For owners and operators of martial arts schools, wrestling clubs, and fitness centers, providing unique and high-value experiences is key to attracting and retaining members. One of the most impactful events you can host is a training seminar led by a true legend of the sport.
This guide details the incredible opportunity to book Dan “Mnyama” Severn—a UFC Hall of Famer, former WWE Superstar, and one of the most accomplished combat sports athletes in history—for an appearance and seminar at your facility.
Why Host a Seminar with Dan Severn?
Dan Severn is more than just a fighter; he is a decorated veteran and a seasoned educator with a teaching career spanning nearly four decades. His credentials are unparalleled, making him a significant draw for any gym.
Dan Severn is a true Renaissance man, an MMA pioneer, and an undisputed fan favorite. UFC’s only Triple Crown Champion, and was inducted into UFC’s Hall of Fame and the Arizona State Wrestling Hall of Fame. He is also an author, lecturer, movie star, television actor, MMA commentator, and renowned teacher of submission grappling.
His extensive background covers a wide array of disciplines, including Folk, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling. He also holds black belts in Judo, Sambo, and Jiu-Jitsu. This diverse expertise allows him to offer comprehensive seminars that cater to students of all levels and backgrounds, from youth wrestlers to adult MMA practitioners.
Hosting a legend of Severn’s caliber not only provides invaluable instruction for your members but also serves as a powerful marketing tool. It can attract new students, generate local media attention, and solidify your facility’s reputation as a premier training destination.
Seminar Content and Structure
Dan Severn offers a flexible seminar structure that can be tailored to the specific needs of your gym. He is proficient in teaching a wide range of techniques, from fundamental takedowns to advanced submission holds. A typical booking can include one or two distinct seminars, each lasting between 1.5 kwa 2 masaa.
This allows for a focused curriculum. Kwa mfano, you could host two separate sessions:
•Seminar 1: On the Feet: Focusing on closing distance, Takedown, clinches, hutupa, and the corresponding defensive maneuvers.
•Seminar 2: On the Ground: Covering techniques from the guard, mount, and cross-body positions, including escapes and submissions.
This dual-seminar approach provides a comprehensive learning experience and offers an excellent value proposition for attendees.
The Booking Details: Cost and Arrangements
Booking Dan Severn is a straightforward process with a clear pricing structure designed to be mutually beneficial for both him and the host facility.
Standard Rate:
•$2,000 per day plus transportation and hotel accommodations.
This fee covers the primary seminar booking. Hata hivyo, the financial model is designed to help the host facility recoup its investment and even turn a profit. For a two-seminar day, the host pays the daily rate for the first seminar, and the revenue from the second seminar is split 50/50.
Suggested Pricing Model: To maximize attendance and revenue, a tiered pricing structure is recommended:
Seminar Package
Gym Members
Non-Members
Seminar 1 Tu
$75
$100
Both Seminars
$150
$175
This model incentivizes participation in both sessions while offering a discount to your existing members, ultimately driving revenue for the host gym and potentially leading to new long-term memberships.
More Than a Seminar: Maximizing Your Booking
One of the most significant advantages of booking Dan Severn is his willingness to go above and beyond to ensure the event’s success. He offers a wide range of promotional and community engagement activities that can be scheduled around the seminar to generate buzz and help offset the costs.
These additional appearances and events can transform a single seminar into a multi-day community event. Here are just some of the activities Dan is willing to participate in:
•Media Engagement: Dan will conduct interviews with local radio stations and promote the event on his social media pages:
•Community Outreach: Speak to students at local junior high or high schools about topics like anti-bullying or the importance of education.
•Specialized Training: Offer a sampler of his Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics program for local police departments.
•Exclusive Fan Experiences: Host a “Feast with The Beast” private meal or a “Breakfast with The Beast” Q&A session for small groups.
•Promotional Appearances: Appear at local sports bars, sponsor locations, or even car dealerships for meet-and-greets, photo opportunities, and autograph signings.
By leveraging these additional opportunities, a gym owner can create a comprehensive promotional schedule that builds excitement and drives ticket sales for the main seminar.
How to Book “Mnyama”
To begin the process of bringing Dan Severn to your training facility for a seminar, muonekano, or speaking engagement, you can reach out directly to his booking contacts.
Be sure to let Dan’s team know that Rich from Fight News Unlimited referred you, and then let Rich know you’ve booked an appearance by emailingrich.bergeron@gmail.com.
Once we’ve confirmed that you have booked “Mnyama,” we will also help you promote the event with a blog post here and promotional posts across all our own social media platforms.
•For general inquiries and booking: Contact Kevin Gilligan atkeving@tdg4.com [5].
•For seminar-specific questions: You can also emaildan@dansevern.com au simu (517) 278-4908 [2].
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to have a living legend of wrestling and mixed martial arts share his knowledge with your students. Booking Dan “Mnyama” Severn is more than just a seminar; it’s an event that will be remembered by your community for years to come.
For more information about Dan Severn’s background and seminar offerings, check out these key documents:
Hii itakuwa ndefu. Ndivyo tunavyofanya waandishi wa habari, tunaandika. Ninaandika makala hii ya heshima kwa shujaa wa utotoni, Hulk Hogan. Ninaandika hii zaidi kwa ajili yangu mwenyewe. Hiki ni kifo cha mtu mashuhuri ambacho kimeniathiri kama hakuna mwingine. Ninaweza kuelewa kikweli jinsi watu walivyohisi Elvis alipokufa.
Nimekaa juu ya mawazo na maneno haya kwa wiki sasa. Unasemaje kwaheri kwa ikoni, kitu ambacho kimefafanua maisha yako kwa muda mrefu kama unaweza kukumbuka? Terry Bollea, mwanamieleka kitaaluma na ikoni ya kitamaduni inayojulikana ulimwenguni kote kama Hulk Hogan, alifariki ghafla Julai 24 baada ya kupata mshtuko wa moyo nyumbani kwake huko Florida.
Ingawa kuna mabishano na maoni ya mgawanyiko juu ya Terry Bollea mtu katika miaka michache iliyopita, Ninataka kuweka mawazo yangu juu ya Hulk Hogan, mwanamieleka na mtumbuizaji ambaye alimaanisha mengi kwangu katika kipindi kilichopita 40 miaka.
Katika kile kilichokuwa kama dhoruba kamili, Hulk Hogan alikuja maishani mwangu mwaka wa 1983. Nilikuwa tu nimehamia mtaa mpya kwani babu yangu alikuwa mgonjwa mahututi., na tulikuwa tunaenda kumsaidia bibi yangu kumtunza katika miezi yake ya mwisho. Sikuwahi kuwa na kebo hapo awali. Baba yangu wakati mwingine angetazama programu ya mieleka kwenye nyumba yetu ya zamani, na ningekaa naye. Wakati huo WWE (kisha WWF) lilikuwa eneo la mkoa wa kaskazini-mashariki. Bingwa alikuwa Bob Backlund lakini kwa mtoto aliyevutiwa na Star Wars na He-Man, alikuwa tu wazi sana na boring kukamata mawazo yangu.
