In a recent UFC fight between Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje, a jaw-dropping finish left fans and UFC CEO Dana White in awe. When Holloway pointed to the ground and invited Gaethje to throw down in the final seconds of their match, it created a viral moment that the UFC couldn’t ignore.
Despite the UFC’s initial plan to sell the fight on pay-per-view, the organization quickly decided to post the clip on all of its channels, including social media, to capitalize on the excitement. This move exemplifies the UFC’s commitment to embracing the future and evolving with the times, according to UFC welterweight Matt Brown.
Brown contrasted the UFC’s approach with that of boxing, which he feels is stuck in the past and fails to adapt to the changing landscape of sports entertainment. While boxing still sees success with blockbuster fights, Brown believes the sport lacks the consistent effort to engage fans and build stars like the UFC does.
The UFC’s ability to promote fighters’ personalities and create emotional connections with fans sets it apart from other sports organizations, including boxing. Brown acknowledges the presence of stars in boxing but emphasizes the UFC’s unparalleled success in building a loyal fan base through effective marketing strategies.
As the UFC continues to thrive and expand its reach, Brown hopes that boxing will take notes and follow suit in embracing social media, building stars, and connecting with fans on a deeper level. While the future of boxing’s evolution remains uncertain, Brown recognizes the undeniable impact of the UFC’s marketing prowess in shaping the landscape of combat sports.