On Saturday, December 1, I attended my first NAMMAE North American Mixed Martial Arts Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center.
I wouldn't have even known it was coming to town if I hadn't created a Google Alert for "MMA."
I looked at the website and noticed that several of my favorite fighters were going to be there, as well as some vendors and brands that I'm interested in, so I had to go.
Upon entering the Expo hall, I was impressed with the work that must have gone into putting all of the booths together. Don't get me wrong—it's not like CES, where there are million-dollar booths—but this is an industry that is still in its infancy. Each vendor did a great job displaying their brand and products.
I'm very interested in this industry, as I think it has the greatest potential for exponential growth of any sport in the world today. As with every industry, MMA is not only comprised of various promotional organizations. There are fitness apparel, nutritional supplements, gym equipment, and training centers that all stand to gain from the exposure that a show like this offers.
A few of the highlights of the day were Extreme Couture's booth, where Randy "The Natural" Couture sat, signing autographs and striking a pose with his many fans. I'm sure he had the longest line of fans for the day.
The other big draw for the day were Tito Ortiz and his Punishment exhibit. Tito showed up to greet a long line of fans which had been waiting over an hour to meet him.
The Tapout crew was also in attendance. The motor home, made popular by their hit TV show, was perfectly positioned in the corner, right across from the food vendors. The line was so long you had to stop for a snack.
I got my photo with many of my favorite fighters. A few of these were Brandon Vera, Mike Swick, Jon Fitch, Joe Stevenson, Gray Maynard, Mark Coleman, Don Frye, KJ Noons, Tyson Griffin, and Diamond Dallas Page.
Although he's not an MMA fighter, I was happy to meet Diamond, and I have to say, he was a wonderful dude. He spoke with me as if we were old buddies that had been out of touch for awhile. I was very impressed with him.
Another unexpected highlight was my conversation with Lisa "The Black Widow" King. She was one of the representatives attending the Fatal Femmes Fighting booth.
She got my attention with her stunning features.
However, I soon realized there was so much more to them then just a pretty face.
With all of the women dressed in some of the shortest shorts and skirts I've ever seen, I think there must have been a “How Trashy Can your Booth Girls Be” Contest going on.
Lisa, along with boothmate and 120-lb champion Lisa Ward, was far from trashy. They were lovely, intelligent, engaging women.
Also, the FFF is quite possibly the largest promotion for women's MMA in the world. They've got approximately 30 women fighting under their promotion and I'm sure more are on the way.
Lisa King is also one of the stars of the new TV show Fight Girls airing on the Oxygen network. It's the closest thing to a female version of The Ultimate Fighter, which airs on the Spike Network.
Lisa is also doing her best to build the FFF brand and is a very talented trainer and commentator too. She is friends with former training partner Gina Carano, who recently began training at Extreme Couture after getting started under the tutelage of the great Master Toddy.
Before I left the show, I had to wait in line for one of my favorite fighters. "Dangerous" Dan Henderson.
Dan had flown into LAX that afternoon and drove to the show as fast as he could to sign autographs and pose for pictures with the many fans that attended.
I bought a Team Quest shirt and was exited to get a picture with him too. Team Quest is a great camp and they are developing some of the best fighters in the world.
The last thing I did was audition to be in the upcoming movie "Owned," produced by Owned Entertainment.
I read for the role of Eric, a manger of fighters. I was nervous, but did my best. The Owned crew were great and had a great attitude about making this movie.
I think it's fantastic to see MMA make its way onto the big screen. Having grown up watching black-and-white Jackie Chan movies in Chinatown and doing my best to keep up with the subtitles, I've seen it come a long way.
The Mixed Martial Arts industry is one of the fastest-growing on the planet, and it was fascinating to experience what several of the players are doing to help move the sport and the industry forward. I can't wait to see what's next.
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10 months ago
Nice report Bryan. Very cool to see the pictures you snapped while you were there. I think its great that MMA as a sport makes itself so accessible to its fans, with events like this where fighters and other industry luminaries are present.
from 10 months ago
Thanks Dave. This is my first article. I am working on a new article now. Should be ready within a week.
10 months ago
With all of the women dressed in some of the shortest shorts and skirts I've ever seen, I think there must have been a How Trashy Can your Booth Girls Be Contest going on.
I very must despise this comment..I personally know all 3 of those girls who ass you posted..All of those girls out there were only doing what they were told to do by theyre companies..Sex sells whether you admit it or not, they brought in a lot of business for who they were representing..Got your attention did it not? Seems like you liked those asses..
10 months ago
I agree with the fact that sex sells, but that's why we have Gina Carano - she's hot, intelligent, and can probably beat the sh*t out of me with her hands tied behinde her back.
As for the show, I was there too and all though the girls were hired and doing what they were told - it doesn't mean that it wasn't trashy, because quite honestly IT WAS TRASHY.
The girls were standing on a Portable Stripper Pole which was being advertised and we all know what stripper poles have to do with MMA - NOTHING!!!
So, I think you're taking it more personal rather than a matter of opinion.
More than a jab at your friends, I think it's better noted that the vendors should really stay away from that kind of marketing. It would have made more sense for those girls to be holding ring cards, but not a stripper pole.
10 months ago
Bryan, I know you better than anyone, We grew up together (My Best Friend). I would die for you. You write what you want to write and you will suceed in life. Think about it,,, Your article made the front page! The majority must like it, right!!? Sex sells and that is a fact. Some people in our society might not like it but HEY,,, thats the way it is! If no one liked it,,,,,Well a lot of people would be out of business,,,RIGHT! I think your article is as good as anyones. I think it deserves a pulitzer. You did a great job. I hope to see more articles from you in any venue thats interest you. Don't listen to any posers that disagree with you. YOU KNOW YOUR GOOD. Later Bro, TP
10 months ago
Very nice article. If you are still interested in writing about the business aspects of mma. Drop me a line.. I have a few ideas. You might be interested in. david at thepainfactory.com
2 months ago
where are these photos? i was one of the girls working there at NAMMAE and i would like to see the photos
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