Rocky III alikuwa ametolewa 1982 na maandishi yaliita msuli, kubwa-kuliko-maisha wrestler kujaza nafasi ya Thunderlips na Hogan alikuwa chaguo asili. Alikuwa kisigino (mtu mbaya) tabia yake mapema katika kazi yake na utendaji wake ulimletea kutambuliwa kwa kawaida. Pamoja na upatikanaji wa cable, ilionekana kuwa Rocky III ilikuwa ikionyeshwa karibu kila siku na ningeitazama baada ya katuni za alasiri.
Desemba hiyo, Bob Backlund alipoteza cheo cha WWE kwa Iron Sheik mbaya na wa kudharauliwa. Sikuwa shabiki mkubwa wa Backlund, lakini akili yangu ya umri wa miaka 7 haikuweza kufahamu ulimwengu ulio na "mtu mbaya" kama bingwa wa mieleka. Dunia ilikuwa na usawa mnamo Januari 23, 1984, wakati Hogan alipochukua nafasi ya Backlund "aliyejeruhiwa" na kumshinda Iron Sheik kwenye bustani ya Madison Square..
Nilipotazama hii kwenye TV, Niliweza kuhisi msisimko na shangwe wakati Hulk aliposhinda tena taji la Amerika. Katika mawazo yangu, Hulk Hogan alikuwa mtu mbaya katika Rocky III hadi Rocky "akamgeuza kuwa mzuri." Katika wakati huo, Nilipata shujaa, Superman wa maisha halisi, mtu ambaye angeweza kukabiliana na changamoto za wapiganaji wabaya wote. Kuwa na kebo, Ningeweza kutazama kadi za kila mwezi kutoka kwa Philadelphia Spectrum, kushangilia Hulkster kila mwezi.
Februari 1985 iliashiria mwaka mzima wa kuwa Hulkamaniac kamili kwangu. Kulikuwa na kadi ya matinee iliyoshikiliwa kwenye Spectrum, na baba yangu aliamua kunipeleka kuona Hulk akitetea keki ya Brutus Beefcake. Bado nakumbuka msisimko wa ajabu walipokuwa wakicheza "Jicho la Chui" wakati Hulk alipoingia kwenye pete.. Ilikuwa ya kusisimua sana. Nilirekodi mchezo wa marudio siku iliyofuata kwenye TV na nilisadikishwa kwamba nilijiona kwenye matangazo. Haikuwa hadi miaka kadhaa baadaye ndipo nilipotazama mechi hiyo kwenye Youtube na nikagundua mtu ambaye nilifikiri ni mimi alikuwa kijana tu. 10 miaka mingi kuliko mimi na amevaa tu koti kama hilo.
WWE ilikuwa ikiwasilisha supercard yenye jina la "Wrestlemania" mwezi uliofuata, na nilijaribu kumshawishi baba yangu aniruhusu niione. Hii ilikuwa kabla ya kuagiza kadi za kulipia kutazama ukiwa nyumbani na mahali pekee tulipoweza kuona ni utangazaji wa moja kwa moja katika Philadelphia Spectrum.. Nilichezea orodha ya watu mashuhuri ambao wangekuwepo, akiwemo Muhammad Ali. Alikubali kunichukua, na nilipata kuona nyota zote kubwa kama Mbwa Junkyard na Andre the Giant. Lakini mechi iliyonifanya nitetemeke kwenye kiti changu ilikuwa mechi ya kinyongo na Hulk akishirikiana na Rocky III costar na icon ya A-Team., Mr. T walipochukua wawili wasaliti wa Rowdy Roddy Piper na Paul "Mr. Ajabu” Orndorf. Bila shaka, mashujaa walishinda, na tukio hilo lilikuwa jambo kuu zaidi nililowahi kuona.
Kuanzia wakati huo, Nilikuwa juu ya kila kitu na chochote Hulk Hogan. Alikuwa shujaa mkubwa zaidi duniani. Nilimpenda He-Man, GI Joe, na Transfoma, lakini vilikuwa tu vinyago vya uwongo na katuni. Nilikuwa shabiki mkubwa wa Rocky, lakini nilijua kuwa ilikuwa sinema tu. Lakini Hulk Hogan… nilimtazama kila wiki, na niliamini mieleka ni kweli. Nilitaka kukua na kuwa mwanamieleka. Jina langu litakuwa "Tornado Tony" na ningekuwa mshirika wa timu ya tag ya Hulk Hogan.. Tulikuwa tunaenda kwenye hafla kuu ya Wrestlemania kama timu ya lebo. Ningefanya mazoezi kwa kutumia vifaa vya mazoezi vya Hulkamania na dumbe za plastiki, kushika mkono, na jumprope. Nilikuwa na sanduku la chakula cha mchana la Hulk Hogan kwa shule, Nilikuwa na t-shirt ya Hulk Hogan, na takwimu zote za hatua za LJN.
Nilipata marafiki wengi tofauti shuleni nikizungumza tu juu ya mieleka, baadhi ya watoto ambao nilifikiri sikuwa na uhusiano wowote nao. Kama mtoto wa kawaida mwenye aibu, ikiwa nilimwona mtoto mwingine akiwa na mada ya mieleka, kama kibandiko cha mieleka kwenye mkoba au kadi chache za biashara, Ningetoka kwenye ganda langu na kuanza mazungumzo. Inevitably, tungepanga kutazama programu ya kila juma inayopeperushwa kila Jumamosi asubuhi, ikijumuisha katuni yenye mandhari ya Hulk Hogan ambayo ilikuwa maarufu sana. Wakati huu, wazazi wangu wangeniruhusu nikeshe usiku sana ikiwa Tukio Kuu la Jumamosi Usiku lilikuwa likionyeshwa. Ilikuwa burudani ya kukaribishwa lakini pia ilihuzunisha sana kumtazama King Kong Bundy ambaye ni mwovu akimtuma Hulk nje kwenye machela.. Kama kiwewe kama ilivyokuwa, haikutosha kunizuia nisikubali mwaliko wa sherehe ya siku ya kuzaliwa kutazama 2nd awamu ya Wrestlemania na baadhi ya wanafunzi wenzangu. Tulifurahi wakati wa kuingia kwa Hogan, tulishikilia pumzi yetu ya pamoja wakati Bundy alipata faida, na kisha kusherehekea wakati Hogan alitawala.
Biashara ya mieleka ikiwa katika kilele cha umaarufu na Hulk akiongoza, walihitaji kitu kikubwa, kubwa ajabu, kujaza 93,000 Pontiac Silverdome kwa Wrestlemania III. Walichofanya ni kulinganisha Hogan na mtu mkubwa zaidi katika michezo ya kitaaluma, kihalisi na kimafumbo, walipomgombanisha na rafiki yake wa zamani katika urefu wa futi 7, 500 lb. Andre Jitu. Jitu, safi kutoka kwa usaliti wake kwa Hogan, inawezekana ilikuwa changamoto kubwa sana kwa shujaa wetu kushinda. Baada ya kustahimili mapigo mengi dhidi ya mpinzani wake wa kutisha zaidi, Hulk bado aliweza kujiinua na kumshinda mpinzani wake mkubwa, ikiwa ni pamoja na bodyslam maarufu zaidi wakati wote.
