Here’s what’s on tap in this MMA rant. I’ll blow about MMA radio shows, TV, PPV broadcasts, mainstream media coverage, MMA in the Olympics, drugs, the future of MMA and the roles that The UFC, Dana White, Sherdog, and other players in the industry play in its fate. Is your interest peaked? Read on, then weigh-in with a rant of your own.
PPV: Kudos to Tim O’Toole and the production staff at the UFC for putting on an outstanding broadcast with UFC 73. The shot selection and switching by the directors and TDs were right on the money, the camera men had their shots framed nicely, the effects mics and audio was spot on, and I thought the 3 man booth flowed very well. If there was any trouble, the viewer didn’t know about it. Great job.
Dana White: I saw Dana White on ESPN Saturday before UFC 73. He was unshaven, didn’t have on a tie, used profanity, and called one of the fighters on the Stacked card (Tito) an idiot on the air. The announcers had to ask him to watch his mouth and even made comment of him after he left the air. Dana is very good at certain aspects of business, but it has become crystal clear to me that he has no clue how to present himself, or the UFC brand in the public marketplace. He is an embarrassment to himself and to the UFC when he goes on nationwide television and speaks of his employees in such a fashion. The executives of ESPN are in their offices wondering how they are going to do business with this guy. No wonder the hot dog eating championship gets more love than MMA.
MMA Radio: I listen to every MMA radio show out there daily. This is what I hear; Great guests, cross talk between the hosts, some email, and callers. I am a sports radio-programming consultant. I charge $200 an hour for my services. If you have an MMA radio show/podcast, I will wave my fee and spend as much time with you on the phone as needed to help you improve your show. I will do this because I love MMA, I want to bring to best radio show possible to the fans, and it is clear to me that ALL of the hosts of these shows share that same passion. With all due respect, you can’t get by with guests, cross talk, and callers. That is not compelling radio. Be advised! The big boys are listening to your shows and making decisions on whether or not an MMA station would work on their networks. The content you provide now could pave the way for the future of MMA radio. Email
sportsradiodoc@aim.com or send AOL instant message to SportsRadioDoc.
MMA and the Olympics: The IOC just passed a vote to make it easier to add and remove sports from the Olympics. This opens the door for MMA to enter in 2012. What are the chances? Well, the IOC also voted out baseball and karate. Why you ask? Baseball is a worldwide sport, it’s very popular and most countries are very competitive. Why lose baseball and keep badminton? Baseball has a BAD drug problem. MLB has proven that they can’t get a handle on the steroid issue, so much so that they had to get the government involved. The IOC frowns on sports with drug issues. If MMA continues to have problems with steroids and smoking dope, the answer will be no.
Thanks for reading this long ass rant. Hope you enjoyed it!
