Strikeforce Production Reform: Entrances

by Michael Rome on Dec 23, 2009 10:29 AM EST in MMA News

Strikeforce has made great strides since the Pro Elite asset purchase, but one area they're still lacking in is overall show presentation. It's worth remembering that to many people, sitting down to watch a fight is like sitting down to watch a show. The characters, announcing, pyro, video presentations, and music all matter. One of the most important aspects of presenting MMA is the fighter entrances, and thus far I'd consider that the one aspect of Strikeforce's presentation that is way below par.

A big part of promoting mixed martial arts is giving fans a reason to care about the fighters on the screen. They should have their favorites that they're rooting for, because if they don't they're very unlikely to tune in in large numbers just to see good technique. They need to care, and in order to care they need to know who fighters are. Since Strikeforce doesn't really have any vehicle to promote fighters outside of the cage, allowing for spectacular entrances is the next best thing. When BJ Penn's music hits, you know who it is. It's a spectacular extension of his persona. Strikeforce has nothing like it.

This brings us to King Mo Lawal. It truly boggles the mind that his entrance wasn't shown on television, considering the fact that it was the only somewhat special entrance of the night. Was Showtime embarrassed by it? Are they averse to star creation? The entrance wasn't even anything that special compared to the kinds of entrances stars like Randy Couture, Forrest Griffin, and Georges St. Pierre have, but it was still worth showing.

Even the "big" entrances at Strikeforce aren't what they should be. I embedded a Youtube video of Fedor Emelianenko's Strikeforce entrance that was omitted from the CBS broadcast. I'd consider this the biggest ovation I've ever seen for a fighter at Strikeforce, but it's still nowhere near the spectacle that it should be for a guy like Fedor.

Entrances might not seem important, but they matter. The details all matter. Your average fan is far more likely to bring up King Mo's dancing entrance around the water cooler than his knockout of Mike Whitehead.

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Genki Sudo needs to come out of retirement.

for all intents and purposes, just consider all my posts as works of satire.

by Bandaka on Dec 23, 2009 10:04 AM EST reply actions

I don’t get it. Was the video showing us how shitty they were? Because the video showed only Whitehead’s entrance.

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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Dec 23, 2009 10:04 AM EST reply actions

i thought that was Fedor

"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't." - Jack Dempsey

by JeremyShane on Dec 23, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions

Oh, it is…

Not sure what the point of the video is.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Dec 23, 2009 10:31 AM EST up reply actions

In the article, he said he was showing the video to point out that strikeforce missed an opportunity to show a decent entrance with a huge crowd reaction with the Fedor fight.

"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't." - Jack Dempsey

by JeremyShane on Dec 23, 2009 10:41 AM EST up reply actions

There wasn’t anything to show. Fedor is the most boring entrance ever. The only real intriguing part about his entrances is how stoic he is. But from what I remember, it has to do with time constraints, and Strikeforce doesn’t have much pull at all in that department.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Dec 23, 2009 10:57 AM EST up reply actions

Backstage he shocked me. He was walking around, yelling, and slapping himself in the face. Very un-Fedor.

by Jonathan Snowden on Dec 23, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions

I think Fedor’s entrance is a little overrated. Its good but its not great. DJ Penn’s is probably the best entrance because of the song. Its one of the most influential songs to come out of Hawaii ever. And the fact that he comes out with a shirt that says “Hawaiian Unity” makes it that much more emotional. Strikeforce needs to not cheese it up like they do…. or at least that’s what I don’t like about it. I dont like these fireworks , flames and special WWE effects that they throw in the mix. To me BJ Penn’s walkout is so much better with far less involved. UFC has the entrance down perfectly.

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by DJ Pullout on Dec 23, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions

Like BJ Penn’s song and entrance influences you, and strikes you emotionally. Fedor’s song and entrance does that for many fans as well. And similarly, other fighter’s and their entrances strike emotional cords for them. And that is why they should be shown. To attract all types of audiences.

by Benjamin Smart on Dec 23, 2009 4:44 PM EST up reply actions

Fedor’s entrance is what I would expect for him pesonally. I’d be disappointed if I didn’t hear ominous russian music when fedor walked out.

