Comments on: 5 Oz. Exclusive: Part I of interview with new ProElite Chairman Chuck Champion http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/ Your Destination for Insider MMA News and Opinion Sat, 26 May 2012 11:06:06 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: FYI http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42594 FYI Sun, 03 Aug 2008 06:24:29 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42594 I think this is a good interview. Really good, just as all Sam's interviews. I have doubts about Champion only because i'm not sure he has the passion for MMA. However, it's true that MMA can bring the passion up in any new fan and hopefully he'll get there. One thing i found interesting though about this article and made me want for more is the lack of information on DeLuca's resignation. To my understanding DeLuca brought ProElite to the table and assemble the team that created it and brought the investors. DeLuca brought Showtime as well, he was the only one in the entertainment world and his conections made it possible for PE to get to where it did. Through Showtime Shaw came into the picture and probably became an important aspect of the negotiation. DeLuca was also the main factor in the negotiation with CBS and apparently responsible for the FSN new deal AMONG so many others. They guy has amazing connection and most of all a great passion to help bring MMA to the next level. Also a great team worker and, i've been told a very humble and charismatic person. I'm not sure how or why he would resign. I hope is true, what Champion says, that he's still consultant to the organization that he (DeLuca) also partially owns (ProElite) - I hope he certainly continues to consult and work in the background and with the team - a great team - making new transactions and bringing new values to MMA. To think about it, the good thing about both him and Shaw was their passion: Shaw's for fighting in general and DeLuca's for the great vision for MMA. I think more should be asked about DeLuca and told as well. I regret he's leaving if he is and, not only thank him for his vision, participation, and what he brought to the space but also wish him good luck. Maybe Sam Caplan could get an interview with the guy? Sam? Respect to all and GOOD LUCK to ProElite and its entire team. I think this is a good interview. Really good, just as all Sam’s interviews.

I have doubts about Champion only because i’m not sure he has the passion for MMA. However, it’s true that MMA can bring the passion up in any new fan and hopefully he’ll get there.

One thing i found interesting though about this article and made me want for more is the lack of information on DeLuca’s resignation. To my understanding DeLuca brought ProElite to the table and assemble the team that created it and brought the investors.

DeLuca brought Showtime as well, he was the only one in the entertainment world and his conections made it possible for PE to get to where it did. Through Showtime Shaw came into the picture and probably became an important aspect of the negotiation. DeLuca was also the main factor in the negotiation with CBS and apparently responsible for the FSN new deal AMONG so many others. They guy has amazing connection and most of all a great passion to help bring MMA to the next level. Also a great team worker and, i’ve been told a very humble and charismatic person.

I’m not sure how or why he would resign. I hope is true, what Champion says, that he’s still consultant to the organization that he (DeLuca) also partially owns (ProElite) – I hope he certainly continues to consult and work in the background and with the team – a great team – making new transactions and bringing new values to MMA.

To think about it, the good thing about both him and Shaw was their passion: Shaw’s for fighting in general and DeLuca’s for the great vision for MMA.

I think more should be asked about DeLuca and told as well. I regret he’s leaving if he is and, not only thank him for his vision, participation, and what he brought to the space but also wish him good luck.

Maybe Sam Caplan could get an interview with the guy? Sam?

Respect to all and GOOD LUCK to ProElite and its entire team.

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]]> By: 5 Oz. Exclusive: Part II of interview with ProElite Chairman Chuck Champion :Five Ounces of Pain http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42561 5 Oz. Exclusive: Part II of interview with ProElite Chairman Chuck Champion :Five Ounces of Pain Sun, 03 Aug 2008 01:16:33 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42561 [...] Friday, we debuted Part I of our exclusive interview with new ProElite Chairman Chuck Champion. Champion was gracious enough to sit down with Five Ounces of Pain for an extended interview. In [...] [...] Friday, we debuted Part I of our exclusive interview with new ProElite Chairman Chuck Champion. Champion was gracious enough to sit down with Five Ounces of Pain for an extended interview. In [...]

