By: Patricia Rodriguez

Welcome to the electrifying world of combat sports, where innovation meets adrenaline and only the boldest dare to lead. At the forefront of this exhilarating space, we have Anatoly Sulyanov. As the mastermind behind Hardcore FC, a trailblazing league in the MMA universe, Sulyanov has been rewriting the rules and redefining the essence of combat fight events since the league’s inception in 2021. 

But Sulyanov’s mission goes far beyond mere fights. He’s a maestro of experiences, putting together spectacles that seize the imagination and challenge the very limits of what’s achievable in the arena. From enticing MMA legends like Francis Ngannou with unprecedented purses to conjuring crossover showdowns that shatter expectations, Sulyanov is the driving pulse of combat sports evolution.

And now, in this exclusive interview, we chatted about Sulyanov’s latest triumph—the 11th Hardcore Fighting Championship. Strap in, hold tight, and get ready to witness history in the making. 

How did the monumental idea of hosting a Star Wars-themed tournament and pitting the forces of good against evil come to you?

Imagine the clash between the light and dark sides of the Force as a primal dance of humanity’s deepest emotions. It’s this very essence that fuels our epic battles, where true victory lies. The dark side, by its very nature, pulses with raw energy, drawing people into a whirlwind of envy, disgust, hatred, and contempt.

Our brainchild, the Hard Wars tour – a thrilling journey into the heart of darkness, where we’ve transformed temptation into a roaring commercial success. We’re not just pushing the boundaries of combat entertainment, we’re reshaping how audiences perceive the grandeur and intensity of sports, one mind-blowing show at a time.

What drew you to embrace the stylistic essence of Star Wars?

For over half a century, the vast universe and profound philosophy of Star Wars have captivated the hearts and minds of billions and that is still very much there. By tapping into this rich piece of cinematography with its unique language and cultural symbolism, we’ve unlocked the key to conveying our messages with striking clarity. 

Within our universe, combat serves as a vivid portrayal of the timeless struggle between opposing forces. And with hundreds of millions of views, our audience pays homage to the core essence of Hardcore Media.

The audience doesn’t want to see something one-dimensional. They want a storyline, drama, tragedy, and a real show. Hardcore Media is bringing it to them. 

Can we expect more of these gripping tournaments in the future, featuring bare-knuckle brawls? And might there be any surprises in store?

We’re masters of crafting jaw-dropping spectacles that exceed even our wildest expectations. When fans grab a ticket, they’re in for an electrifying ride – after all, it’s the hallmark style of Hardcore Media. But what lies in wait remains a mystery, but I must say that there is just so much in the works and we are bringing the world a fully new entertainment concept. 

The Hard Wars tour is a sprawling global series of tournaments where we’ve already left our mark on arenas worldwide. And as for what’s next? Let’s just say our expansion plans are about to hit warp speed. Buckle Up! 

You’ve staged fights in both Dubai and the USA. How do you perceive the contrasts between the bouts held in America versus those in Dubai?

Picture the hunger for an electrifying spectacle spanning continents – whether you’re in the USA, Dubai, Kazakhstan, or any corner of the globe, the Hardcore Media experience knows no bounds. Dubai tournaments are a testament to our widespread appeal and organizational prowess, while the vast potential of the American market will for sure get us to new heights of global conquest.

We’re currently settling down in the office in Florida and already have the promotional license on hand. America doesn’t know what’s coming! One thing we can assure for sure – THIS WILL BE EPIC!

Share with us your vision. Are you aiming to elevate Hardcore Fighting into a prominent international league?

We’ve already cemented our status as a formidable international entity. With the finest fighters from five continents gracing our competitions and UFC legends stepping into the ring, we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.

What sets Hardcore Fighting apart from the rest?

We’re the fusion of high-stakes professional sports and blockbuster show business. 

Each stadium we grace is larger than the last, and every tournament is infused with unrivalled drama and match quality. We’re trailblazers, for new frontiers that others can only dream of, and there’s no stopping us in the foreseeable future.

Tell us all about your latest reality show. Who are the stars?

Thank you for this question. It is a very exciting endeavour. HARDCORE FC involves a diverse group of 16 fighters from across the globe, each with their own captivating story and athletic journey. Under the guidance of UFC legends Tyron Woodley and Luke Rockhold and other coaching and flighting stars like Javier Mendez and Khamzat Chimaev, they battled it out for their moment in the spotlight and a chance at an unprecedented grand prize.

The raw, unfiltered drama that unfolded surpassed even our wildest expectations. Trust me, you’ll find yourself rooting for your favourite fighter and hanging on to the edge of your seat from the very beginning. And as always, we’ve got plenty of surprises in store to keep you hooked.

How long can viewers expect the show to run, where were the shoots held, and what’s at stake for the participants?

The Show will have 12 action-packed episodes filmed against the breathtaking backdrop of Dubai, spanning dozens of locations across the emirate. Participants will face gruelling challenges amidst the luxurious setting of a grand villa – a crucible for the heroes of our show.

And as for the main prize… Well, that’s a secret we’re keeping for now.

Where can viewers catch the show?

To make a splash in the American market, we’re seeking out the perfect platform to showcase our captivating offering. Stay tuned for some big announcements — it’s going to be loud.

Published By: Aize Perez