"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't." - Jack Dempsey

by JeremyShane on Dec 23, 2009 5:45 PM EST up reply actions

I thought the last Strikeforce show ended a half hour early? Are time constraints really that big of a problem when they are ending shows early? As far as the CBS show goes it was half commercials and drug on forever due to poor time management from someone, showing Fedor’s ring entrance wouldn’t of made the show any shorter.

by who me on Dec 23, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions

I didn’t say it was exciting, I was just re-stating the reason he said he posted the video

"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't." - Jack Dempsey

by JeremyShane on Dec 23, 2009 3:07 PM EST up reply actions

I guess to show us what we’re missing at home, but since the quality is so crappy, it doesn’t help much. From what I understand, the crowd went crazy as he walked to the ring. Strikeforce and CBS would have been better off if they allowed the home viewers to see the reaction he was getting from the live audience.

by John Nash on Dec 23, 2009 11:52 AM EST up reply actions

Did you just mix up Fedor with Mike Whitehead? :P

by HarmlessNinja on Dec 24, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions

PRIDE

As far as show presentation and entrances, nothing compares to Pride.

by keyboardwarrior on Dec 23, 2009 10:11 AM EST reply actions

Dream

Shinya Aoki – Baka Survivor

by Nyfeh on Dec 23, 2009 10:12 AM EST up reply actions

K1 HERO's

also had some great intro’s, Genki Sudo @ K-1 – Premium 2005 Dynamite!! > all.

by CSKit on Dec 23, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions

entertainment

I don’t have HDnet anymore (damn Time Warner) so I don’t get to see a lot of Dream or Sengoku, but PRIDE wasn’t just about the entrances. The lineups before the fights, the drums, lights, etc were awesome, especially when I was in the audience. I never thought I would say it, but I also miss the lady announcer.. fighting out of Brazil.. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueeeeeeeeiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!

by keyboardwarrior on Dec 23, 2009 10:27 AM EST up reply actions

Lenne Hardt

is the “lady announcer” she works for DREAM now. I’m in the same boat with TWC…

by CSKit on Dec 23, 2009 10:40 AM EST up reply actions

sweet

Wish I had TWC so I could check it out. I have complained to them numerous times about HDnet. Come to find out, the reason they don’t carry it anymore is because HDnet did not want to be on a premium tier, they wanted the channel available to everyone who pays for the HD package! TW refused because they say HDnet costs to much for them…

by keyboardwarrior on Dec 23, 2009 10:44 AM EST up reply actions

UFC is & will always b the best

Although I liked Pride’s intro the UFC does everything the best including entrances. They key is the production & Joe Rogan in my opinion.

by sideshow27 on Dec 23, 2009 10:20 AM EST reply actions

No, they don’t. In MMA today, DREAM has the best entertainment show in terms of entrances. Hands down. The UFC is a pretty standard organization when it comes to entrances. PRIDE surpassed both DREAM and UFC when it was around.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Dec 23, 2009 10:32 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

yep

Totally agree, there isn’t even a doubt. I don’t see how anybody can argue otherwise unless they never saw a full PRIDE show.

by keyboardwarrior on Dec 23, 2009 10:34 AM EST up reply actions

An entrance doesn’t have to be a huge Broadway production to be good it just has to electrify the crowd. Pride’s ring entrances were elaborate but that doesn’t neccessarily mean they were better they were just meant for an entirely different audience market. What works so well for the UFC is that they have a camera crew in front of the fighters following them to the cage with the fans screaming around them (boxing style), it works really well to get the fans watching on TV excited for the fight. You don’t have to have BJ Penn shoot up through a trap door Rey Mysterio jr style to have a ring entrance that gets the fans involved but it really helps if you actually film the fighters getting to the cage and put that on air.

