MMA can be a tougher business outside the ring or cage than in it. With its various partners, Affliction is off to a more promising start than most on the heels of last Saturday’s “Day of Reckoning” at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
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Keep Tom Atencio as matchmaker
Two events have produced a plethora of solid matchups. Emelianenko-Arlovski. Barnett-Rizzo 2. Buentello-Sidelnikov. Belfort-Martin.
And before you say a bloated payroll can buy virtually any high-end attraction, Affliction’s undercards have certainly held up their end of the bargain. Saturday’s preliminary bouts for “Day of Reckoning” included competitive pairings between welterweights Brett Cooper and Patrick Speight and featherweights L.C. Davis and Bao Quach (a late replacement no less), which warmed up the crowd and provided a nice crescendo leading into the main card.
With Golden Boy Promotions, M-1 Global and the Trump Organization coming on board in a greater capacity, matchmaking is an area that could suffer from too many chefs piling into the kitchen at once.
This is one task that Affliction hasn’t faltered on so far, so let’s give Atencio, who has a grassroots rapport with many fighters on the circuit, some space to see what else he can come up with.
Put Oscar de La Hoya or a Trump at the podium as much as possible
Experience speaks volumes, and Oscar de La Hoya’s added visibility with the promotion has already made a positive impact. Who knows how much he knows about MMA yet? He could be a novice, hardcore fan or somewhere in between. Right now, that doesn’t really matter as Affliction tries to establish confidence in its product.
What de La Hoya does know is presentation. He speaks with conviction and poise. He is a fighter. He knows about pain, perseverance and sacrifice. And he knows promotion. What better man to rally the combat sports’ press than boxing’s darling?
Trump Jr., who’ll be stepping in on behalf of the Trump Organization in a greater capacity in the future, seems to have a general knowledge of the sport, as well. Trump, too, knows how to handle the media and deliver soundbytes. It’s in the blood.
Stay in California
Crowds of 13,000 to 14,000 in MMA are something to shake a stick at. Despite the best intentions, few events can break the 10,000-served barrier. That is a sobering fact many would-be promoters find hard to swallow.
Forget Las Vegas. That market is locked up. The successes of Strikeforce -- which pitches its tent in San Jose, Calif. -- and to a lesser degree, a slew of regional shows from coast to coast, come from these organizations calling their home turf, building a repeat fan base and staying put.
After booking its initial engagements around the country in 2001 and 2002, the UFC lowered its expectations and doubled its efforts in its hometown before venturing out of it again. That is proven history.
The Honda Center is a modern, fully equipped, easy-to-access venue. And with Disneyland, Angel Stadium of Anaheim and loads of shopping centers within an arm's distance, Anaheim can accommodate more than just the rabid MMA fan. Want to check out the show but don’t want to bring the wife and kids? There’s plenty here to keep them occupied.
Expand on the live experience
As a live event experience, Affliction has excelled quickly in only two live events. Crowds have been strong in number and emotion, and like its chic clothing line, Affliction shows have created a “rock star” vibe with their music, lighting, graphics and VIP clientele. But why stop there? The UFC learned through trial and error that downtime between fights can be a major buzz kill. Though Saturday’s event had an excellent pace, there always comes a time when the promotion has to step in itself to keep moods high and short attention spans engaged.
Training montages, behind-the-scene vignettes and highlight reels, set to roaring, upbeat music always do the trick. And why not take advantage by introducing fans to stars and up-and-comers not competing that night with past footage while you have the chance?
There’s a reason why the famous “Baba O’Riley” highlight reel of the Octagon’s best opens up every single UFC event.