Ultimate Warrior Challenge (UWC) = East Coast Strikeforce?

by Luke Thomas on Dec 1, 2008 10:52 AM EST in News Comment 28 comments

Uwc_medium MMAJunkie.com has a profile piece (courtesy Kelly Crigger) about the metro Washington, DC promotion that's making a name for itself:

UWC rule No. 3: Showcase a mix of local talent and national names.

Local fighters are the meat and potatoes of the UWC, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for bacon bits and steak sauce. The fight cards feature East Coast products, but with a mix of young guns from nationally known camps, like Greg Jackson’s MMA, Lloyd Irvin, American Top Team, FIT NHB, and others. With that model, the UWC fans get to see solid MMA action while also having an opportunity to see marquee names that they would otherwise have to road trip to the West Coast to get a glimpse of. The UWC’s third show also had young fighters from notable gyms on the card who brought their marquee trainers with them. So while Zach Light was fighting in the cage, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson was in his corner.

"We’ve been fortunate that we can have these big names like, "Rampage," "Shogun" (Rua), (Andrei) Arlovski, Hermes Franca, Carlos Condit, Urijah Faber, Brandon Vera, and others as our guest at the shows," Foran said. "We know there has to be a certain balance between entertainment and great fights." But the big names are just a means to an end.

"Their presence helps us grow awareness and gain exposure for MMA as a sport in the D.C. area -- which is really what we set out to do from the start -- while the local talent pool keeps them coming back," Foran said.

It's ingenious marketing, and the end result is a loyal fan base and a consistent stage for the mid-Atlantic fighters to get better on. "We want to build our own fighters that rise up through the ranks and become UWC champions. We want to showcase the top local guys and hone their skills before they go off and conquer the rest of the world."

I encourage everyone to read the piece. Stay tuned for fight card announcements that will make any fan of MMA take notice in the coming days.

DISCLOSURE: I am the color commentator for the UWC. I believe in the UWC, but I confess to being an employee for matters of integrity and candor.

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Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. But that is a great thing to strive for, as Strikeforce has a proven successful business model and happens to put on some good shows. As a fan of MMA and a Maryland resident, having a similar organization within driving distance would be a real treat.

From what I’ve seen of UWC, all of one show, they are focusing on young, talented, and local fighters. I felt like there was a bit too much emphasis on mediocre “named” fighters insomuch as the main even of the show I attended was Pete Spratt v. Jason Von Flue, but that was neither the original main event nor do I suspect it cost the organization an exorbitant amount of money, so I’m ultimately ok with it, particularly as a starting point.

I just don’t think we need to compare the organization to others, particularly with long-term financial success just yet. But I am optimistic.

by Brett Jones on Dec 1, 2008 11:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

You didn’t go to the last show?

by Luke Thomas on Dec 1, 2008 11:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think his wife would let him.

by szucconi on Dec 1, 2008 12:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Luke Thomas on Dec 1, 2008 12:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Boo for picking your wife over MMA or Boo for wives in general? I would go with the later, but just curious about where Luke Thomas stands on the Wife v. MMA argument.

by szucconi on Dec 1, 2008 12:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm lucky...

for shows like the IFL cards that I covered with press credentials my wife was there assisting me (organizing my notes, taking her own notes to fact check me…etc) and there isn’t a major MMA card that she has missed watching in the last 4 years with me. Aside from picking her favorite fighters based on who is “hottest” she is a great fan.

Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.

by Brent Brookhouse on Dec 1, 2008 1:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I was just kidding about Brett’s wife. She watches most of the shows with us and claims to know who KenFlo is. My girl, who I met at Bretts house watching MMA, love it and often screams for blood when there is not action, but she has little knowledge below the surface. Although sometimes she will suprise you with some deep thoughts about head movement or guard play.

by szucconi on Dec 1, 2008 1:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

…but mostly she just screams about how much of an idiot Joe Rogan is. And God Bless Joe Rogan, dude knows a ton about the sport and his work fighting Ned Holness is saintly, but he is absolutely an idiot.

Which isn’t to say I don’t like him, because Lord knows I’m an idiot myself.

by Brett Jones on Dec 1, 2008 1:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not married, but my GF is pretty tolerant of MMA. Whenever possible, I combine the two. Head to head, though, not even the UFC can match the power of GF.

by Luke Thomas on Dec 1, 2008 1:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

A wise decision.

by Brett Jones on Dec 1, 2008 1:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Check your email, Brett.

by Luke Thomas on Dec 1, 2008 1:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That’s not true. I was going through a period where I was actually getting a bit tired of MMA, so rather than burn myself out completely, I just withdrew from extra-curricular MMA. You know, non-ZUFFA stuff (and I guess EliteXC, I mean, I watched Kimbo v. Petruzelli). I’m over it, now, and just in time for about 20 shows in the span of two months!

But no, next UWC show, I’ll try to talk to you. I say “try” because I imagine you’ll be awfully busy. I’ll be the guy there sitting right behind you yelling LLOYD IRVIN IN DA HOUUUUUUUUUUSE when Easton fights.

by Brett Jones on Dec 1, 2008 1:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, and just so we’re clear, my wife isn’t a big MMA fan, but she is totally fine with me watching it and, more often than not, watches major events with me. But no, I don’t subject her to the live events. That’s not her thing.