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]]> By: Joe Lawyer http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42539 Joe Lawyer Sat, 02 Aug 2008 22:55:48 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42539 Comments positing that this guy is just another "suit" and can't hack it are ignorant. If EliteXC is going to succeed it needs more capital and revenue to put into marketing and recruitment and growth. Like it or not, that's about top business management skills --it's not about climbing into the cage. This excellent interview shows that Mr. Champion has serious respect for the fighters. That plus top business talent is all that's required. Comments positing that this guy is just another “suit” and can’t hack it are ignorant. If EliteXC is going to succeed it needs more capital and revenue to put into marketing and recruitment and growth. Like it or not, that’s about top business management skills –it’s not about climbing into the cage.

This excellent interview shows that Mr. Champion has serious respect for the fighters. That plus top business talent is all that’s required.

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]]> By: Mike http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42529 Mike Sat, 02 Aug 2008 21:40:28 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42529 Chuck will bring some crediblity to ProElite, So what if has not been an MMA fan since UFC1, I bet he sees things diffrent than a fan, he sees it like a business, The UFC almost died, Pride is long gone, Dreams is losing its TV deal in japan, it seems like the business of MMA can be rough. Thanks Chuck for helping to save MMA, come on guys fighters are fighters not business men, let the business men fight in the board room. WAR CHUCK CHAMPION Chuck will bring some crediblity to ProElite, So what if has not been an MMA fan since UFC1, I bet he sees things diffrent than a fan, he sees it like a business, The UFC almost died, Pride is long gone, Dreams is losing its TV deal in japan, it seems like the business of MMA can be rough. Thanks Chuck for helping to save MMA, come on guys fighters are fighters not business men, let the business men fight in the board room.

WAR CHUCK CHAMPION

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]]> By: Jay K. http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42492 Jay K. Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:41:09 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42492 Sam, Great interview. It's teh 'Tards that slam a corporate guy who's honestly making a go at this. It's refreshing to read this. Good on him and I hope EliteXC succeeds as a brand identity of it's own. Cheers, Jay K. Sam,

Great interview. It’s teh ‘Tards that slam a corporate guy who’s honestly making a go at this. It’s refreshing to read this. Good on him and I hope EliteXC succeeds as a brand identity of it’s own.

Cheers,

Jay K.

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]]> By: mike wolfe http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42413 mike wolfe Sat, 02 Aug 2008 01:58:17 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42413 I hope Elite succeeds, but it has an uphill battle. UFC was in the red to the tune of 30-40 million before it turned things around courtesy of Griffin vs. Bonnar. And that was at a time when it had no meaningful domestic compeition for fighters or customers. Now that UFC has succeeded, Elite has to build itself from the ground up in a much more competitive environment. I suppose it can be done, but can it afford to lose even more than the UFC did during its start up phase? That's the same problem Elite and other orgs face with branding. If it can't sign top tier talent, sooner or later the customers will perceive it as an inferior product as compared to UFC. All sizzle and no steak. I hope Elite succeeds, but it has an uphill battle. UFC was in the red to the tune of 30-40 million before it turned things around courtesy of Griffin vs. Bonnar. And that was at a time when it had no meaningful domestic compeition for fighters or customers. Now that UFC has succeeded, Elite has to build itself from the ground up in a much more competitive environment. I suppose it can be done, but can it afford to lose even more than the UFC did during its start up phase? That’s the same problem Elite and other orgs face with branding. If it can’t sign top tier talent, sooner or later the customers will perceive it as an inferior product as compared to UFC. All sizzle and no steak.

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]]> By: Eric Muldrow http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42395 Eric Muldrow Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:13:43 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42395 Everyone seems to forget that the UFC was bleeding money rapidly when they first started. I watched A special on CNBC about the UFC and Can recall them saying that they were like 20 mill in the hole. EliteXC has an uphill battle, but I believe that they can be successful. Only time will truly tell, but I wish them the best. Constructive criticism is one thing, I just don't understand all the hate.If you are a true mma fan, we should be rooting for more organizations....which in turn mean more fights for our enjoyment! Everyone seems to forget that the UFC was bleeding money rapidly when they first started. I watched A special on CNBC about the UFC and Can recall them saying that they were like 20 mill in the hole. EliteXC has an uphill battle, but I believe that they can be successful. Only time will truly tell, but I wish them the best.
Constructive criticism is one thing, I just don’t understand all the hate.If you are a true mma fan, we should be rooting for more organizations….which in turn mean more fights for our enjoyment!

