Affliction MMA spent literally millions of dollars to secure one of the most talent-laded fight cards ever put together for its inaugural "Banned" event set to take place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., on July 19. To do so, it seems the upstart promotion has had to deprive its marketing department of the necessary funds it takes to sell a non-UFC event in the United States.
Or so it seems.
Television commercials have been scarce -- apparently the the clothing company-turned mixed martial arts promoter is banking on the star power of the athletes it has rounded up to take care of the PPV sales along with a heavy online advertising campaign.
There's also that massive billboard in Times Square.
This combination may have worked had it not been for Dana White and the UFC throwing together Ultimate Fight Night 14 on short notice. It takes place on the same night -- for free on Spike TV -- with arguably the most popular fighter on the planet right now, Anderson Silva.
I've seen plenty of ads for the UFC's show on July 19, but like I said, where's the Affliction hype machine been hiding?
Perhaps, however, Affliction is smarter than most give it credit.
Today, the company distributed a press release, stating that a record number of press passes have already been requested for "Banned" ... and we're still nearly two weeks out.
Is it possible that Affliction thinks a strong late push from the Internet, radio and television world will be enough to sell its top-notch product? Look at this article, for example -- we're already helping them market the event and they didn't have to spend a dime.
It's an interesting concept.
Why spend money on selling fights when you can take those dollars and invest them into a better product and let this glorious invention we call the Internet do it's thing?
Traditional marketing is still powerful. I'm not saying you don't need to push what you're selling, but this card is stacked, and the media seems to be fixated. Affliction might be right after all -- this thing might just sell itself.
We'll see come July 19 when the PPV buys and gate receipts trickle in.
As of right now, according to the press release, more than 250 media passes have already been requested from numerous media outlets in different countries, including Russia, Japan, Korea, Germany, England, Canada, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand.
It seems the UFC isn't the only show in town trying to take this sport global.
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