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Interview w/UFC Co-Owner - Lorenzo Fertitta
Reported By: Boxing Insider - 12.22.2003 02:32 AM
Lorenzo Fertitta Interview: UFC Co-Owner Part 1 |Part 2
Lorenzo Fertitta first was introduced to the sport of mixed martial arts while serving on the Nevada State Athletic Commission. As part of a fact-finding mission for an application to sanction events in Nevada, Fertitta traveled to Iowa to view a series of fights. That experience changed his perception of the sport dramatically and ultimately led to the resurrection of the UFC.
Recollecting the trip to Iowa, he told Forbes magazine in 2002, "The thing that really shocked me was the quality of the fighters . . . They were world-class athletes. I had this perception that these were just guys getting off a barstool and trying to hurt each other."
With the UFC bordering on collapse in 2000, then-UFC owner, Robert Meyrowitz asked Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta to buy a 50% stake in the operation. They were so impressed with the sport, however, they bought the whole company and renamed it Zuffa.
Photo: UFC.tv/ Zuffa
Since then the company has held sold out shows in Las Vegas and Atlantic City and entered new markets in Connecticut and Florida. With each show, the UFC comes closer to establishing MMA as a legitimate, mainstream sport. The next step is a national television deal that would bring MMA into households across North America on a regular basis.
Despite all of the good news, some commentators have speculated that the future of the UFC is questionable. Growing popularity and success haven’t translated into more revenues and the organization continually struggles to meet the bottom-line each show.
In this interview with BoxingInsider.com conducted at the UFC 45 autograph session, Lorenzo Fertitta reflects on the tenth anniversary of the UFC, comments on the financial situation of the organization, and discusses the current state of MMA.
Boxinginsider.com: Following the tenth anniversary show what is the future of the UFC?
Lorenzo Fertitta: I think the organization is on the launching pad right now. I talk a lot about the fact that we believe we are at the tipping point. I see a lot of positive signs. We are starting to break through and we are getting a lot of mainstream press. It seems like the fan support is growing constantly.
Over the next ten years, I think we really are going to build mixed martial arts into a mainstream sport.
Boxinginsider.com: Are there any developments with the TV deal that you can share with us?
Lorenzo Fertitta: I hope so. I can't swear to you, but I hope there will be announcements soon. We certainly are talking to a number of different networks and there is a strong level of interest. However, until you get the offer, sign the contract, and actually get the product on the air, it's not done.
Boxinginsider.com: Do you feel that Tim Silvia testing positive for steroids was a step back for the company?
Lorenzo Fertitta: I feel that [the positive test] put us in a situation where the sport cannot afford to have continued wrongs like that. I think we got by that situation and we will continue to work through it.
At the same time, the fighters have to realize how serious an issue the use of steroids has become in the sport. The athletic commissions are going to test and the fines and suspensions are going to keep getting more severe until they get a handle on it.
What we're seeing is that it's extending into other sports -- baseball is starting to take it seriously and football is starting to take it seriously. We're fine. I think we'll get through this, but if we continue to have problems, I would be concerned about that.
Boxinginsider.com: Ken Shamrock was just inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, when do you see him returning? (Note: Ken Shamrock is a contributor to boxinginsider.com)
Lorenzo Fertitta: Ken is interested in coming back and fighting for us in May I believe. We're anxious to get him back. At the same time, we want to make sure he takes the necessary time to allow his knee to heal correctly. So far, it looks like it is going well and March is a good time for him to return.
Boxinginsider.com: What is the possibility of a Ken Shamrock/Royce Gracie rematch?
Lorenzo Fertitta: Sure -- there's always a possibility. At the end of the day, I really don't know where Royce is or what he wants to do with his career. There are so many issues we've had with his return -- like when he went over and fought in Pride and he had special rules…We're not going to do something like that. If we were ever match-up Royce with someone, it's going to be three-five minute rounds, UFC/Nevada rules (or wherever we are fighting) and that's it.
Boxinginsider.com: Is the UFC interested in working more with Pride? Would you be interested in doing a special attraction fight, maybe with Pride in Japan -- where you could have the special rules?
Lorenzo Fertitta: I think there are some big opportunities. I think, cooperatively, we can put together some big fights that the fans want to see. The situation is no different than Bob Arum and Don King working together at times, as well as and other promoters.
In order to increase the exposure of the sport, I think it’s essential that we match their top guys with our top guys and let them go at it. I have no problem with that. I am more than willing to challenge Pride. We'll line up our champions versus theirs and let it rip!
Stay tuned with boxinginsider.com for part two of our exclusive interview with Lorenzo Fertitta.
Lorenzo Fertitta Interview: UFC Co-Owner Part 1 |Part 2
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