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]]> By: Michaelthebox http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42393 Michaelthebox Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:05:09 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42393 Mike Wolfe: EliteXC has access to all sorts of marketing avenues, but I don't think they've done a good job of it. Marketing includes the overall branding, presentation, and the coherent message it sends to fans, and on that level I don't think EliteXC has done a particularly great job. People harp on how 'tired' UFC's graphics and presentation is, but theres a reason for that: the UFC sticks with stuff that works really well, and gradually makes minute changes. Mike Wolfe: EliteXC has access to all sorts of marketing avenues, but I don’t think they’ve done a good job of it. Marketing includes the overall branding, presentation, and the coherent message it sends to fans, and on that level I don’t think EliteXC has done a particularly great job. People harp on how ‘tired’ UFC’s graphics and presentation is, but theres a reason for that: the UFC sticks with stuff that works really well, and gradually makes minute changes.

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]]> By: Jesse http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42379 Jesse Fri, 01 Aug 2008 22:17:42 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42379 elite xc is corporate crap .. this guy seem nice but he doesn't have a love for the sport elite xc is corporate crap .. this guy seem nice but he doesn’t have a love for the sport

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]]> By: Kelvin http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42351 Kelvin Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:31:27 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42351 The best question is....Is it too late for EliteXC? The best question is….Is it too late for EliteXC?

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]]> By: Joseph http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42347 Joseph Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:20:03 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42347 Mike Wolfe, I dont agree with what you said. They need someone that can make some revenue for them and make the right deals. They can't sign top talent if they are losing money. That just doesn't make sense. They need someone to start making money with the assets they already have, like all the orgs they posses and the massive library they own, and all they media outlets they have access to. They have enough people around him that know about MMA and the industry to do right. They just need someone to start making better deals and making money, advertise, etc so EliteXC can grow. Mike Wolfe,
I dont agree with what you said.

They need someone that can make some revenue for them and make the right deals. They can’t sign top talent if they are losing money. That just doesn’t make sense. They need someone to start making money with the assets they already have, like all the orgs they posses and the massive library they own, and all they media outlets they have access to. They have enough people around him that know about MMA and the industry to do right. They just need someone to start making better deals and making money, advertise, etc so EliteXC can grow.

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]]> By: Mike Wolfe http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42346 Mike Wolfe Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:13:00 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42346 Let's see how he does. Personally, I have some doubts. An executive needs to have skills to run a company that don't necessarily revolve around the day-to-day operations of the business. But to succeed, he needs some understanding of the business. You can't just bring in a guy with prior successes in other industries and assume he's going to succeed in a business about which he knows nothing. The only transferrable skill Champion brings to Elite is marketing, but that's not Elite's challenge. With a network deal, it has access to all kinds of advertising. Elite's biggest challenge is to increase its roster of top tier fighters. Arguably, it doesn't have any. Meanwhile, it has to have fights that maintain and increase the fans' interest. He doesn't yet know how to do either. Let’s see how he does. Personally, I have some doubts. An executive needs to have skills to run a company that don’t necessarily revolve around the day-to-day operations of the business. But to succeed, he needs some understanding of the business. You can’t just bring in a guy with prior successes in other industries and assume he’s going to succeed in a business about which he knows nothing. The only transferrable skill Champion brings to Elite is marketing, but that’s not Elite’s challenge. With a network deal, it has access to all kinds of advertising. Elite’s biggest challenge is to increase its roster of top tier fighters. Arguably, it doesn’t have any. Meanwhile, it has to have fights that maintain and increase the fans’ interest. He doesn’t yet know how to do either.