Muda mfupi baada ya Wrestlemania III, upeo wangu ulianza kupanuka. Nilipendezwa na michezo, hasa ndondi. Nilikuwa nikitazama sinema zaidi na kucheza michezo tofauti ya video. Nikiwa bado natazama mieleka, na nilijiona kama Hulkamaniac mwaminifu, Nilianza kuingia kwenye programu nyingine, hasa nyakati ambazo Hogan hangekuwa anarekodi filamu na vipindi vya televisheni.
Nilipofika Sekondari, Nilikuwa nikitazama tu mieleka. Haikuwa jambo la kupendeza kufanya tena. Wakati mwingine ningetazama programu na nilipenda kutazama ni The Undertaker, Kiwembe Ramon, na Deisel. Hatukuwa na vyama vya mieleka tena, takwimu yangu LJN walikuwa packed katika sanduku katika Attic, na hatukuwa na mechi za nyuma. Mapambano ya mieleka ya miaka ya 80 yalikuwa yamefifia, na biashara ilikuwa na kashfa za steroid na madawa ya kulevya. Haikuwa tena aina ya burudani isiyo na hatia ambayo nilikua nikitazama.
Mwaka wangu wa pili chuoni, Nilikuwa nikilala na mvulana ambaye alipenda mieleka, na nikaanza kutazama naye. Hogan alikuwa katika mpinzani wa WCW, na tungelinganisha mashirika yote mawili, zote mbili zikiwa bado zinatumia mada na hila zilizopitwa na wakati. Huku tukitazama kama kikundi, Sikujipata nikitazama niliporudi nyumbani kwa mapumziko ya kiangazi. Hiyo ilibadilika mnamo Mei 27, 1996, WCW iliporusha bomu. Upangaji wao usio na maana ulipata msukumo kwa kuwasili kwa mshangao kwa Scott Hall (aliyekuwa Kiwembe Ramon), ikifuatiwa wiki chache baadaye na rafiki yake Kevin Nash (Deisel wa zamani).
WCW sasa walikuwa na hisia mbaya na hamu ilifikia kilele kwa Bash yao kwenye kadi ya Pwani, inapatikana tu kwa kununua matangazo ya kulipia kwa kila mtazamo. Hall na Nash, na ahadi ya mshirika wa siri, alipigana na ushujaa watatu wa Randy Savage, Kuumwa, na Lex Luger. Kupona kutoka kwa upasuaji wa goti wa hivi karibuni, Sikununua show. Sikuwa nimesikia matokeo au ripoti zozote nilipotazama programu ya Jumatatu usiku. Kwa goti langu lililoinuka na, katika usingizi unaosababishwa na maumivu, Nilimtazama Hulk akienda kwenye pete wakati wa tukio kuu. Alikuwepo kuokoa mashujaa na kupeleka wabaya kukimbia. Au ndivyo nilivyofikiria. Nakumbuka nikifikiria “Je, alimshambulia tu mtu asiyefaa?” huku akidondosha saini yake kwenye Savage.
Kama alivyofanya 12 miaka iliyopita, Hulk Hogan tena alikuwa kitovu cha mapinduzi ya mieleka. Wakati huu alifanya hivyo kwa kujigeuza kuwa tabia ya kisigino na kuongeza moniker "Hollywood" kwa jina lake. Alibadilisha nembo yake ya rangi ya manjano na nyekundu kuwa rangi nyeusi na nyeupe na akaweka alama ya "Agizo la Ulimwengu Mpya" la mieleka. Alirudisha mieleka kwenye mkondo. Vyombo vya habari vilifunika mieleka tena. Ilikuwa ni mazungumzo karibu na mji, shule na ofisi, jinsi Hulk Hogan aligeuka kuwa mtu mbaya. Pamoja na Hall na Nash, alifanya hivyo baridi kuwa mbaya.
Ili kukabiliana na mlipuko wa ukadiriaji wa WCW, WWE ilirekebisha bidhaa mbaya zaidi, ikiongozwa na Stone Cold Steve Austin na Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Siku za Jumatatu usiku zikawa vita vya ukadiriaji kati ya kampuni zote mbili na kutazama mieleka ilikuwa ni "ndani" ya kufanya tena.
Nakumbuka nilitembea hadi kwa kijana mmoja kwenye chuo chetu ambaye alikuwa amevaa t-shirt ya NWO. Nilimtazama na kumuuliza “Je!?” na kutoa ishara ya “Kwa Maisha” kwa mkono wangu wa kushoto. Alijibu kwa ishara ya “Tamu Sana”. Tumekuwa marafiki tangu na kila mwaka kwenye siku zetu za kuzaliwa., tunachapisha salamu za NWO kwenye ukurasa wa media ya kijamii wa mwingine.
Ili kukabiliana na mlipuko wa ukadiriaji wa WCW, WWE ilirekebisha bidhaa mbaya zaidi, ikiongozwa na Stone Cold Steve Austin na Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Siku za Jumatatu usiku zikawa vita vya ukadiriaji kati ya kampuni zote mbili na kutazama mieleka ilikuwa ni "ndani" ya kufanya tena. Mieleka katika miaka ya 80 ilikuwa kama muongo, sauti kubwa, rangi, na juu-juu. Mieleka katika miaka ya 90 ilifanana na nyakati za mabadiliko, grittier na ya kweli zaidi. Mpinga shujaa muasi ulikuwa mtindo maarufu na ambao uliendana na mtazamo wa utu wangu ambao umegeuka kuwa 21..
Katika mwaka wangu mdogo katika 1997, Nilichaguliwa kupiga ngumi katika Tamasha la kifahari la Collegiate East-West Classic huko Reno, NV. Kwa bahati mbaya, wiki moja tu kabla ya pambano, my scheduled opponent was forced to withdraw with an injury and a teammate in a lighter weight class was taken in my place. While at a layover in the San Francisco airport, my boxing teammates saw Hulk Hogan walking by, dressed in his black and white NWO garb. They stopped him for a photo, and he obliged. Being a member of the school journalism club, I had to submit that photo for publishing in our school newspaper, the very photo that I should have been included in. The following year, I was able to make the trip to Reno, NV to compete in the East-West Classic. I walked all through the airport with another boxer on the trip, looking for any WCW wrestler that might be in the San Francisco airport, even though there was really only one that I was looking to meet.
After graduating, I kept up with the wrestling trend. In 2001, WWE purchased a faltering WCW, and just a year later, Hulk Hogan returned to battle The Rock in an ageless classic where the fans embraced his return. Hulk would leave and return to the company several times over the next few years, and during each return, when the first few chords of his signature theme “Real American” would hit the air, the deafening reaction of the crowd would fill the arena with such electricity.
