Issue 145
September 2016
Nobody is better positioned to find out fighters’ sincere thoughts when they step out of the cage than Megan Olivi
Leading Woman
FO heads off the mats with MMA’s most powerful coaches, executives and personalities
The first lady of UFC conversations was once almost lost to the polarizing world of politics. Megan Olivi aspired to coordinate campaigns in New York City, but candidates’ loss was MMA fans’ gain. She has unmatched access to UFC stars across the world and her aptitude for an interview allows her to uncover revelations unlike anyone else.
Despite her degree in political science, Megan Olivi wasn’t long for that world. Her broadcast talents were spotted when she spent time at Fox News under the wing of news-channel heavy hitters Brian Kilmeade, Greta Van Susteren and Megyn Kelly.
But the New Jersey native decided during the 2008 presidential election there were a lot of people in the polarizing world of politics who just weren’t very nice. Luckily, by this time she had been introduced to mixed martial arts.
Olivi became a regular at World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) events because of her partner – now husband – Joseph Benavidez, who was one of the organization’s top bantamweight fighters. The UFC’s sister promotion hosted the lighter weight classes at the turn of the decade and was the place where she fell in love with the sport because of its chaotic caged battles.
“My brother wrestled at the smallest weight classes,” she explains. “When you look at NCAA wrestling and boxing, you’re excited about the little guys now. The WEC was exactly that. There was never a bad fight. The fighters were so pumped to have a place to compete and it was so intimate. I was so excited every time there was a card. Man, they were the best fights.”
Her experiences exposed her to the personalities behind the action. Unlike Republicans and Democrats, who merely engaged in verbal warfare, these guys fought for real. But they were so much more amiable.
“They deserved so much more coverage than they got. It was probably easier access. The guys who came from the WEC maybe look at the media a little bit different. Donald Cerrone always says he’s grateful for that experience. It kind of prepared them. You can see them really embrace media obligations and give 100% no matter who they’re speaking to – whether it’s Good Morning America or just a fan who wants a picture.”
When the opportunity emerged for Olivi to take a job in the industry and interview these men, she took it – moving from New York City to the West Coast to work for Heavy.com before making her way to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
And unlike other female ‘reporters’ that have been employed by MMA promotions in the past, the 29-year-old wasn’t brought in to just be a pretty face. And she was determined to legitimize her role. Olivi is 100% engaged with the sport and devoted to giving the athletes the spotlight they deserve.
“Any girl can put on a G-string and pose backwards for the camera. At the end of the day, none of this is about me. It’s about the person who sits across from me and making sure the audience gets to know them. The joy is getting these men and women that are so incredible, who don’t have their stories out there, to share them with the people of the world. That’s what drives me.”
And despite being “five-foot-nothing and looking very young”, she soon ingratiated herself into a world of 265lb heavyweights and exposed their personalities to UFC fans from Melbourne to Montreal. Though that doesn’t mean she was never daunted by the task at hand. But even the most unapproachable athletes are no match for Olivi’s microphone.
“In terms of people who were intimidating, the first thing that comes to mind is Brock Lesnar because he did not allow a lot of media to interview him,” she explains. “This man is giant. He has to cut weight to make heavyweight. He has this reputation of being not very personable but he couldn’t have been nicer. He shook my hand, he called me ma’am. He was great.”
And as a woman who can get one of sport’s most firmly closed books to open up, Olivi has to be one of MMA’s best bets for a first-class tête-à-tête.
She got game
Bred on the mat
Traditionally, members of the MMA media are not built for athletic endeavors. But through her wrestling brother and boxing grandfather, Olivi says she’s well versed in the disciplines that make up the sport.
“I grew up on a wrestling mat,” she reveals. “I had no choice. I’ve got a double-leg and real good high-crotch takedown. (Boxing) is such a fun thing for me and Muay Thai is super fun. I can crack! I’ve got a good right hand. A lot of fans might not realize who could beat up who if there’s a challenge.”
Not that Fighters Only is suggesting a throwdown with Ariel Helwani. Though if they did: “I’d kick his ass,” Olivi whispers. “It would be my pleasure (laughs)!”
...