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]]> By: Jesse http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42345 Jesse Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:04:56 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42345 Great read Sam. Nice job. People can hate on EliteXC all they want, I hope it does well. More MMA is exactly what I need. Great read Sam. Nice job.

People can hate on EliteXC all they want, I hope it does well. More MMA is exactly what I need.

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]]> By: Truth (not the clown from the 1st post) http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42338 Truth (not the clown from the 1st post) Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:41:21 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42338 Running a business is about getting the right people in the right place to do the right things. Not all IT companies have a computer scientist as CEO, not all auto manufacturers have a mechanical engineer as CEO, not all petrol companies have a petroleum engineer as CEO, etc. Anyone who says you have to know MMA inside-out to run an MMA company simply has no clue about how businesses operate. Champion sounds like he has the right idea about how things should be. Good luck to the man. Running a business is about getting the right people in the right place to do the right things. Not all IT companies have a computer scientist as CEO, not all auto manufacturers have a mechanical engineer as CEO, not all petrol companies have a petroleum engineer as CEO, etc. Anyone who says you have to know MMA inside-out to run an MMA company simply has no clue about how businesses operate.

Champion sounds like he has the right idea about how things should be. Good luck to the man.

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]]> By: Cathedron http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42337 Cathedron Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:14:44 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42337 I hope this does well for EliteXC. After seeing the vast improvement of their CBS fights, I'm thinking they could really go somewhere. UFC needs some decent competition in the States. I hope this does well for EliteXC. After seeing the vast improvement of their CBS fights, I’m thinking they could really go somewhere. UFC needs some decent competition in the States.

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]]> By: rollshop http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42336 rollshop Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:09:58 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42336 sam, do you have an opinion on how well suited this guy is to be the new CEO? thats all i want to know brother. sam, do you have an opinion on how well suited this guy is to be the new CEO? thats all i want to know brother.

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]]> By: Charles Champion Interview - Part 1 » Octagon Buzz http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42335 Charles Champion Interview - Part 1 » Octagon Buzz Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:03:41 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42335 [...] read the rest of Part 1 of this interview, click here.  For Part 2 of this interview with Champion, stay tuned to Octagon [...] [...] read the rest of Part 1 of this interview, click here.  For Part 2 of this interview with Champion, stay tuned to Octagon [...]

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]]> By: Joseph http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42331 Joseph Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:27:03 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42331 Great interview Sam. I don't get all this EliteXC hate going around. Seriously, MMA fans are the worst fans out of any sport I have ever seen. Childish, elitist and insecure are the perfect words to describe these organization nuthuggers. Great interview Sam.

I don’t get all this EliteXC hate going around.

Seriously, MMA fans are the worst fans out of any sport I have ever seen.
Childish, elitist and insecure are the perfect words to describe these organization nuthuggers.

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]]> By: Fabricio http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42329 Fabricio Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:20:53 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42329 Color me stupid, But it appears that a businessman is running the business. Who'd have thought of such a thing. A foward thinking executive, who realizes how important it is to be surrounded by good people........... Elite XC has a long way to go as does any start up company, MMA is the LEAST of their problems. They need and X's and O's guy who can think outside the box. This old ( I mean this in the nicest of ways) guy made a move to the internet!! If you had any idea how rare that is in and of it self you'd cut him a break............and that's the TRUTH Color me stupid, But it appears that a businessman is running the business. Who’d have thought of such a thing. A foward thinking executive, who realizes how important it is to be surrounded by good people………..

Elite XC has a long way to go as does any start up company, MMA is the LEAST of their problems. They need and X’s and O’s guy who can think outside the box.

This old ( I mean this in the nicest of ways) guy made a move to the internet!! If you had any idea how rare that is in and of it self you’d cut him a break…………and that’s the TRUTH

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]]> By: platypus http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/08/01/5-oz-exclusive-part-i-of-interview-with-new-proelite-chairman-chuck-champion/comment-page-1/#comment-42328 platypus Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:17:30 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=4687#comment-42328 fans should not be executives fans should not be executives

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