by who me on Dec 23, 2009 10:44 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

I find the UFC’s entrances underwhelming. Most of the time people aren’t going crazy; you hear some generic song blaring in the background while Rogan and Goldberg babble about the fighter to kill time before the fight starts. I’m glad that Strikeforce keeps the ring entrances short for the most part. The Pride ring entrances were definitely cool. UFC’s are just long and dull (except for Akiyama’s).

by The Darkness on Dec 23, 2009 10:52 AM EST up reply actions

It’s not that it has to be an elaborate entrance, but most entrances look exactly the same because they only show the fighters walking, not much else.

Except for Tom Lawlor, and GSPs Hardcore Security

by IRodC on Dec 23, 2009 10:53 AM EST up reply actions

There are only a few entrances I’ve seen in the UFC that were entertaining. Gono’s chainmail dresses and the Tom Lawlor “Who let the Dawgs Out” entrance. Most of the others are boring.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Dec 23, 2009 10:58 AM EST up reply actions

I’ve been watching pro wrestling for 30+ years I guess the elaborate theater stuff has just worn thin for me then because I rather watch a guy with his Entourage just walk out through the crowd slapping hands and getting a good cheer. Yes not every fighter gets a good cheer when they enter the arena but then they don’t need to show every fighter going to the cage.

Everyone has their own taste in what they want to see. My favorite growing up was always Ric Flair, the music hit and he would just walk to the ring in those horrible robes of his, it was electric and it didn’t take much more than just the music and the man to tear the roof off a place.

by who me on Dec 23, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Well, those entrances weren’t my favorite. The very theatrical DREAM entrances are much more entertaining.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Dec 23, 2009 11:31 AM EST up reply actions

Do we really want something like Manhoef on a chain, barking like a dog when we are trying to get regulation in some states and claiming this is a real sport and not lock dog fighting? I don’t get a offended by it but a lot of “stuffed shirts” making decisions might.

by swells2048 on Dec 23, 2009 11:33 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Hence why I said the “very theatrical DREAM entrances” are so much more entertaining.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Dec 23, 2009 1:09 PM EST up reply actions

Different people like different things it’s what separates opinion from fact (a very important distinction when talking about who has the best ring entrances). Of course this article was about actually showing ring entrances for big fights.

by who me on Dec 23, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions

The first time I saw a DREAM show on HDNet

I didn’t know what to think. It looked like pro wrestling. But it sure got me interested in fighters I hadn’t heard of 5 minutes before that.

"The moment you stop thinking you're the best, it's time for you to get out the game." -'King' Mo Lawal

by duck on Dec 23, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions

I really miss getting to see big entrances; UFC hasn’t done anything fancy in years either though.

"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't." - Jack Dempsey

by JeremyShane on Dec 23, 2009 10:26 AM EST reply actions

the climax for a UFC entrance is when a drunkard gets to steal a fighter’s cap. at ufc105, Couture and Swick were victims!

I am. I think. I will. - Ayn Rand

by vivero on Dec 23, 2009 2:08 PM EST up reply actions

What was Mike Tyson’s big entrance again?

by Jonathan Snowden on Dec 23, 2009 10:30 AM EST reply actions

eating peoples children

"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't." - Jack Dempsey

by JeremyShane on Dec 23, 2009 10:41 AM EST up reply actions

LOL

Towel, black shoes, often no music at all. Julio Cesar Chavez walked into Stadium Azteca with no entrance. And there were 130,000 people there.

I don’t think anyone cares to see a 10 minute intro for a guy in the opening fight.

by Jonathan Snowden on Dec 23, 2009 10:48 AM EST up reply actions

although having to point out one of the biggest boxers ever, kinda makes the point that Rome was trying to make.

a good entrance can get fans into a fight they might normally be ‘meh’ on. bringing up Tyson is like saying Brock, Fedor, etc have to have good entrances. Some fighters will enter big b/c of fan reaction; some could use the attention and sometimes the show itself could use extra entertainment.

