Issue 098
February 2013
Arizona-based tattoo artist Chris Escobedo has filed a lawsuit against California video game publisher and developer THQ, alleging an infringement of copyright relating to a tattoo design. Escobedo claims the lion artwork he tattooed on former UFC interim champion Carlos Condit was redrawn for use in two of THQ’s UFC Undisputed games by THQ’s animators without Escobedo’s authorisation. In a press release, Escobedo said: “I would not have agreed to the recreation of the tattoo by an animator.” And added, had he been approached by THQ to licence the tattoo he would have insisted on approving the artwork and being compensated. The case had not been settled or gone to court at the time of going to press.
62:14
Bellator boss Bjorn Rebney made 62 pitches in 14 months when he was searching for capital to start the tournament-based promotion.
Industry jobs
Who: Jen Wenk
Role: Founder and president of Star PR Las Vegas
Info: Clients include Authentic Sports Management, agency for Blackzilians; and Lion Fight Promotions
What do you do day-to-day as president of Star PR?
“To handle publicity, media relations and advance brand awareness for my clients. I’m always staying abreast of what’s going on in MMA news so I can figure out ways to integrate clients’ brands into current news and events. I’m constantly coordinating interviews with the MMA media and staying on top of trends, and constantly interacting with my clients and making suggestions based on where news is moving so they can constantly have visibility in the world of MMA.”
Did you go to university?
“I went to Hunter College in New York and I majored in English and history and graduated with honours with a double major. Recently I got an APR, an accreditation in public relations, which is a certification in PR.”
How did you get started?
“I got a call from a buddy of mine who used to work at Spike TV, and told me the UFC was looking for a PR person. And I was like, ‘The UFC? Are you kidding me? Cagefighting? I’m not going to quit my job to go work for a cagefighting organisation.’ But I have to say, when I met Dana White the whole tone and direction of the interview with him changed my mind completely. I identified immediately that Dana had what it was going to take to get that organisation moving forward. That was in 2005 and I left in 2011.”
What are the best business traits to have for working in the MMA industry?
“Honesty and hard work, for me, has been a formula that’s always worked my whole life. Both combined I think you just can’t go wrong in business if you keep those two strategies at the forefront of your objectives.”
Bruce Buffer to release clothing line
UFC ring announcer Bruce Buffer will enter the apparel industry this year when he releases a range of clothing. Due to be sold under the brand name It’s Time Industries, currently little else is known as yet about what Buffer fans can expect from the items themselves. Buffer first announced a UFC event in 1996, and had done so at every UFC event since UFC 13 in 1997 until attending two events 24 hours apart on two different continents in December was deemed too difficult.
99c
A catchphrase-based iOS app from UFC ring announcer Bruce Buffer, called It’s Time, can be bought for 99c.
Rallying/Crashed: The MMA business can be both cruel and kind
Rallying: Triumph United
Former vice president of marketing at apparel and equipment company Throwdown Industries, Hans Molenkamp, founded Triumph United clothing in 2007. With designs inspired by skate culture, Triumph experienced a surge in popularity when sponsored athlete ‘Rampage’ Jackson knocked out Chuck Liddell in May that year. Despite a drop in interest in 2010–2011, Triumph bounced back in late 2012 with a brand-new range of clothing and equipment.
Crashed: Mar Clothing
Circa 2007 UFC welterweight Josh Koscheck founded Mar Clothing following the massive boom in mixed martial arts apparel that followed the upswing of interest experienced by the US arm of the sport following 2005’s The Ultimate Fighter reality series. Intended to cater to followers of other fringe sports, such as skating and surfing, and influenced by the California lifestyle, Mar appeared to stop activity around late 2008.
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