Comments on: White hints that the UFC is having trouble working with other gyms

By: Dr.Stoppage

Dr.Stoppage — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:55:52 +0000

It’s turning into a Catch 22.
Dana has the power,and his attitude is,you guys just focus on fighting and I’ll handle the business end of things.
And because certain fighters do well,they have a right to work at protecting their own interests,including business on the side.
Now that fight clubs are sort of becoming their own unions,there is a potential for the power to shift a little.
This is still all part of the growing pains of MMA ,and it ain’t gonna end any time soon.

To bad WAMMA didn’t have any clout to help out Fitch.
I kid,I kid.

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By: dualdiagnosis

dualdiagnosis — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:50:44 +0000

If getting punched in the face over and over was by itself worth a lot of money, you might have a point.

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By: William W.

William W. — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:40:50 +0000

“White has been clear within the last 24 hours that he believes he has made great sacrifices for the betterment of the fight industry and the fighters that populate it.”

Haha, give me a break. Dana is worth $100 million at least and I doubt any sacrifice is the same as getting punched in the face over and over.

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By: Mike Wolfe

Mike Wolfe — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:24:21 +0000

Nothing kills negotiations quicker than personal attacks and ultimatums. As soon as those pop up, the parties make decisions based on ego and not sound business judgment. Blackballing entire gyms would be bad for MMA, bad for the fighters and gyms, and bad for the UFC. Time to grow up, think rationally and communicate calmly.

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By: Bullylover

Bullylover — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:24:28 +0000

This decision of Dana’s will affect both sides,mostly AKA.Still the ufc will lose many top quality & future Quality fighters from AKA especially Cain Velasquez who is a much needed contender in the heavy weight division. Hopefully they settle this bullshit & we get to see all the fighters stay in the organization.

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By: jimbo

jimbo — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:25:05 +0000

Its sounds like its time for both sides to give in a little. Better minimum guarantees for fighters from the ufc. And maybe some financial disclosure to these managers and gyms so they can see what kind of money goes into promotion ,staff, etc.

Im sure the big wigs are still making a ton but thats just how sports work

Id love to see the contract for this video game and see what the disagreement is about especially since i assume other fighters have already signed off on it.

It could be a typical sleazy manager move to get more money since no doubt this will cost $$$$ or put it off schedule if they have started to produce the game or even if they just have to remove his character from it.

just my opinion

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By: madiq

madiq — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:13:28 +0000

You know what these gyms have in common?
1. Multiple high-level fighters
2. Information exchange
3. Collective representation
4. Brand identity

All of these things serve to strengthen the fighter’s negotiating power, vis a vis the UFC’s typically dictatorial style. Big gyms offer strength in numbers, plus contacts with other MMA promoters, who can turn White’s “my way or the highway” threat into an opportunity. Alienating an AKA, an ATT, a Team Quest, or an Xtreme Couture gives another promoter the ability to fill fight cards with star fighters as well as up and comers, and subvert the UFC’s existing strategy of divide and conquer, mixed with brand supremacy.

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By: red

red — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:56:19 +0000

If ATT is involved it will be a big blow

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