UFC Events Expected to Bring Significant Economic Boost to Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission has landed two major Ultimate Fighting Championship events that are expected to generate millions of dollars in economic benefits for the state and local economies.
The UFC events set for June 26 in Pittsburgh’s Consol Energy Center and Aug. 6 in Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center could generate between $6 million and $8 million in total economic activity, based on a study of similar events in New York.
Harrisburg native and Penn State All-American wrestler Phil Davis will headline the Philadelphia event, while Hollidaysburg native Charlie Brenneman will be showcased in Pittsburgh.
“With both events featuring Pennsylvania fighters, we project total ticket sales for the two days of about 19,000,” said Greg Sirb, executive director of the State Athletic Commission, which oversees boxing, mixed martial arts and professional wrestling in Pennsylvania. The commission is part of the Department of State. Read more
UFC Accepting Applications for Fighters on Jobbi.com
Jobbi.com announced that it joined forces with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), in a combined effort to make it easy for people interested in applying to be a fighter with UFC.
With thousands of fighters applying annually to the UFC for the opportunity to fight in the Octagon, applicants can now post their profiles, videos, photos and their fight history on Jobbi.com. A simple application is then automatically shared directly with UFC management for their review.
“Together with the UFC, we’ve created a streamlined process that makes it simple for new fighters and UFC management to connect with each other. There is also a social component that makes it easy for general public to get involved. People can talk with fighters, watch videos of applicants, and show their support for their favorite fighters,” said Lawrence Vaughan, co-founder of Jobbi.com.
The most popular applicants determined by public support will be featured 24/7 on UFC.com and Jobbi.com. Based on public feedback and UFC management’s evaluation, the next new fighters for UFC will be selected on a recurring basis.
“It is an exciting, ongoing process to determine who will ultimately get their dream job fighting for the UFC,” said Vaughan.
Fighters will be announced as they are hired.
Follow along or apply at:
http://ufc.com/BecomeAFighter or http://Jobbi.com/ufc
UFC Fans Vote Brendan Schaub as the 19th Recipient of the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award
Tequila CAZADORES, Official Spirits Sponsor of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), is proud to announce the 19th recipient and repeat winner of the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award – heavyweight fighter Brendan Schaub, known for his well-rounded fighting abilities.
Tequila CAZADORES and UFC invited fans (21+) to decide the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award winner for UFC 128. Consumers had the opportunity to vote online at UFC.com for the fighter they thought demonstrated social responsibility, dedication to their art form, and good sportsmanship; the core values behind the Tequila CAZADORES brand and its sponsorship with UFC.
Brendan’s win was announced LIVE on March 16, 2011, at UFC 128 in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as on Pay-Per-View® during the fighter’s walk out to the Octagon™. Tequila CAZADORES congratulates Brendan on his win and would like to thank the increasingly growing number of fans for voting and supporting the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award.
Brendan attended the University of Colorado, where he received a full athletic scholarship and played four years as a fullback on the football team. After college, he played professional football in the Arena Football League and spent time on the practice squad in the NFL. Brendan was introduced to mixed martial arts by his father who is a 2nd degree black belt in Karate and Tae Kwon Do. As the winner of the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award, Tequila CAZADORES presented Brendan with a plaque and a check for a $1,000 donation made in his name to the Colorado Humane Society & SPCA.
“Brendan’s tenacious spirit and drive make him a model recipient for the Tequila CAZADORES Spirit Award,” said Fannie Young, vice president and brand managing director, Tequila CAZADORES, “Brendan has a deep commitment to mixed martial arts and his community and truly embodies the core values of our brand.” Read more
Lightweight Champions Edgar and Alvarez Square Off This Week on HDNet’s Inside MMA
Plus, Lorenzo Fertitta on an all new ‘Fighting Words with Mike Straka’, Friday, March 4 on HDNet
MMA’s Lightweight division is arguably the most competitive weight class in the sport with three champions in three different promotions jockeying for the top spot. Politics will almost certainly keep them from tangling in the cage anytime soon, but this Friday, the top 155 pound dogs from the UFC and Bellator will be side-by-side on HDNet’s “Inside MMA” at 9:00 p.m. ET.
UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar and Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez join Kenny and Bas to talk about who the best lightweight in the world really is. Edgar and Alvarez also talk about training together and whether or not the two will ever face each other. Both also discuss the potential drop to 145.
The panel also breaks down the highlights from UFC 127 and MFC 28 and takes a look ahead to Bellator’s season 3 kick off and Strikeforce™ Columbus.
Plus, Chuck Liddell talks about the future of MMA in part two of his sit-down interview with Kenny Rice and Ron Kruck travels to Wanderlei Silva’s training center in Las Vegas for the latest stop on his “Inside America’s Gyms” tour. Read more
The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs Team dos Santos Cast is Announced
14 Welterweights To Vie For A Six-Figure Contract With The UFC
Premieres Wednesday, March 30 At 9:00 PM ET/PT On Spike TV
The 13th season of Spike TV’s popular original series, “The Ultimate Fighter” will feature 14 of the best unsigned mixed martial artists in the welterweight division (170 lbs) competing for a six-figure contract with the preeminent mixed martial organization in the world, The Ultimate Fighting Championship. The new season premieres Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 9:00 PM ET/PT featuring Brock Lesnar and Junior dos Santos as coaches, two of the most intriguing figures in the sport of mixed martial arts.
From San Diego, CA to New Orleans, LA, to Dusseldorf, Germany, the 14 fighters have all gathered in Las Vegas with one goal – to become the next “The Ultimate Fighter.” During the ten episode run of the show, under the tutelage of coaches Lesnar and dos Santos, the competitors endure a grueling regimen of jiu-jitsu, judo, Muay Thai, karate, boxing and wrestling. The intense competition among the fighters continues after they leave the gym – at the Ultimate Fighter House. These warriors must live together, knowing that any day they might be forced to fight each other in the famed UFC Octagon.
The two finalists will square off in a live finale on Spike TV Saturday, June 4 , where the winner will be declared “The Ultimate Fighter” and net the six-figure contract. UFC President Dana White will once again serve as host of the series.
The following are the members of this season’s cast: Read more