JRE #458 – Campbell McLaren

by

2/19/2014




This podcast features Campbell McLaren, CEO of Combate Americas and co-creator of the UFC, discussing his experiences and insights within the world of mixed martial arts. Topics cover the evolution of MMA, the UFC’s early days, the controversial figure of John McCain, the rise of women’s MMA, and McLaren’s current venture with Combate Americas. Underlying themes explore the nature of combat sports, the power of storytelling in promotion, and the constant need for adaptation and innovation.

1. The Birth of the UFC and Its Early Controversies:

  • McLaren and Art Davie collaborated on the initial concept of the UFC in April 1993, envisioning a “real-life Mortal Kombat” event.
  • The first UFC event, held in November 1993, featured no weight classes or rules, leading to a media frenzy and criticism, particularly from Senator John McCain, who labelled it “human cockfighting.”
  • McLaren explains that the UFC’s early controversies stemmed from a lack of understanding of mixed martial arts and its legitimacy as a sport.
  • Over time, the UFC implemented rules and regulations, establishing itself as a legitimate sport with a global audience.

2. John McCain’s Opposition and the UFC’s Struggle for Legitimacy:

  • Senator John McCain became a vocal critic of the UFC, advocating for its ban due to its perceived brutality and lack of regulation.
  • McLaren believes McCain’s opposition was driven by a desire for a national boxing commission and a general disapproval of the UFC’s unconventional format.
  • The UFC faced immense public pressure and legal battles, ultimately overcoming the opposition and achieving mainstream acceptance.
  • McLaren sees the UFC’s journey as a testament to the sport’s resilience and ability to adapt to evolving societal norms.

3. The Evolution of MMA Rules and Techniques:

  • McLaren highlights the drastic changes in MMA rules and techniques since the early days, from the absence of gloves to the development of specialized weight classes.
  • He emphasizes the importance of understanding how the evolution of rules and techniques has impacted the sport’s dynamics.
  • McLaren discusses the debate over standing elbows and the clench in kickboxing, arguing for their inclusion as effective tools.
  • He acknowledges the ongoing evolution of MMA, emphasizing that the sport is constantly adapting to new challenges and innovations.

4. The Role of Storytelling and Entertainment in MMA Promotion:

  • McLaren emphasizes the significance of storytelling and entertainment in promoting MMA, highlighting the example of Andrew Dice Clay’s successful pay-per-view career.
  • He argues that fighters need to work on their personas and engage with the audience, as entertainment plays a crucial role in building fan interest.
  • McLaren discusses the importance of creating compelling matchups that excite fans and highlight the sport’s diversity of techniques.
  • He believes that MMA is a sport that transcends traditional athletic boundaries, offering a unique blend of skill, athleticism, and entertainment.

5. The Rise of Women’s MMA and its Impact:

  • McLaren discusses the growing popularity of women’s MMA, attributing it to the emergence of dominant athletes like Ronda Rousey and the increasing visibility of female fighters.
  • He notes that the UFC was hesitant to introduce women’s MMA in its early years due to societal sensitivities and the controversies surrounding the sport.
  • McLaren highlights the impact of organizations like Invicta FC in fostering the growth of women’s MMA and providing a platform for female fighters.
  • He believes that women’s MMA has become an integral part of the sport, expanding its audience and proving the athleticism and skill of female fighters.

6. The Importance of Wrestling in MMA:

  • McLaren emphasizes the crucial role of wrestling in MMA, arguing that it provides a powerful tool for dominating opponents and controlling the fight.
  • He acknowledges the criticism directed at wrestlers for their perceived “boring” style but maintains that wrestling is a legitimate martial art that should be embraced as a vital part of the sport.
  • McLaren advocates for promoting matchups that highlight the strengths of wrestlers, emphasizing the strategic value of wrestling in MMA.
  • He believes that the dominance of wrestlers in MMA reflects the sport’s commitment to authenticity and the importance of mastering diverse techniques.

7. The UFC’s Dominance in the MMA Landscape:

  • McLaren asserts that the UFC is the premier organization in MMA, emphasizing its superior promotional strategies and the depth of talent on its roster.
  • He acknowledges the existence of other MMA organizations, such as Bellator, but argues that they lack the UFC’s global reach and cultural impact.
  • McLaren believes that the UFC’s dominance is beneficial to fighters, providing them with a platform to achieve success and earn significant compensation.
  • He expresses his belief that the UFC’s continued reign is essential for the sport’s growth and stability.

8. The Future of MMA and its Appeal to New Audiences:

  • McLaren discusses the UFC’s efforts to reach new audiences, particularly the Hispanic market, through Combate Americas, a bilingual MMA promotion.
  • He believes that MMA’s appeal to a broader demographic is crucial for its long-term success and sustainability.
  • McLaren emphasizes the need for engaging storytelling and a focus on the sport’s entertainment value to attract new fans.
  • He foresees a future where MMA continues to evolve and adapt, embracing new technologies and cultural trends to maintain its popularity.

