UFC opens offices in Asia
by James Kimball on Aug 30, 2010 12:49 AM EDT
Email
Print
Next stop: Asia.
As the UFC continues upon its quest of global domination, at least when it concerns combat sports, it was announced at the UFC 118 post-fight press conference that Asia will be the new home to UFC offices.
In fact, former NBA China Executive, Mark Fischer, was named as the Executive Vice President and Managing Director of this new operation.
Fischer remarked at the UFC 118 post-fight press conference:
"It's great to be here back in my hometown. I'm delighted and honored to work with UFC president Dana White and the Fertitta brothers to build the Ultimate Fighting Championship and our other businesses in Asia. It's a fantastic market. I think we're just scratching the surface. A lot martial arts began their tradition there. We're very respectful of that... I was with the NBA in Asia for 12 years. Five or six of those were building the NBA in China. I think as successful as the NBA was there, what we were able to do with that, I think we can just as much with the UFC and more."
A couple quick notes on this move.
One, Fischer appears to be extremely qualified to take on this role. He served as essentially the lead man for NBA China the last few years and has worked in Asia for the NBA for a dozen years. The NBA has undoubtedly enjoyed the most success in terms of global expansion when it comes to the big four sports in America (NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL), and its conquest of Asia has been a big part of that.
Secondly, the sheer size of the Asian market will assuredly lead to an increased fan base. Asia is the world's most populous continent, comprising more than 4 billion people. To compare, North America is home to around 530 million people.
Big business likely awaits.
So, with offices in the United Kingdom, Canada and now Asia to go along with its headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada, what part of the globe will the UFC post up at next? Let's hear from our Maniac geography buffs.
8 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Brazil, they already have two champions in the UFC
And arguably have the best MMA fighters in the world? There has been some talk about getting into Mexico as well and spreading south into both makes a ton of sense. Once Asia starts going it will be crazy to see how big the UFC gets.
"Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth - Mike Tyson
i read brazlians dont really follow the sport like you expect them to, with so many great stars it seems like a perfect fit, but its just not popular over there. Mexico would be great.
Previously Drewmoney$$$ banned from sbnation....
by DretroitDrew80 on Aug 30, 2010 3:39 AM EDT up reply actions
what sport is there to follow? we only have the typical american company trying to take over.
I have no problem with MMA but the UFC helps the sport just as much as NFL&NBA for american football and basketball. Well, the NBA did something but not too much. The system in American sports, or companies or whatever does not allow for many ppl to get into the sport, they don’t even have minor leagues or relegation which is silly. It’s only the cities with the most money. I seriously hope the UFC fails, no need for the entertainment mentality in USA to spread all over the world, if it does it’s the beginning of the end for proffessional sports.
your mother !
thats the globe covered now
if you consider that russia is also a huge part of asia, the only place left is africa, and once they decide to get electricity and stop giving each other aids, thats the only market left
by freedomthrtyfve on Aug 30, 2010 1:17 AM EDT reply actions
And they would eat it up
But you’d gave to start in S Africa…cuz they at least have electricity.
"Remember men, we are all winners in the eyes of Christ...except for the guy still bleeding on the canvass"
by Jrandolph on Aug 30, 2010 1:22 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
nice lack of food reference, "they would eat it up"
by freedomthrtyfve on Aug 30, 2010 1:37 AM EDT reply actions
"Move to where the food is"!
"Remember men, we are all winners in the eyes of Christ...except for the guy still bleeding on the canvass"
by Jrandolph on Aug 30, 2010 9:13 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
They definitely need to have an event in Scotland! Theres always tonnes of Scots at the events I’ve been to and the local MMA scene seems a little better than England at the moment. My brothers been up to a couple and seen some very talented kids fighting.
"Big guys, small gloves...somebody's gonna fall..." (Gabriel Gonzaga)
I think all the traditionally big markets for combat sports have been covered now, especially if the UFC can cover Mexico from Las Vegas. Although Russia and Brazil produce great fighters in their droves, Im not sure the UFC can have the same impact in creating ‘fans’ as they have done in other markets.
"Big guys, small gloves...somebody's gonna fall..." (Gabriel Gonzaga)
Probably
But I could see Africa getting into it. With the history of some really big boxing matches over the years, I think they would embrace it. I intoduced MMA and the UFC to a friend in Uganda that runs an event planning business. I bought the Bonnar/Griffin 1 fight on UFC on-demand. He was an instant fan, and has been tryinmg to figure out how to show fights on a big screen over there ever since. Who knows?
"Remember men, we are all winners in the eyes of Christ...except for the guy still bleeding on the canvass"
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
