Fedor Emelianenko featured in new Affliction/M-1 reality series *updated*

[Bluto]

On Thursday at a press conference at Trump Tower in New York City, Affliction Entertainment announced a partnership with M-1 Global to produce "Fighting Fedor," a new reality show featuring famed heavyweight Russian fighter Fedor Emelianenko.

Trump Enterprises, led by business mogul and Affliction executive Donald Trump, is also supporting the program.

"Fighting Fedor" will feature 16 heavyweight fighters competing in a tournament format. The talent, culled from around the world, will arrive at the Red Devil camp in St. Peterburg, Russia, for the competition until one winner emerges.

[Bluto]

I'm not sure facing Fedor at the end of the show is that great a prize 

[chixlegs]

Gee I wonder where they got that idea from?

I wonder what channel it will be on.  I'll watch.

[Bluto]

The show's organizers today confirmed additional details of the series:

    * The show begins filming in April 2009, and 15 episodes will be produced. The series will be taped in St. Petersburg, Russia, which is home to Emelianenko's Red Devil club.
    * Based on the production schedule, the earliest possible debut date for the series will be June 2009.
    * Emelianenko will be part of the group that screens potential contestants; their decisions will be based on the "athletic ability... character and marketability" of each fighter, according to today's press release.
    * The fighters will be recruited from all over the world.
    * In order to produce the series, Affliction and M-1 have renewed an existing partnership. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
    * Trump, who's had success with his own reality series, "The Apprentice," will be in Russia for portions of the taping.