Affliction Entertainment VP Tom Atencio is stepping back into a mixed martial arts cage. However, surprisingly, he will not be competing on an Affliction pay-per-view telecast.Atencio has agreed to compete on the upcoming June 27 MMA pay-per-view show at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Miss. Yesterday, FanHouse reported that Bobby Lashley vs. Bob Sapp would headline that event.
"They don't think it's right for me to fight for my own event," Atencio said when reached in Russia and asked why he wasn't competing on an Affliction card. "I love this industry and I just want to fight.
"I love this sport and I am not a wannabe. I've fought before and I have respect for anyone who steps into the ring win, lose or draw. They're doing something that most of the world will never do."
Atencio added that Affliction is still "100% behind" his decision to compete again.
As of right now, Atencio is still not sure who he will be facing. He said he thinks the fight will be contested at 160 pounds.
"I think 160, maybe 155," Atencio said. "Not sure I can make 155 at 42 years old."
Atencio made his MMA debut in January 2005. He defeated David Martinez via decision.
When asked why he decided to resume his MMA fighting career while he has so much on his plate promoting Affliction events, Atencio had a simple response:
"I love my life," he said.
Also scheduled for the Prize Fight Promotions MMA card is a heavyweight fight between Pedro Rizzo (16-8) and Gilbert Yvel (35-13-1).