By the mid-2000s, I come to realize that my opportunity to meet my all-time favorite wrestler and icon was lost when that Reno boxer withdrew from our bout in 1997. Being a naïve fan, Sikutambua kwamba Hulk alikuwa kweli kutoka eneo la Tampa. Kila mara alikuwa anatozwa bili kutoka Venice Beach, CA na mimi tulichukua hiyo kama ukweli. Nilianza kufanya safari ya kila mwaka ya chemchemi kwenda Clearwater in 2008 na, miaka michache baadaye, usafiri wangu ulipita baa inayoitwa "Hogan's Beach", karibu na uwanja wa ndege wa Tampa. Niligundua baadaye kuwa ilikuwa baa inayomilikiwa na Hulk Hogan, kwa hivyo niliamua kuongeza siku kwenye safari yangu kwa mwaka ujao kutembelea baa hiyo. Ilikuwa nafasi yangu ya kupata picha niliyohisi nilistahili. Katika 2015, Nilikwenda Hogan's Beach na kamera yangu tayari, isipokuwa hakukuwa na Hulk Hogan kwenye Pwani ya Hogan.
Na Hogan's Beach inafunga 2016, Nilisikia kwamba alikuwa na duka la kumbukumbu huko Clearwater Beach na kwamba wakati mwingine angejitokeza bila mpangilio. Nilifanya ziara ndani 2016, 2017, 2018, na 2019, wote bila bahati. Wakati fulani nilisikia kitu kama "Mbaya sana. Alikuwa hapa jana." Kila mwaka, Nilinunua shati na kuchukua picha nikiwa nje ya duka. Rafiki yangu na mwenzangu wa zamani Jason, ambaye alikuwa kwenye safari hiyo mbaya ya ndondi 1997, wangenibavu kila mwaka na kutoa maoni yao na picha yao kutoka uwanja wa ndege miongo miwili iliyopita. Ningejibu kila mara kuwa ningependa kumpata bondia huyo wa Reno ili hatimaye tupate mechi hiyo ya ndondi na kila mwaka, Ningeongeza mwaka mwingine wa riba juu ya kipigo alichokuwa anaenda kupata 20 miaka iliyopita.
Licha ya wakati wangu mbaya kila mwaka, kwenda kwenye Duka la Hogan's Beach huko Clearwater Beach lilikuwa jambo la kufurahisha. Nilipokuwa mtoto, kulikuwa na mazungumzo ya kufungua duka la mieleka kwenye soko la karibu la mkulima, na watoto katika ujirani wangu wote walizungumza kuhusu kile ambacho tungenunua, au katika hali halisi, tuwaombe wazazi wetu watununulie. Nilikuwa na hakika kwamba nilikuwa nikitoka na shati la Hulk Hogan linalotoa machozi, vigogo vya njano, magoti nyekundu, na buti za njano. Wazazi wangu hatimaye walinichukua, na, kwa kukata tamaa kwangu, ilikuwa ni takwimu chache tu za hatua ambazo tayari nilikuwa namiliki, t-shirt chache, na baadhi ya kadi za biashara. Duka huko Florida lilikuwa paradiso ya watoto wa miaka ya 80. Kulikuwa na kadhaa ya mashati ya kuchagua, pamoja na vitambaa vya kichwa, miwani ya risasi, takwimu za hatua, na mikanda ya replica. Kulikuwa na vitu vilivyoonyeshwa, kama vile mikanda ya kichwa ya Hulk iliyovaliwa na pete, an authentic Ric Flair robe, and a pair of Andre the Giant-sized wrestling trunks. During one of my talks with Hulk’s friend and business partner, Ron, he asked if I wanted to take a photo holding a few of the ring-worn belts. I first got to hold the spray-painted NWO belt, which was amazing. But what he brought out next nearly buckled my knees. It was the authentic belt that Hulk wore to the ring at Wrestlemania III when he battled Andre the Giant. The real-life belt from maybe the biggest match of all-time was resting on my shoulder. I tried to make a tough face for the photo, but I couldn’t resist the urge to break out a beaming smile as I held this iconic piece of my childhood.
I finally saw the golden opportunity for my long-awaited photo opportunity with the opening of Hogan’s Hangout bar and weekly karaoke nights. My visit was planned for March 14, 2022, and I was ready to impress the Hulkster will my version of Sir Mix-a-Lot’s classic “Baby Got Back”. I arrived early to get a good spot at the bar, and I had another ace up my sleeve. I brought a replica of the Thunderlips cape that he wore in Rocky III. There was no way that I could leave without a photo.
After meeting and chatting with longtime WWE/WCW manager and Hulk’s personal friend, Jimmy Hart, Nilichukua tena nafasi yangu kwenye baa na kungoja kwa hamu kama nilivyofanya nilipokuwa mtoto nikingojea kiingilio chake kwenye Philadelphia Spectrum. Kawaida kuwasili kati 8:15-8:20, Hulk hakufika hadi baadaye 8:30 na wakati bado alifanya mlango, ilikuwa imetiishwa kidogo. Kisha alichukua kipaza sauti na kutangaza kwamba alikuwa ametoka tu kupokea simu kwamba rafiki yake na mshirika wake wa NWO Scott Hall alikuwa amefariki dunia dakika chache kabla ya kuondolewa kwenye usaidizi wa maisha kufuatia mshtuko wa moyo. Kisha Hulk alituma msururu wa vinywaji katika baa ili sote tushiriki toast.
Baada ya hapo, the karaoke started. There wasn’t a board to see who was scheduled in queue and I impatiently waited to hear my name. I had heard that others had sent the DJ a Venmo bribe to ensure they were called. It was too late for that route. I could not think of leaving without getting that photo opportunity. Not only would I get ribbed mercilessly, but I also knew the reality of the rigors that professional wrestling takes on the body. Scott Hall had just passed away that day. Others like Roddy Piper, Randy Savage, Ultimate Warrior, and Curt Henning all died young. I couldn’t take the risk of waiting another year. I maneuvered myself towards the front, like I was navigating to the restroom, and I found the perfect spot where Hulk would pass on his way out. As he was getting ready to leave, he saw me and gave a “Yo Thundelips. Great cape, Brother!” comment. In that moment, I was not a 45-year-old insurance executive. I was again 10 umri wa miaka, and my favorite wrestler was calling me out. I extended my hand, and he accepted. Knowing I only had a second, I had the camera on selfie and got my photo.
A few weeks before my 2023 Clearwater trip, I saw that Hulk was doing a signing at his beach shop on the day I was scheduled to arrive. I had a morning flight and if all went well, unlike the six-hour delay the prior year due to a fuel leak, I would be able to get a photo and signature. I purchased the appearance ticket and prayed for no delays. After arriving with no issues, I took my place in line which was about a two-hour wait. Why so long? Because Hulk wanted to take a few moments with everyone. When it was my turn, I introduced myself as “Tony Tornado” from Philadelphia. He responded “YO TONY TORNADO! Nini juu, brother?” He asked if I was a wrestler and responded that I was not a wrestler but a boxer. He threw his hands up saying, “Don’t hit me, brother!” I thanked him for making my childhood special, especially that first Wrestlemania with my dad, and he signed a red Hulkamania tanktop for me. I told him that I would see him on Monday night for karaoke.
