Issue 106
October 2013
The UFC is looking into the viability of televised virtual advertisements inside the Octagon, according to industry sources.
Using technology such as that supplied by Sportvision, the company behind the ‘1st and Ten’ line system on NFL broadcasts, would enable the UFC to capitalize on ad revenue in international markets.
FO understands the promotion is considering replacing physical ads in the Octagon with graphics added to the broadcast stream in real-time, which, if successfully implemented, could swell the UFC’s revenue streams in international markets.
It would mean, for example, the ever-present Bud Light logo in the center of the Octagon would be replaced with a local product in regions outside North America.
The technology would allow the UFC to sell one spot on the canvas or ring posts to several companies, as opposed to earning just one stream per position as it does now. Major League Baseball has done the same with ads behind homeplate in World Series broadcasts with success for over a decade.
$73,444
Welterweight Jon Fitch estimates he made $1.322m in 18 fights for the UFC. That’s an average of $73,444 per bout.
Invicta CEO says fighter pay has to make business sense
All-female promotion Invicta FC CEO Shannon Knapp recently weighed in on the ongoing row over fighter pay in mixed martial arts, saying how much fighters are given “is more a question of making business sense.”
The UFC has come under fire recently from current and past fighters who argue competitors who take home smaller guaranteed purses are left with little after their living expenses are met.
Talking to MMA Sentinel Radio, Knapp said: “I don’t think it’s a question of them (the UFC) trying to hurt their athletes, but is more a question of making business sense. There is such a thing as market value on all fighters, and that’s something you have to look at… I would love to see all the fighters get better pay, but I think we need to drive the sport forward to open the doors for those opportunities.”
Industry jobsNDUSTRY JOBS
Who: Sarah Fields
Role: President, Century Martial Arts
Info: As well as running the world’s largest supplier of martial arts products, she organizes the annual Martial Arts SuperShow convention in Las Vegas for martial arts school owners and staff
What is the MA SuperShow about?
“It’s a business-to-business event staged for martial arts school owners and instructors to visit and learn about business, and how to run their schools better. They come to learn successful ways to market, to learn new training techniques and to learn about the latest things going on within the industry as a whole.”
It’s been running for several years. Is mixed martial arts factoring into it more these days?
“MMA has opened up schools that may have only traditionally taught taekwondo or BJJ to now offer other types of classes, multiple disciplines, to encompass the full range of MMA. So a BJJ school may now offer an MMA program, or a grappling program, or even a boot camp fitness program, and become a truly multi functional school.”
How were you able to keep it fresh in its 12th year?
“This year we also introduced a lot more fitness elements to the show and that’s because the industry has been spurned from the popularity of mixed martial arts and the fitness these fighters show on TV. People may not want to train in martial arts but are attracted by getting into shape using elements of martial arts training.”
Rallying/Crashed: The MMA business can be cruel and kind
Rallying: Booster
Equipment brand Booster has quickly established itself as a top-quality producer of MMA gear. Closely associated with blossoming super-gym Blackzilians, names like Rashad Evans and (non Blackzilian) Stefan Struve have recently worn the brand in the UFC Octagon. Should Booster’s current success continue it appears set to be a significant player in mixed martial arts.
Crashed: Serious Pimp
Still a player outside of MMA, it’s been several years since the clothing and apparel company Serious Pimp has been seen in the sport’s premier rings and cages. Owned by hip-hop legend Snoop Lion, it was once sponsoring fighters such as ‘Rampage’ Jackson, but is now focusing on several subsidiary brands targeted outside MMA.
Over 145 countries around the world now receive UFC programming.
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