UFC 148 is just a day away, and big events like this draw an interest from outside of the normal fanbase. It is the perfect time to bring in other sports fans and show them why they should start watching MMA.
The UFC holding a large event early in July is a great decision. No other major sport is going on. They own the calendar. What other major sporting event will draw their interest away to avoid going to your UFC 148 watch party?
When they begin to ask about the card and who is fighting, the lead is obvious.
The biggest rematch in UFC, and arguably MMA, history; Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen.
The most dominant champion in MMA history goes up against the only man to challenge him inside the Octagon. If this non-MMA fan has watched any boxing fight in the past they can easily identify with that storyline.
And if they are still on the fence for that fight, just show them a few Chael Sonnen clips.
But unlike boxing, as we all know, MMA is built around an entire card of fights. The non-MMA fan can be sold on knowing what other fights await them on this night of incredible action.
UFC 148’s main card features five more fights outside of the highly anticipated main event.
In the night’s co-main event, one of the most important figures of the sport will enter the cage for the last time. The non-MMA fan will get to see one of the sport’s biggest stars in his retirement fight. And standing across from him will be one of the two men responsible for the MMA explosion that The Ultimate Fighter brought.
Also featured is an intriguing welterweight clash between Dong Hyun Kim and Demian Maia. Sell this fight by mentioning how both men were top contenders in their respective divisions and that Maia is dropping down to 170. The winner gets put in to the upper echelon of the weight class.
Opening the PPV portion of the fight card is the potential fight of the night. Ivan Menjivar squares off against Mike Easton. Most certainly these names will not make an impression on the non-MMA fan, but their abilities and fast-paced action inside the cage will.
And as you sell this card, you still have failed to mention Chad Mendes vs. Cody McKenzie and Cung Le vs. Patrick Cote.
So, the potential fan still sits on the fence. Trying to decide if he or she should listen to you about MMA.
Then turn on the television and put the channel to FX. Explain to them that the UFC gives away the preliminary card for free, and if you like what you see, then purchase UFC 148 and see the big stars under the bright lights.
Gleison Tibau vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov, Melvin Guillard vs. Fabricio Camoes, Constantinos Philippou vs. Riki Fukuda and John Alessio vs. Shane Roller come to their television set free of charge. They get to experience a small part of what is to come later on pay-per-view.
UFC 148 has a great mixture of talent, matchups and storylines. Any fan of sports should, at the very least, be intrigued by what is happening in Las Vegas this weekend. As you sell them on UFC 148, it should be apparent that it is a can’t miss event of the summer.
And if they ignore you… mention that Steven Seagal taught you how to front kick them in the face.
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