Unlike the previous year, they had an electronic board where you could see where you were in the queue. I arrived with some friends and texted in my go-to song except they had put time limit restrictions of four minutes, likely because the previous year, people were choosing songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Rappers Delight” (short version) that were lengthy song choices and didn’t give others their opportunity. With my signature song off the book, Nilichagua wimbo wa kawaida wa Run DMC "It's Tricky" kwa vile walikuwa wametumbuiza katika Wrestlemania V. Wakiwa wamevalia kofia yangu ya Thunderlips na fedora nyeupe yenye manyoya mekundu yanayolingana na nikingoja Hulk aingie., rafiki yangu alinyoosha kidole kwenye ubao wa foleni ya nyimbo kuonyesha kwamba nilikuwa wa pili kuimba. Wakati hatimaye aliingia dakika chache baada ya utendaji wangu, aliona cape na fedora na kupiga kelele "Tony Tornado! Je, unaimba, Brother?” Nilimwambia tayari nimeshaimba akaitikia kupanda jukwaani kwa sababu alitaka kupiga picha na mimi.Kama nipo Cloud 9 mwaka uliopita, hii ililipua kabisa kutoka kwa maji. Rafiki zangu wachache pia waliimba na tulipiga risasi chache katika kusherehekea, hatua ambayo nilijuta baadaye kwani hangover ya siku iliyofuata haikuwa ya kupendeza.
Niliimba mara nyingine katika Hangout ya Hogan mwaka wa 2024. Nilichelewa kufika Clearwater Beach na nikaona marafiki wengine kwenye baa huku Hulk akiwasili tu. Nilijiunga nao na kutafakari kama ningeimba au la. Mara moja mchezaji mashuhuri wa ligi kuu Roger Clemens na mwanawe Kody walitumbuiza na wimbo wa heshima wa Toby Keith., Niliamua kuweka jina langu. Wakati huu waliniruhusu niimbe wimbo wangu wa kwenda na niliweza kupiga selfie na Hulk nikiwa katikati ya wimbo wangu wa kusisimua au wimbo wa asili wa Sir Mix-a-Lot.
Wakati usiku ulikuwa ukiisha, Nilipata muda wa kuzungumza na mtoto wake, Nick. Nilionyesha picha kutoka kwa Rocky Run ya mwaka uliopita, where I had completed a 5K on a sprained ankle in a full Thunderlips costume, including a costume muscle suit, fedora, cape, compression socks gimmicked to look like wrestling boots with tassels, and carrying a championship belt. Nick took my phone and showed it to his father who looked at me and said “You ran in that? Nice job, Brother!” That was the last night that I saw Hulk Hogan in person.
They always say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I’ve been imitating Hulk Hogan for over 40 Miaka sasa, whether it was cupping my hand to my ear and posing while on camera at a Phillies game, dressing as Hulk for our work Halloween party and bringing and extra shirt just so I could imitate his tearing the shirt off during my parade entrance, doing the Rocky Run dressed as Thunderlips while captaining a team named “The Ultimate Meatballs”, or doing a Hulk Hogan promo while selling Christmas trees.
I built a tradition every year with my nephews buying them Hulk Hogan shirts. I bought Dominic his first shirt, the classic yellow, when he was just a year old in 2018. When my nephew Matteo was born three months early, I was in Clearwater. I went to the shop the next day and bought him a Hulkamania infant jumper. When he was finally able to come home after months in the NICU, his parents dressed him in that leaving the hospital. He had made his first Hulk Hogan superman comeback in life. This year, I bought our matching shirts again and the young lady running the register remembered me and my tradition with the boys. She gifted them both costume mustaches. When I gave them their shirts and mustaches, they were so excited to take their pictures. Matteo even fell asleep in the car wearing his shirt and mustache. I felt like the coolest uncle in the world. Because of Hulk Hogan, I was able to give these two little boys a tradition that they could look forward to.
Last Thursday, the news of Hulk Hogan’s sudden passing sent a shock through the wrestling and entertainment communities. There had been rumors of serious health struggles following cervical fusion surgery. Some reports had him on his deathbed and others said he could no longer speak. A report from Jimmy Hart came out on Thursday morning that the reports were exaggerated, and Hulk was recovering, slower than expected, but still recovering. A few hours later, the news broke that he was gone after suffering cardiac arrest at his residence.
I had just finished a meeting at work when I saw a direct message from a friend saying “Hulk died!” with the TMZ link. Before I could even click the link, I had another message, then a text, as everything moved in a blur. This was Hulk Hogan. Surely, he would kick out one more time at the count of two, power up and stare the Grim Reaper down. Sadly, it was true, and our beloved Hulk Hogan was gone. I arrived at the gym after work that evening and finished my last round on the heavybag with Hogan’s signature tune “Real American” cranked up through my headphones. About to leave, I saw a friend and mutual wrestling fan. We shared our disbelief, and he uttered some disgust at people on social media celebrating his death. As we were talking, the reality started hitting both of us and we stood there as two grown adults, one a weightlifter and one a boxer, both holding back tears.
To truly memorialize Hulk Hogan, you also must remember that he was a real human being. Terry Bollea had faults and made mistakes. He had been accused of playing politics backstage and holding back other wrestlers. There was a rant at his home that captured a racial slur that he may have said in anger. What recently hurt his popularity with many people was the backing of a polarizing political candidate. Many people who had been fans never forgave him for the racial slur and others turned on him for his political affiliation.
For me to remember Hulk Hogan, the wrestler, and Terry Bollea, the man, I accept the fact that we are all human, and we all have faults. Many who work in any business can be accused of using clout and gossip to further their own careers while holding back colleagues. In what has been the supposed sanctity of our own home, many of us have said things that could be considered racist, sexist, or homophobic. Many times, those words are said in anger and not a true reflection of one’s true feelings. With regards to political candidates, it is a very slippery slope in this divided culture. But, part of the freedoms we enjoy is the right to vote as we desire and back any political candidate we choose. To blindly hate a person, especially a person you have never met, solely for political reasons, shows a narrow-minded view of the world. You can disagree with their stance, but you can still enjoy their form of entertainment.
I will remember Terry Bollea had faults. He was a human like the rest of us. But I will also remember the good he brought into the world. He revolutionized the wrestling industry just like Babe Ruth did for baseball. Without Hulk Hogan, the wrestling boom of the 80s would never have occurred. Vince McMahon’s vision of a global federation would have likely faltered. Without Hulk Hogan, there would be no Wrestlemania, no Monday Night Wars, no Rock, no Stone Cold, no John Cena, etc. Aside from building that foundation, I will also remember the good he brought into the world. He visited sick children up until his final weeks. He inspired kids to work out, to train, say their prayers, and take their vitamins. Most importantly, he made you feel good about yourself. He made you believe in something bigger than life. He really was the “Babe Ruth of Wrestling.” There was baseball before Babe Ruth and baseball has flourished in the decades after his passing. Players are faster, nguvu, and better conditioned. But there still is only one Babe Ruth. Just like in wrestling. There was wrestling before Hulk Hogan and today’s wrestlers are more acrobatic and more athletic. But there still is and will always be only one Hulk Hogan.
After Hulk’s passing last week, one of the things that hit me the hardest was the thought that some of the traditions I had built the last few years would no longer continue. It took me a few days, but I decided that I will continue to don the Thunderlips attire for the Rocky Run, similar to my friend Mark who continues to honor the late Burt Young and his Paulie character during his participation. I still plan to do Hulk Hogan imitations while at the tree lot while trying to entertain our customers. Most importantly, I want to keep my annual tradition with Dominic and Matteo. Indications are that his shop in Clearwater Beach will remain open and, for as long as it is, I will continue that special tradition of buying us matching shirts and taking photos of us posing.
