OPEN LETTER TO DANA WHITE: how to introduce MMA to the world ***VIDEO***

wumstyles · 05-25-2007, 05:51 PM

I think we can all agree that the UFC and MMA in general is on the cusp of becoming something great and just needs that little push.

We all know that MMA sells itself and it's growth has been almost completely grassroots via the internet. I think that for the next phase of growth it's a mistake to be using TUF, at least in the format it is in now, as a springboard. As of now it's shaping out to be just another version of Big Brother, and IMO, a terrible way to introduce people to the sport. Two forms of entertainment are being confused here, one of athletics and one of contrived 'reality show' drama, and the result can be somewhat disappointing. That's like destroying a good steak with ketchup.

Now that PRIDE/UFC are finally consolidated, why not exploit the RICH and STORIED history that is mixed martial arts? You could make it somewhat documentary style by having TUF in an international location from one of the world fighting capitals like Curitiba or Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Russia, Holland, or Japan. Each season the fighters will be training with the various 'top teams', like Red Devil, or Chute Box, BTT, Team Quest, etc. and casual viewers will get a chance to see what all the fans rave about. It'll be a cross promotional extravaganza. the teams get publicity, the fighters get world class training, and the sport gets more hype.

It could look somewhat like this:

<div><object width="425" height="335"><param name="movie" value="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/6MXCbWkN05OCEcCTj"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/6MXCbWkN05OCEcCTj" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="335" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1si3h_the-contender-muay-thai">The Contender - Muay Thai</a></b><br /><i>Uploaded by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/HLbyColargol">HLbyColargol</a></i></div>
now imagine that being done for each foreign country or team

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I think people will get a real kick out of the international flavor of things. It would start to look like real life Street Fighter

http://sfgalleries.net/art/sf3/sf3-3...sf33s1_big.jpg

You could also play up the differences between the schools, and start bring back RIVALRIES, like they had in pride. Such as Gomi vs Chute Box, or Red Devil vs BTT, Saku vs the Gracies.

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wumstyles · 05-25-2007, 06:12 PM

bizzump

wumstyles · 05-25-2007, 06:55 PM

ttt

AZMMA81 · 05-25-2007, 06:56 PM

If nobody else has replied it's because NOBODY CARES!!!!

wumstyles · 05-25-2007, 07:03 PM

quiet, orange belt

flatline · 05-25-2007, 07:12 PM

I agree with TS completely on this one. I really dislike the way that Zuffa markets the TUF show, and how they loathe to publicize the sport as anything but ULTIMATE FIGHTING. I guess its because they want to really sell their brand hard, but at the same time, you need to sell the sport because the sport itself doesn't have much exposure. Now that they have eliminated the major competition, they shouldn't have to worry about limiting their marketing tactics as much, and should expand their strategies. The Contender show is a perfect example of how you produce a show in order to candy it up for the mainstream audience. Play down the brutality, play up the sportsmanship, history and tradition. Another thing they can do is try and show the cage less.

TheAlcoholik · 05-25-2007, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wumstyles

bizzump

You fail simply because of this. Never type that again. Ever.

Blast D* · 05-25-2007, 07:15 PM

this thread needs to be STICKIED!

LuckyDay · 05-25-2007, 07:17 PM

I wouldn't mind seeing it.

I've often thought of how awesome the IFL would be if it had a better team system.

Just imagine the IFL, except the teams being Chute Boxe, Top Team, Red Devil, Quest, Takada, etc.

wumstyles · 05-25-2007, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuckyDay

I wouldn't mind seeing it.

I've often thought of how awesome the IFL would be if it had a better team system.

Just imagine the IFL, except the teams being Chute Boxe, Top Team, Red Devil, Quest, Takada, etc.

you get the point.

although i'm just about marketing the teams, not exactly team competition. that could come later though.