"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't." - Jack Dempsey

by JeremyShane on Dec 23, 2009 3:09 PM EST up reply actions

Tyson wasn’t always the biggest boxer of all time you know? He entered all business and made his name in the ring, not with an elaborate entrance.

If you need an entrance to get noticed, that entrance was just wasted on you.
The time, the expense, all of it.

by Jonathan Snowden on Dec 23, 2009 3:55 PM EST up reply actions

Yes but the crowd still went wild when he entered an arena and that is really what makes a good entrance a good entrance. Elaborate and exciting are adjective that don’t neccessarily mean the same thing. A simple ring entrance from the right fighter can really light up a crowd and would be something worth showing the fans at home.

by who me on Dec 23, 2009 4:16 PM EST up reply actions

I didn’t realize that, I thought he was born with gloves on and KO’d the Dr. for slapping his ass.

Anyways, you make a good point; but still not one that eliminates my point about a good ring entrance can add to a good show and sometimes give you a bit of a fighter personality as well.

"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't." - Jack Dempsey

by JeremyShane on Dec 23, 2009 5:44 PM EST up reply actions

I don’t recall GSP’s entrance’s being anything at all spectacular or Randy Couture’s or BJ Penn’s. I think you’re confusing being excited to see a fighter with having an elaborate or memorable ring entrance. If I’m missing something feel free to correct me.

The coolest ring entrance I"ve seen to date was definitely Akiyama’s entrance at UFC 100 (because I hadn’t seen it before) and the concept of this very deliberate walk to the ring while holding hands and bowing with your seconds and with Time to Say Goodbye playing in the back and a smug look on his face to boot was epic.

Outside a few (very) hardcore fans, seeing the ring entrance isn’t going to do much to gain fans, I’m guessing. Strikeforce does have decent backstories before their challenger fights at least and did a special on Fedor before his fight. I expect to see more of the same thing. With showtime backing them, I’m sure they can do a better documentary/promo piece than the UFC can.

The downside of showing an elaborate, potentially offensive ring walk out (like Mo’s) is that it might turn off the middle aged family man with young kids, a demographic I’m sure they covet.

by The Darkness on Dec 23, 2009 10:43 AM EST reply actions

For some reason people really confuse elaborate with good, maybe it’s the pro wrestling background so many of us are used to. The key for the fans at home is to see the fighter walking out and to see the fans going wild not to see a scripted dance routine and a fireworks display. I know when I see the fans in the arena getting excited for a fighter walking out it gets me excited too.

by who me on Dec 23, 2009 10:48 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Good Point

Elaborate doesn’t mean good. Diego’s “YES!” entrance isn’t elaborate but his fans get pumped for it…others may laugh at him.

I still could live without any entrances.

by swells2048 on Dec 23, 2009 11:16 AM EST up reply actions

The Fedor video does no justice to how loud that place was nor how awesome it was live. It was a really amazing moment live.

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

by Brent Brookhouse on Dec 23, 2009 10:52 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

Sigh...

Another veiled UFC v whoever story/thread.

I think it comes down to culture. In the U.S., normal (read non-hard core) fans are more interested in substance over style. A great fighter with a great record over a flashy fighter with a sketch record.

This is symbolically on display in the entrance types favored in both the U.S. and Japan. I would hazard to say that neither is better. Each simply represents the tastes of the culture it takes place in.

by Razreshat on Dec 23, 2009 11:08 AM EST reply actions

Your logic is flawed

EVERYONE loves Phil Baroni lol

by IRodC on Dec 23, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah!

Saying that Strikeforce could improve their production is ABSOLUTELY a UFC v. whoever story! You’re not wrong at all! Not even a tiny bit!

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

by Brent Brookhouse on Dec 23, 2009 12:00 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Shut up!!!

