overseas, and I'm trying to see what we're doing entails in the States," he said.
The signing ends a two-month period of limbo for Hieron's career following the cancellation of the IFL's August 15 card at the Izod Center in New Jersey. He said he had heard rumors of the company's demise, but didn't take them seriously until the event was cancelled.
"I'm finally going to see where my career's going," he said. "Now I can just put my mind at ease and train and know I have a home. Get back to what I love doing, and that's competing."
Now, the search is on to find the welterweight division a worthy opponent. A quick survey of Affliction's welterweight ranks shows that the company needs to import more talent to keep Hieron busy in the next year. The only other notable fighter in the division is his Xtreme Couture teammate Mike Pyle, and that's not even an option for him.
Hieron said he has already begun training for October 11's event "Day of Reckoning" and should know more about his opponent soon.
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