Terry Bollea may be gone. I believe in God and the afterlife. I believe that Terry has been forgiven, and he now resides in paradise. While Terry Bollea may be gone, the legend of Hulk Hogan will live now and forever. Heroes get remembered but legends never die. And Hulkamania will live forever.
Hulk Hogan, I would like to thank you. Thank you for bringing joy to my childhood. Thank you for giving me the strength to break out of my shell and make friends in my new school. Thank you for making me believe in the power of training, prayers, and vitamins. Thank you for making me believe that a mortal man can really be a superhero. Thank you for showing me that it can be cool to be bad. Thank you for giving me something to share with my nephews. Thank you for your kindness when I finally got to meet you. And most of all, thank you for bringing Hulkamania into my life. Rest in Peace!
John Oliver has come a long way from “The Daily Show.” His latest monologue is both funny and pointedly critical of Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Entertainment empire. It also could be considered as a great explanation of why the UFC’s fighters should also not be considered independent contractors, as Vince’s wrestlers are considered to be. The IRS implications alone are puzzling. How do Vince and the UFC get away with it? Hopefully this attention brought to the issue inspires change, but as for fans bringing critical signs to the event, I doubt we will see that. Fans know that they can’t get on TV if they don’t bring a sign the WWE actually wants to broadcast. Aidha njia, if you are a fan, a casual observer, or a vociferous critic of wrestling entertainment, you should watch this entire clip:
BELLATOR LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMP MICHAEL CHANDLER DEFENDS HIS TITLE AGAINST FEATHERWEIGHT KINGPIN PATRICIO ‘PITBULL’ IN LONG-AWAITED GRUDGE MATCH LIVE ON DAZN
THE WELTERWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX CONTINUES WITH DOUGLAS LIMA TAKING ON MICHAEL ‘VENOM’ PAGE IN SEMI-FINAL ACTION
ZAIDI: UNDEFEATED PROSPECT A.J. MCKEE MEETS CHICAGO’S PAT CURRAN AND THE RETURN OF FORMER WWE STAR JAKE HAGER
LOS ANGELES– Bellator’s return to Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Mgonjwa. Jumamosi, Mei 11 is stacked with a must-see lineup of fights, headlined by current lightweight titleholderMichael Chandler(19-4) in his attempt to become the only man to defeat both Pitbull Brothers and put an end to their years-long rivalry, when he defends his belt against Bellator’s 145-pound champPatricio “Pitbull” (28-4) katika tukio kuu ya Bellator 221 - which will be streamed live exclusively onDAZN.
The co-headliner will see former two-time Bellator welterweight championDouglas Lima (30-7) face undefeatedMichael "Venom" Ukurasa (14-0), better known to fans as “MVP,” in the first semi-final matchup in Bellator’s Welterweight World Grand Prix. Each fighter has their eyes set on moving one step closer to becoming Bellator welterweight champ and taking home one million dollars.
Aidha, arguably one of the world’s top featherweight prospectsA.J. McKee (13-0) will face the stiffest test of his young career when he fights two-time former Bellator featherweight championPat Curran(23-7) on Curran’s home turf. Hatimaye, former WWE championJake Hager (1-0) returns to the Bellator cage for the first time since his first-round submission victory in January looking to continue his early dominance inside the cage.
An exclusive online presale forBellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull takes place between Wednesday, Februari. 20 katika 10 a.m. CT and Thursday, Februari. 21 katika 10 p.m. CT, with tickets going on-sale to the general public on Friday, Februari. 22 katika 12 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event will be available at the Allstate Arena box office, vilevile Ticketmaster.comand Bellator.com.
Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull will be broadcast live onDAZN katika 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, wakati hatua za awali mkondo juu ya Bellator.com na kimataifa juu ya Bellator Mobile. kikohozi ziada watatangazwa katika wiki zijazo.
One of the most-decorated fighters in Bellator history, Michael Chandler reclaimed the lightweight championship this past December to become a three-time titleholder. “Iron” has defeated a who’s who among the division’s elite, Ikiwa ni pamoja na Brent Primus, Benson Henderson, Patricky Pitbull (x2), Yamauchi up and Eddie Alvarez. The former University of Missouri wrestler from High Ridge, Mo., who now calls Nashville home, has had a slow-building feud with his May 11 mpinzani, verbally sparring with his foe following wins over Patricio’s brother Patricky and on social media. Sasa, the time for talk is over and both will enter the Bellator cage to finally settle the score.
Hailing from Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, two-time featherweight champ Patricio “Pitbull” will enter the Bellator cage for a promotional record 21th time. With impressive wins to his name overDaniel Straus (x3), Daniel Weichel (x2) na Pat Curran, he most recently defeatedEmmanuel Sanchez kupitia usiojulikana uamuzi katika Bellator 209. Moving up a weight class for the first time sinceBellator 160when he met Benson Henderson, “Pitbull” is planning to leave his mark in a new division and go down as one of the all-time greats. Having earned a finish in 20 yake 28 mafanikio kama mtaalamu, the reigning champion has become synonymous with excitement and fans can certainly expect more fireworks when looks to become a simultaneous two-division champion on May 11.
Fighting out of Atlanta, Ga., by way of Goiania, Brazil, Douglas “The Phenom” Lima has been a mainstay at the top of the 170-pound division for the better part of three years. With wins against the likes ofLorenz Larkin, Andrey Koreshkov (x2), Paul Daleyand Ben Saunders, the 31-year-old advanced to the semifinals of the Welterweight World Grand Prix after a technical submission win against Koreshkov. A winner of nine out of his last 11 mashindano, the American Top Team product remains set on showing the world how dominant he truly is.
One of the most unorthodox strikers to ever compete, “MVP” has steadily worked his way up the welterweight ranks since signing with the organization in 2013. Known for his unique style and personality both inside the cage and out, every Michael Page fight is must-see entertainment. With an undefeated record of 14-0, na 11 of those victories coming by stoppage, the 31-year-old out of London Shootfighters advanced to the semifinals following a closely contested unanimous decision win against rival Paul Daley atBellator 216.
Fighting out of Long Beach, Calif., A.J. McKeeputs his undefeated record on the line against the former champ on May 11. Currently training alongside the likes ofAaron Pico,“Baby Slice”na Joey Davisat The Body Shop under the tutelage of his father, MMA veteran Antonio McKee, the second-generation fighter has been making quite the name for himself since joining the professional ranks. Saa tu 23 umri wa miaka, “Mercenary” has set the Bellator record for consecutive wins at 13, having defeatedDaniel Crawford, Brian Moore, John “Macapa, Justin Lawrence andDominic Mazzotta njiani. Known for his highlight-reel finishes, McKee will look to remain unbeaten and keep his name etched in the record books when he meets Curran atBellator 221. A former two-time Bellator world featherweight champion, Pat Curranreturns to the cage near his hometown looking to earn another shot at gold. Fighting out of Crystal Lake, Mgonjwa., “Paddy Mike” is in the midst of a three-fight win streak that includes victories overEmmanuel Sanchez, John “Macapa”and Georgi Karakhanyan. The longtime Bellator veteran, who debuted atBellator 14 katika 2010, owns additional wins overPatricio “Pitbull,” Joe Warren, Roger Huerta na Daniel Straus. Pia, a two-time Bellator tournament winner, the 31-year-old’s return to the top of the 145-pound division begins with a tough test against McKee.
A native of Perry, Okla., Hager emphatically showed the world that he belongs in the sport of MMA with a submission win over J.W. Kizerkatika Bellator 214 Januari. A collegiate wrestler at the University of Oklahoma, where he was an All-American and set the school record for most pins at the 285-pound weight class in a single season with 30. Following graduation and a conversation with legendary pro wrestling announcer and fellow Oklahoma Sooner, Jim Ross, Hager made the transition to professional wrestling and signed with World Wrestling Entertainment. While in WWE, Hager would go on to claim multiple coveted professional titles during his time with the organization, including the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, ECW Championship and WWE United States Championship. Sasa, the man also known to fans around the globe as “Jack Swagger” will return to action MMA action in Chicago against a soon-to-be-announced heavyweight opponent.
Updated Bellator 221: Chandler vs. PitbullCard:
Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (19-4) vs. Patricio “Pitbull” (28-4)
Welterweight World Grand Prix Semi-final: Douglas Lima (30-7) vs. Michael "Venom" Ukurasa (14-0)
Bout kuu ya kadi ya manyoya: A.J. McKee (13-0) vs. Pat Curran (23-7)
This week on the FNU Combat Sports Show, Psychic Tom and Rabble Rousin’ Rich start off with a great interview with pro boxer Anthony Laureano. The Connecticut professional boxer is coming off a big win on the undercard of the Joe Smith Jr. fight at the end of June. We also recap last week’s boxing and MMA action, highlighted by Daniel Cormier’s monumental win over Stipe Miocic to become the first two belt holder in the UFC since McGregor. Tony joins the broadcast after the Laureano interview to give his take on Brock’s return to the UFC after going back to the WWE at the end of his first UFC stint. We also touch upon the Danny O’Connor fight being called off due to severe dehydration suffered by O’Connor. Hatimaye, we preview upcoming events and briefly discuss a rumored rematch between Vitali Klitschko and Lennox Lewis.
This week on the FNU Combat Sports Show, Tom, Tony and Rich discuss a wide range of topics. We even touch on a little WWE news at the end of the show. We begin with discussions about Anthony Joshua possibly signing to fight under the UFC Boxing banner and move on later in the show to preview his fight against Joseph Parker this weekend. We also cover the temporary suspension of Canelo Alvarez and the involvement of Mark Burnett in the new Professional Fighters League. Listen to the full show in the player below:
CM Punk needs a draw to get us interested in his career. Even if he beats the ever living crap out of the next guy they feed him in the UFC Octagon, Punk will still have a lot to prove. Put him in against Mayweather in a welcome to MMA bout for the world-class boxer, and make it the dream setup for Floyd that gives him all the perks and sponsorship concessions he wants in the contract.
Floyd would be an automatic underdog going in against McGregor immediately in the cage. A challenger like CM Punk gives him more of a fighting chance. It gives CM punk a chance to really launch his career if he can beat Floyd.
Ukweli ni, Mayweather can learn the sport of mixed martial arts quickly, and with his speed and athleticism, given more striking options he could actually shock us in his first MMA fight… if he really backs up his talk of fighting in the cage with action.
During the tour for the boxing match, Floyd repeatedly referenced the idea of fighting McGregor in the cage after the boxing match went his way. He doesn’t say things out loud that he doesn’t really think are true or could be true if he sunk his effort into it.
I had the good fortune of standing on the edge of the ring next to Leonard Ellerbe during a Mayweather training session in Las Vegas years ago.
Before he threw any punches on the mitts I asked him what he liked most about boxing. I didn’t attempt to get close during the big press rush, so I think he didn’t expect the question.
He sat silent, and I didn’t want it to go hanging like a bad fart in the wind. I asked it again, even louder. He didn’t look my way as he shadowboxed with himself. “Everything.” he finally conceded, and then he went to to work on exhibiting his speed and punching prowess for all the media to see.
Incorporating elbows, backfists, kicks and wrestling into his fighting routine could create a real monster out of Mayweather. Pia, the money from boxing that would follow him to the cage could be tremendous for him and the UFC alike. It will take a ton of work at his age to adapt to the new sport, but CM Punk as a first opponent sets the bar fairly low with both men getting a chance to show they belong. Give them both a serious training camp, make a reality show out of it, and it could happen.
“Money” is already preparing to train in mixed martial arts with UFC Champ Tyron Woodley, and he heaped some praise on both Woodley and McGregor as fighters recently:
The MMA versus Boxing debate has been going on since long before I decided to do my own take on it with a series of radio shows pitting one expert against another. One of my favorites was “Iceman” John Scully against Ken Shamrock.
Anyone who thinks the best MMA fighter in his weight class demolishes Floyd has never watched him train. What could this guy do with a couple of tune-up fights and a title tilt? How about 9 months of hard training in takedown and submission defense?
Everybody and their brother who knows anything about MMA decides to use the argument of all the past boxers who failed at MMA. They remind us all of the freakshow fight involving Randy Couture easily defeating James Toney. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is not only on a different level than James Toney was when he got the chance to fight in the cage, he’s on a different planet.
Floyd can afford the best trainers, the best of everything really in preparing to enter the UFC Octagon. He will spare no expense in finances and sweat equity in cementing his legacy as the best crossover fighter in the history of the boxing and MMA rivalry. Who has the best true athletes? Mayweather is representing boxing’s best, and he doesn’t have much time left to prove that a world class boxer can dominate the MMA scene with the right approach and strategy.
McGregor did prove that he could give Floyd a few fits in the boxing ring, but on the third fight into a UFC contract that match could happen again in the cage. Floyd just has to show he belongs, but the first step is having the guts to back up his words with actions. He did say on the boxing press tour for the McGregor fight that when he beat McGregor in his own craft, he would go to the UFC and beat Conor in the cage, pia.
I anticipate a “Shark Tank” type of negotiation between Mayweather and UFC President Dana White. Floyd will need to get a piece of the promotion itself, access to a wild amount of sponsorship cash, options to collect on media income, and at least $10 million per fight in just base pay. To get the billion dollar contract he envisions, the lawyers will be ironing out the details for as long as Floyd decides he needs to train for his first fight.
Floyd could easily rake in $90+ million in sponsorship and media income to make $100 million per fight with Showtime executives in his corner and a familiarity with being in front of the cameras. A five fight deal means there is a 1/2 billion dollar gap unless I am underestimating how much the UFC would give Floyd for base pay. Even if he makes $200 million per fight, the rest would have to come out of the overall corporation itself as equity, which is what Conor McGregor has been asking for.
Floyd just has a bigger upside to being an owner/partner and would be a huge asset when it comes to the UFC wanting to promote boxing at some point. He can also bring his fans and everyone who wants to see him get whipped and schooled in the new discipline. He brings eyeballs, extreme attention and money with him wherever he goes. At a $5 billion valuation, the UFC would likely be able to part with a ten percent chunk of the promotion to bring Mayweather officially on board and get him locked in for a long-term deal.