It’s so obvious that Rome is a huge UFC nuthugger and now you have shown your true nuthugging roots by defending him, nuthuggers all of you!!!!!!!!!!!!1

This is why we can’t have nice things, every criticism of an org is equated to you saying you hope they fail because you love the other orgs. Any time you praise an org you are a nuthugger. I have no idea how this sport survived being based over the internet for those early years.

by Phildo on Dec 23, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions

Screw you!!!!

By attacking someone as a nuthugger, you have proven you are in fact the nuthugger!

But it is amazing that any criticism – any – of a promotion is seen as an attack on that promotion. Apparently friendly suggestions to Zuffa to air 108 for free should be seen as my undying hatred of all things UFC.

And another thing: being in the tundra that is Minnesota has shown me that having someone hug your nuts might not be that bad.

by John Nash on Dec 23, 2009 2:06 PM EST up reply actions

That is why I said "Story/thread", bud.

Because the discussion has taken on a very much UFC v other organizations slant. In a formate such as this, the discussion by the members here is very much apart of the story that it is attached to.

by Razreshat on Dec 23, 2009 1:26 PM EST up reply actions

Come on, man.

You’re basically saying we can never compare anything the UFC does to any other organization to weigh benefits and problems without it being a reflection of a greater promotional war. That’s a ridiculous point of view.

"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe

by pdl on Dec 23, 2009 5:21 PM EST up reply actions

I really don't care about entrances

I’d much rather show almost no entrance and possibly get an extra fight. IMO, that is Strikeforce’s problem. All the extra time and its filled with Mauro and Frank making my eardrums bleed.

I enjoy Dream’s entrances to a degree because it is specific only to them and I don’t have to deal with it so much. I really don’t think the majority of fans (hardcore or casual) really care about the entrances.

I think Rome is right in that SF needs to have the fans care but I don’t think mma having WWE style entrances is the way to go.

I also don’t think its good to have “fans” talking at the water cooler about an entrance over a KO. Is that really what we want with the sport?

by swells2048 on Dec 23, 2009 11:14 AM EST reply actions

If they are talking about an entrance vice not talking about MMA at all then yes, it is good for the sport.

by keyboardwarrior on Dec 23, 2009 11:34 AM EST up reply actions

But that wasn’t his point. And that person isn’t a fan at all, much less an average fan. If you don’t enjoy or like a KO in a combat sport you probably aren’t watching the show to begin with. IMO its a very weak point. If a viewer is talking to friends about the show and the only good thing they saw worth talking about was an entrance it didn’t help the sport. This isn’t “so you think you can dance”

by swells2048 on Dec 23, 2009 11:42 AM EST up reply actions

Just wondering if there is going to have another Strikeforce Production Reform article talking about taping the prelims?
As far as ring entrances are concerned, it definitely can’t hurt them. As a professional wrestling fan, I know how important a ring entrance is. I don’t even know if it has to be elaborate like PRIDE or DREAM, but I feel that they should just have them regardless of how elaborate or not elaborate it is. Even MFC shows the ring entrances of their fighters.

by chrisbboy82 on Dec 23, 2009 11:55 AM EST reply actions

Ring entrances is really just a fun but shallow discussion. Strikeforce not taping the prelims really sucks and deserves serious mention.

by who me on Dec 23, 2009 12:16 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed

Not being able to see Britt vs Lighty or Modaferri vs Coenen (really dumb in my opinion considering that Coenen is the next challenger to Cyborg) is something that needs to be fixed soon. If these fighters are going to the main card, it would help greatly to see their previous fights and get an idea of what these fighters can do. It would also help to see their highlights like KOs/TKOs and submissions.

by chrisbboy82 on Dec 23, 2009 12:45 PM EST up reply actions

I love entrances, maybe its the old wrestling fan in me but yeah I got mad they didn’t show King Mo’s walk out. Luckily someone shot it and I got to see it even though it wasn’t a good angle or anything. Fail, Showtime/Coker. =/

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by xFenixKnightx on Dec 23, 2009 1:19 PM EST reply actions