MMA Elite Brand Owner Alden Halpern Announces Resignation As CEO

As first reported by FightParrot.com, MMA Elite Owner Alden Halpern has officially stepped down as acting CEO of the premiere sports apparel brand.

Although he has decided to part ways with the MMA industry for personal reasons, he will still retain ownership and majority share of the company. Stepping in to fulfill the role of CEO will be current MMA Elite President Steven Jolna. In addition, Lucas Pires will step up as Vice-President of the company.

Halpern’s disappointment with the current display of professionalism in the MMA world is the main reason for his departure. In his interview with Fight Parrot, Halpern discussed his current feelings towards the industry.

I’m tired of the rumors and nonsense. People I thought were friends [in the industry] turn out to not care. I become personally involved with everything I do, but it all comes down to money with these guys. I feel under-appreciated. I know I’m not perfect, but I try. I try to go overboard to help out.”

The controversy surrounding the recent news of Cheick Kongo’s departure from the UFC was the final push that led to Halpern’s exit:

It was originally reported by a national media outlet that Alden Halpern announced Kongo’s release from the organization as his manager. This was far from the truth, yet a whirlwind of negative attention came crashing down on Halpern.

Despite the recent negativity, Halpern remains positive, and explains that there are some good people he friended in the industry.

I still think [Mixed Martial Arts] is the greatest sport on the planet. I still made a lot of great connections in this industry, and am still friends with guys like King Mo [Muhammad Lawal] and Michael Bisping among others.”