Tomorrow on Oprah: Dr. Oz and the world’s tiniest Pony!

by Brett Jones on Dec 1, 2008 1:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think...

there are too many regional shows that don’t push the “former _ star” when they get a mediocre “named” fighter on their shows. I mean…hell…Shannon Ritch was passed off as a huge star at one show I attended.

A lot of people will go to a show just to watch “fights” but some people need to see a tag like “former UFC star” to think “oooh…so this is legit then? I’m in!”

Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.

by Brent Brookhouse on Dec 1, 2008 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Brett is just bitter and I can’t blame him because I am a little bitter as well, that we got pumped to see Britt at the UWC show in April and he got scratched. He took a Yamma fight like a week prior and we were like WTF. We had seen Britt at the MMAC show in DC in his pro debut and were pumped to see him again.

by szucconi on Dec 1, 2008 12:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No, I get that. I mean, at that MMAC show they passed off “FORMER UFC FIGHTER” Homer Moore as the main event against Fabiano Capoani. Of course, in those days I was actually excited to see Nino Schembri in the semi-main, so I guess it does work.

But then, MMAC died unceremoniously, so how effective is this strategy overall?

I just thought Jason Von Flue, in particular, was a really weak choice. Then again, he was probably really cheap to bring in. But come on, dude had his brush with fame by beating Jorge Gurgel by decision. I think I have a decision over Gurgel at this point.

But like I said, their original plan was to include both local GREAT man Antwain Britt on the card in the second proposed main event after the original main event of Jeff Monson versus…someone…fell through. Shit happens, though, and I think UWC overall put together a solid card. Too bad Carlo Prater fought Marcelo Brito. Never, ever watch Marcelo Brito fight. If you ever take anything I say seriously, it should be that. Sadly, I’ve not followed this rule…twice. I’m just thankful he was only a one-shot on a non-televised WEC match, because I would cry if he were to face Carlos Condit for the title.

by Brett Jones on Dec 1, 2008 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I read all of the original article and I agree it’s a must read.

It was a great article and I have great hope they can achieve their goals by the sound of their plans.

I did watch the last show and I will be watching future shows.

by mattman73 on Dec 1, 2008 12:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Can't Wait for Their Next Show

I started a UFC Meetup (ufc.meetup.com/91) and we decided to have one of our meetups at their next show. I’m hoping we can get group tickets so we can all sit together and we are all pretty excited about the show! Yay local mma!

by funnytiger on Dec 1, 2008 1:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, email or call…it’s like the VP of public relations or some such. Anyway, a guy at my jiu jitsu school did that and they got group VIP passes, which were like $200 face value, for something like $75 apiece. That’s the real appeal of local MMA groups: they are extremely accessible on most every level.

by Brett Jones on Dec 1, 2008 1:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I will point out that this was AFTER we sprung for our floor seats because we were so pumped for Mr. Britt. I say we sprung for them, but Brett foot the bill. He’s a great freind.

by szucconi on Dec 1, 2008 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, we did get to see the sickest KO ever on that show. And Mike Easton. And truth be told that Spratt v. Von Flue fight was entertaining.

If only Brito had been in YAMMA and Britt had been on the show. That would have been awesome.

by Brett Jones on Dec 1, 2008 1:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!

I’ll be sure to drop them an e-mail! Thanks!

by funnytiger on Dec 1, 2008 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Great org, but not in Strikeforce's league

I watched Strikeforce in bed on Saturday night. UWC, not so much.

Oh and Luke, please dispel any/all rumors that this org is affiliated with The Ultimate Warrior of WWF fame. That guy is fucking nuts.

by subo on Dec 1, 2008 1:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, nothing – NOTHING – to do with that nutcase. ZERO association.

by Luke Thomas on Dec 1, 2008 1:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

A Question For Luke

So, on the UWC website it list MIKE EASTON v. CHASE BEEBE for the Bantamweight title. Now that match makes me go from six to midnight, but it looks like they have a picture of Razor Rob instead of Beebe on their website.

http://www.uwcmma.com/fightcard/

Also, the text on the site (not the promotional poster, fortunately) list the next fight date as FABRUARY 21. Which, actually, I think I like better than February.

Also, Antwain Britt will be fighting, and Ron Stalling v. Herbert Goodman! Awesome, awesome stuff. I can’t wait!

by Brett Jones on Dec 1, 2008 1:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Strikeforce of the East Coast? Lets not get carried away here. They aren’t even the Sportfight of the East Coast at this point.

by smoogy on Dec 1, 2008 3:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

smoogy is stealing my comments inside and outside of IRC!

Anyways… I’ll agree that calling UWC the Strikeforce of the East Coast is completely ridiculous. It had some decent fights, and hopefully it’ll pick up some bigger name fighters in the future, but it’s far from Strikeforce.

Strikeforce’s ability to really capitalize on local talent is one of its biggest attributes. That and they actually have some interesting matchups and characters that really promote the whole ship.

One thing I wanted to bring up. The last UWC show had a stream either through Sherdog or the UWC did the stream and allowed Sherdog to broadcast it, something along those lines. The stream was terrible, I mean, the audio was atrocious. I won’t be watching another UWC event over the ‘Net if that continues. I don’t know what difficulties they were having, but I vividly remember people cutting their streams because it was annoying to hear the audio fade in and out. Hopefully that will be corrected.

by Leland Roling on Dec 1, 2008 3:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs