Affliction VP discusses Arlovski, Tito Ortiz, Trump and future events

Although we are just days away from UFC 85, the media -- both MMA and mainstream -- have their sights set on an organization yet to hold their first event.

Affliction Entertainment made waves today at a New York City press conference by announcing a newly formed partnership with business-mogul extraordinaire Donald Trump, as well as the signing of ex-UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski.

Moments after the close of that press conference, Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio shared further details of the group's plans on TAGG Radio.

"It was phenomenal," Atencio said regarding the conference. "The press that was there, it was great."

The conference was hosted at Trump Tower by new partner and building owner Trump. Atencio said the benefit of having Trump on board was immediately evident.

"[Trump] is an equity partner," Atencio said. "What he brings to the table is mainstream. He's bringing it out, and I think more people are going to pay attention to it with his stamp of approval on it. He's got a great television show, and he's in the media all the time. So, absolutely, what he's bringing is more people to the table."

Affliction also announced the signing of Arlovski and his scheduled bout with IFL heavyweight Ben Rothwell. But Atencio said beyond filling the July 19 card, Affliction is already beginning to sign talent in preparation for future shows.

"We're obviously going to use the winners from this one and use them for the next event as well," Atencio said. "Aside from that, I have Mark Hominick and Savant Young, [145 pounders]. I personally think that's going to be a great fight. There are a lot of people who don't know who Mark Hominick and Savant Young are. Believe me; they're going to know who they are after this fight."

In fact, Atencio said Affliction is already making arrangements for two more shows after their July debut. Although sites and dates have yet to be finalized, Atencio envisions the show traveling throughout the U.S.

"Hopefully we can match this (level of talent), or maybe even do better for the next show," Atencio said. "Right now, we're looking at three events. We're looking at July 19. We're looking at October, possibly November, and then February. ... We're looking to move the show around. There are fans all over the country, so we want to make sure they're able to come and see the fights as well."

Atencio also disputed the claim that Affliction is simply looking at MMA as an elaborate commercial in which to push its clothing line, and he confirmed that the group would be financially responsible when offering contracts to potential fighters.

"We are looking to make money," Atencio said. "Who goes into business to lose money? I sure don't. Is it going to work to bring brand awareness? Absolutely. We're looking to make it a win-win situation for us and the fighters."

One of those fighters could be a recent UFC castoff. During today's press conference, Trump confirmed that the organization is hoping to land former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz. Trump and Ortiz teamed up on a celebrity version of his popular reality series, "The Apprentice," earlier this year.

However, as for rumors of a possible Randy Couture vs. Fedor Emelianenko super-fight, Atencio said that is an impossibility -- for now.

Randy's got his legal problems, so that's not even something I can even talk about (or) touch," Atencio said. "It's not even an issue right now. ... (But) that's the fight that the fans want to see. If we can facilitate that, great."