UFC Embraces Mexico as a Potential New Market for Mixed Martial Arts
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is the fastest growing sport in the world, and sees incredible potential in Mexico. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which recently announced a reported seven-year, $100 million partnership with FOX Sports Network, is enthusiastic about both Mexican fighters and fans.
One reason the Mexican market is attractive to the UFC is that many top-tier MMA fighters are Mexican or Mexican-American. Names such as Cain Velasquez, Dominick Cruz, Tito Ortiz, Miguel Torres, Roger Huerta, and Gilbert Melendez shine in the UFC and are considered elite martial artists.
In recent interviews with MexicoToday, UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz credited the incredible work ethic of the Mexican fighter to this success, whereas rising UFC contender Aaron Rosa explained Mexican athletes such as himself have the heart that set them apart. Read more
UFC Event on Aug. 6 Expected to Boost Philadelphia Regional Economy
The Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission expects a major Ultimate Fighting Championship event on Aug. 6 will generate millions of dollars in regional and state economic benefits.
The Rashard Evans vs. Tito Ortiz bout will headline the UFC card Saturday at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center.
Philadelphia’s UFC event, combined with a similar event at Pittsburgh’s Consol Energy Center June 26, could generate between $6 million and $8 million in total economic activity, based on a study of similar events in New York. Attendance in Pittsburgh exceeded projections by 3 percent.
“With these two well-known fighters in the main event, we project ticket sales for Philadelphia to total about 12,000,” said Greg Sirb, executive director of the State Athletic Commission. The commission, which oversees boxing, mixed martial arts and professional wrestling in Pennsylvania, is part of the Department of State.
Sirb has promoted Pennsylvania for UFC events since the sport was legalized here in 2009. He believes Pennsylvania is the first state other than Nevada to attract two UFC events in the same summer. If these dates are successful, Sirb expects more UFC bouts and their overnight visitors will come to Pennsylvania in the future.
“Hotels, restaurants, bars, and other service businesses near the venue will see large increases in business,” Sirb said. Estimated ticket sales of 12,000 would be expected to generate between $4 million and $5 million for Philadelphia’s economy; the 7,000 attendees projected for Pittsburgh were expected to mean between $2 million and $3 million for that area. Read more
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