By: IronHorse@Ironhorse_somoJune 29, 2014I can't remember where, but awhile back, I read an interview with pro wrestling commentator Jim Ross (Or "Good ole J.R.", to wrestling fans,) where it came to light that he was also a fan of the UFC. In the interview, he said that he thought the UFC should take a page from the WWE play-book, and market its fighters as "stars." Now, this was a couple of months back, when I read this, and since then, I've just kind of let the idea roll around in my head, and come to the conclusion that Jim Ross is absolutely correct.
I'm not saying the UFC should go full-on WWE, and start creating drama between its fighters, or coming up with "kayfabe" story lines - nothing like that. Think of it more as "WWE light." In the WWE, almost every week, the wrestlers spend a few minutes in front of a microphone, spewing hatred at their upcoming opponents, and making dire threats toward their health, and so on - allowing viewers to get a feel for the persona they've created for themselves, and have something of an emotional interest in upcoming matches.
What I'd like to see the UFC do is, take better advantage of the social media outlets that are already out there for free (YouTube, Facebook, Twitter), and let us get to know the fighters a little bit. Have someone interview the fighters, let them explain their history in martial arts, and their lives outside the ring, are they married or single? What do they like to do besides train and fight?, and so on, then put the video up on YouTube Allow the viewing audience to connect on a slightly deeper level with the fighters, instead of "Oh, here's another undercard fighter - oh yeah, and he's from Brazil."
Some fighters have already learned self promotion well - a few notable examples are Chael Sonnen (the master!), Ken Shamrock, Brock Lesnar, and Pat Barry and Rose Namajunas (who have been very active on YouTube and Instagram, giving us small glimpses into their lives, or just doing goofy stunts, which are good for a laugh.) Of course, Shamrock and Lesnar were both in WWE at some point, and I'd be willing to bet they learned self-promotion there.
The UFC does seem to have a "marketing and P.R. department," but the only people it really seems to "get behind" and promote is its reigning champions. They come up with some pretty slick vignettes to promote upcoming title fights, that tell us a little bit about champion and challenger, their drives, desires, etc. But, unless you're holding or contending for a title, there seems to be a conspicuous absence of any promotion from the UFC.
How hard would it be for the UFC to create a section called "Meet the fighters," on their YouTube page, and add in some hyper links from their advertisements for upcoming fights to a brief interview with the individual combatants?
My point being (and I think Jim Ross' as well) that; The more we know about the fighters as individuals, the more we can feel "connected" to them as more than "just another undercard fighter," the more likely we are to buy the next pay-per-view, or pay the subscription fee for "Fight Pass." Which equals more money in the UFC's coffers. Where's the "lose" in this situation?