Issue 001

March 2005

Rob Hewitt examines the growing interest in the Mixed Martial Arts market in the UK and how it compares with the Ultimate Fighting Championships in America...

So, how does the current UK Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) scene rank within the world? We feel that the gap between the biggest names and established companies within the industry is beginning to close — although we are still a long way behind our cousins in America and Japan (but then again, there aren’t many sports in which the UK truly excels on the world scene!).

We feel that huge steps are being made to make this sport instantly recognisable and accepted. For example, there is the massive influx of gyms as well as credible and skilled trainers who are producing up-and-coming British stars. There is also the dedication of those following in the footsteps of our own Ian Freeman, who spend their money travelling and learning from other fighters around the world, not only to improve themselves but to pass on their new-found knowledge to others. There are also the stereotypical students who have a thirst to educate themselves by studying books and videos from the top fighters, who see the combined training and sharing of knowledge as progression rather than competition.

Britain is producing some great fighters who are stepping up to a world-class level. However, what is constantly mentioned within the British press when the likes of the Olympic Games are taking place is the fact that the training facilities in the UK are far behind those of other countries.

We are, though, now seeing a tremendous growth in the number of gyms opening around the country — particularly within the last two years — and the quality of the facilities in some areas of the country is outstanding, with full-time octagons even being available in some of the gyms. However, there will still be many of you — including me — who have to ‘make do’ with a floor mat up against the wall to practise your cage technique.



Finally, to our main point: fight night promotions. The UK has seen a considerable growth in the availability of fight nights, which give an opportunity to our professionals and amateur fighters alike to pitch themselves up against equally or better-matched fighters. They are also there, of course, for our own viewing pleasure.

The presentation and production of such events has now seen boxing rings in small workingmen’s clubs turn into fully-built octagons within arena-type venues. No promoter to date has tried to forge ahead with this type of presentation more than Cage Rage, whose promotions remain the largest and most extravagant within the country. Money has to be spent not only on the venue — Wembley Conference Centre does not come cheap — but on advertising, as bums need to be put on seats. Further to the dedication to make the whole event a success, Cage Rage pays the money to encourage the bigger-name fighters to travel and fight. All of this can only be good for the cause.

But how far behind are we really? And what has to be done to enable us to catch up? Our Tale of the Tape (below) shows the comparison between the biggest promoter in the UK and the biggest promoter in the world, the UFC. As you can see, there is a significant difference between our chosen companies, but what we need to look at is the relationship between the two markets and how they have grown comparatively. As everyone knows, when the UFC first started fights they were held and contained in Indian reservations. The sport has now flourished into one of the most renowned and recognised tournaments.

The commitment and dedication of the current owners, Zuffa LLC, is testament to the success and potential further success of the business and the sport as a whole. In the same vein, Cage Rage can clearly see the opportunity available within the UK and I am sure they intend to promote themselves and the sport to help establish MMA as a recognised and credible sport.

When the growth so far is taken into consideration it seems that it will not be too long before Cage Rage and the UK scene as a whole will be knocking on the door of the US and Japan — especially if this magazine has anything to do with it.

Cage Rage

  • Formed: 2002
  • Attendance: 3000 paid attendance for last event (Cage Rage 9)
  • Sponsors: Poll Position Live Magazine, Blitz, Evolution Fightwear
  • How many events so far: 56
  • Prize money: From $2,000 up to $40,000
  • Average payroll: $120,000 per event
  • TV rights: Sky Sports 1
  • Ticket price: £25 to £100
  • Venues: Wembley Arena
  • Ring size/shape: 26ft diameter octagon
  • Number of events per year: 5

UFC

  • Formed:.1993
  • Attendance: 11,218 paid attendance for last event (UFC 51)
  • Sponsors: Xyience, Pit Bull Energy Drink, Tapout, Silvervision, Century
  • How many events so far: 56
  • Prize money: Anywhere from $2,000 up to about $200,000
  • Average payroll: About $475,000 per event
  • TV rights: Pay-Per-View Worldwide
  • Ticket price: $35 to $350
  • Venues: Various Arenas (More than 10,000 seats on average) Primary arenas are at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada; The Mohegun Sun in Connecticut; and The Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic.City, New Jersey
  • Ring size/shape: Octagon
  • Number of events per year: 5 to 6



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