The other area that Floyd could have a huge impact on is in attracting more boxers to cross over to MMA. We’ve seen football players like Matt Mitrione and Greg Hardy experience virtually immediate success in MMA, so why not a world class boxer like Floyd? 19-0 Pro Boxer Gervonta Davis is already hinting at following his protege Floyd to MMA and sayshe’s just waiting for Dana White’s phone call. Then there are the heavyweight boxers to think about bringing into the cage, and Word ChampionAnthony Joshua is keen on giving it a shot, pia.
Hivyo, the odds are high that Mayweather steps into the cage to compete by December of this year if you believe one of his most controversial videos to date on the subject:
Mayweather could be an incredible MMA fighter if given half the chance. He is not a man who takes a challenge like this lightly. He will have the best approach possible to get into cagefighting shape. He will bring all kinds of interest back to the boxing vs. MMA debate and actually might even inspire a whole new phase of that debate. The combat sports world as a whole will benefit if Floyd and the UFC can make this partnership work.
As for those who think Floyd will get eaten alive, they are certainly entitled to their opinion, but don’t use McGregor’s failure to adapt to boxing as your bar for Floyd. Mayweather will not take on a world class MMA fighter the first time he steps in the cage. He will not bring in the MMA equivalent of Paulie Malignaggi to get up to speed on the sport. He will spare no expense to get the best preparation possible. He’s already showing that to be true by bringing Tyron Woodley on as his official training partner. He will hand pick his first opponent and likely not get any crack at a title until two or three fights go his way.
Critics of people who think they can show up to an MMA gym and come out in six weeks at the UFC level will call me crazy, but Floyd truly is an amazing athlete who can quiet his doubters, and he’s not getting any younger. It’s now or never to solve that question of which sport is truly better at crafting the ideal fighter.
This week’s FNU Combat Sports Show starts off with Tom and Rich talking MMA for a while and then Tony joins in to cap off the show with a long boxing discussion. Listen to the whole broadcast below:
LOS ANGELES– Bellator is pleased to announce that it has reached a multi-fight, multi-year deal withJake Hager, who was formerly known as “Jack Swagger” during his nearly nine-year run with WWE. The deal will see Hager make his MMA debut inside a Bellator cage.
Hager will compete at heavyweight and is expected to debut in 2018.
A native of Perry, Okla., Hager would go on to be a collegiate wrestler at the University of Oklahoma, where he was an All-American and set the school record for most pins at the 285-pound weight class in a single season with 30. Following graduation and a conversation with legendary pro wrestling announcer and fellow Oklahoma Sooner, Jim Ross, Hager made the transition to professional wrestling and signed with WWE.
While in WWE, Hager would go on to claim multiple coveted professional titles during his time with the organization, including the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, ECW Championship and WWE United States Championship.
After ending his run with the WWE earlier this year, Hager turned his sights toward another avenue, fully focusing on his mixed martial arts skillset and testing himself against some of the best athletes in the world.
“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. It’s something that’s a part of me, so it makes sense. I’m very happy with the deal. I’ve felt a lot of love from Bellator,” said Hager. “I think there are certain types of guys who need to be punched in the face and taste blood. I’ve always been a fan of MMA, I’ve been wrestling since I was five-years-old. It’s awesome to be with Bellator. They’re really going to put 100 percent towards it!"
“I’m excited to see Jake Hager debut for Bellator in 2018,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “When I heard he was seriously interested in competing in MMA and when you look at what he did at the collegiate level, I was very interested in having him on our roster. I think Jake will expose new fans to Bellator from his previous run with WWE and he will be given every opportunity to prove that he’s the real deal inside the cage.”
Hager is the latest in a long line of high-profile signings Bellator has made recently and joins a heavyweight division that will crown a champion in 2018 through the recently announced eight-man Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix.
Combate Americas has named Mike Pine (pichani) the company’s first-ever Chief Revenue Officer. Pine joins Combate Americas after a two-year stint with FanDuel, where he served as GM, Integrated Partnerships.
Former FanDuel GM, UFC, IRONMAN AND WWE Global Head of Sales joins the world’s premier Hispanic MMA sports franchise In its most explosive growth period to date
NEW YORK –Septemba 13, 2017– Combate Americas announced today that it has named storied, sports industry business development and sponsorship sales leaderMike Pine, the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports and media franchise’s first-ever Chief Revenue Officer.
Coming off a two-and-a-half-year tenure as GM, Integrated Partnerships for FanDuel, Pine, who was responsible for breaking unprecedented ground for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) by securing blue-chip advertising clients Bud Light and Harley Davidson, for the longest-standing MMA organization, will report to Combate Americas CEOCampbell McLaren.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mike Pine, an authentic trailblazer in the world of sports and entertainment brand partnerships, to Combate Americas,"Alisema McLaren, also the co-founder of the original UFC.
“Mike’s incredible track record,"Iliendelea McLaren, “and extensive book of high-level relationships with marketers from worldwide, renowned brands across a wide range of product categories, speak for themselves, and we are looking forward to having him spearheading our sales efforts as we continue to aggressively expand our footprint across the globe with a fast-growing schedule of live and special events, and television programming for 2018 and beyond.”
Pine will be responsible for building Combate Americas’ portfolio of sponsor partners which, to date, has included the U.S. Army; Aspira A Mas, a Hispanic consumer-targeted offshoot of health insurance industry giant IHC; and consumer electronics pioneer Altec Lansing, across the organizations’ year-round live television event series in the U.S., Mexico and overseas.
Combate Americas television programming airs weekly, including once per month live, katika juu ya 137 million homes across the U.S. and Mexico on Azteca America and TV Azteca, mtiririko, and has been averaging over 3.5 million viewers per episode since “Combate Azteca” premiered in November.
The franchise’s monthly live events also air in an additional 47 million plus homes across Latin America on ESPN LATAM, and it’s most recent event, “Combate Clásico,” a partnership with Miami Dolphins owner Steve Ross’ RSE Ventures that took place onJulai 27, two days before RSE’s “El Clásico Miami” soccer match between legendary clubs Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, ushered the Latino flavored brand to national television in Spain for the first time ever with coverage of the nine-bout fight card in over 20 million homes on the country’s popular sports network, GOL TV.
During his stint at FanDuel, Pine compiled an impressive roster of first-ever landmark industry advertising partners for the online daily fantasy sports platform, including Bud Light, FORD Motor Company, Corona Extra, HBO Sports, Chef’s Cut and Bacardi.
As Global Head of Sales & Partnerships for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Pine forged and developed a host of relationships for the publicly traded, worldwide leading professional sports entertainment brand, with leading consumer electronic, retail and food brands, including Norelco, XBOX, Footlocker, KMART and General Mills.
Prior to his time with WWE, Pine led and oversaw the development of globally renowned agency IMG’s NCAA collegiate sports. His time at IMG was proceeded as IRONMAN Global Chief Sales Officer & Eight Years @ Turner Broadcasting.
Pine is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and served as Captain, U.S. Air Force.