9. The Importance of Authenticity in MMA:

  • McLaren argues for the importance of maintaining the authenticity of MMA, advocating against altering rules for the sake of entertainment.
  • He believes that the sport’s appeal lies in its raw, unpredictable nature, which makes it more compelling than traditional sports.
  • McLaren expresses his disapproval of stand-ups, which he sees as an artificial intervention in the flow of the fight.
  • He believes that the UFC should embrace the diversity of fighting styles, promoting matchups that highlight the sport’s inherent unpredictability.

10. The Role of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in MMA:

  • McLaren acknowledges the ongoing issue of performance-enhancing drug use in MMA, highlighting the case of Vitor Belfort and his testosterone replacement therapy.
  • He believes that the UFC’s strict drug testing policies are essential for maintaining the integrity of the sport and ensuring a fair playing field for fighters.
  • McLaren discusses the complexities of testosterone replacement therapy and the challenges of regulating its use in MMA.
  • He emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in drug testing to preserve the sport’s credibility.

11. The Importance of Recognizing MMA’s Unique Qualities:

  • McLaren emphasizes that MMA is not just a sport; it is a unique blend of combat arts and athleticism that transcends traditional sporting boundaries.
  • He argues that the physical and mental demands of MMA make it a more challenging and rewarding pursuit than other sports.
  • McLaren highlights the inherent dignity of MMA fighters, who face immense challenges and risks in the pursuit of their craft.
  • He believes that MMA offers a sense of escape and entertainment, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents and push the limits of human endurance.

12. The Evolution of Fighters and the Rise of World-Class Talent:

  • McLaren discusses the evolution of MMA fighters, noting the significant increase in athleticism and skill over the years.
  • He highlights Vitor Belfort as a prime example of a fighter who has maintained a world-class level despite the challenges of aging and the demands of the sport.
  • McLaren acknowledges the importance of training and preparation in developing elite MMA fighters, emphasizing the role of wrestling in building a strong foundation.
  • He believes that the current generation of MMA fighters is the most skilled and talented in history, pushing the boundaries of the sport.

13. The Importance of Recognizing the Risks of MMA:

  • McLaren acknowledges the inherent risks associated with MMA, particularly the potential for injuries and long-term health consequences.
  • He emphasizes the importance of training safely and using appropriate safety precautions to mitigate the risks.
  • McLaren recognizes the mental and emotional toll that MMA can take on fighters, highlighting the importance of support systems and mental health awareness.
  • He believes that the UFC and other organizations have a responsibility to prioritize the safety and well-being of fighters.

14. The Legacy of the UFC and its Impact on Combat Sports:

  • McLaren reflects on the legacy of the UFC, acknowledging its significant impact on the world of combat sports.
  • He discusses how the UFC has transformed wrestling from an amateur sport into a professional career path for athletes.
  • McLaren emphasizes the UFC’s contribution to the globalization of MMA, making it a global phenomenon with a dedicated fanbase.
  • He believes that the UFC has established itself as a cultural force, influencing the world of entertainment, sports, and even politics.

15. The Importance of Recognizing the Diversity of Combat Sports:

  • McLaren expresses his appreciation for other combat sports, such as kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, recognizing their unique qualities and contributions to the world of martial arts.
  • He believes that MMA is the culmination of various combat sports, embracing their different techniques and strategies.
  • McLaren acknowledges the entertainment value of other combat sports, particularly the skill and technique showcased in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
  • He believes that the diversity of combat sports enriches the martial arts landscape and offers a variety of options for fighters and fans.

16. The Importance of Staying True to the Sport’s Roots:

  • McLaren emphasizes the importance of staying true to the sport’s roots, arguing against compromising its authenticity for entertainment purposes.
  • He believes that the UFC should embrace the sport’s inherent unpredictability and the possibility of unexpected outcomes.
  • McLaren encourages fans to appreciate the diversity of fighting styles and the strategic value of different techniques.
  • He believes that the UFC’s commitment to authenticity is essential for its long-term success and its place in the world of combat sports.

17. The Role of Commentary in MMA:

  • McLaren discusses the importance of commentary in MMA, highlighting the need for knowledgeable commentators who can explain the intricacies of the sport to fans.
  • He acknowledges the challenges of providing clear and engaging commentary in a fast-paced and complex sport.
  • McLaren highlights the significance of commentators like Joe Rogan and Jimmy Smith, who have helped to make MMA more accessible to a wider audience.
  • He believes that effective commentary is essential for enhancing the fan experience and making MMA more engaging and understandable.

18. The Importance of Recognizing the Sport’s Global Appeal:

  • McLaren recognizes the global appeal of MMA, highlighting the sport’s international fanbase and its growing popularity in countries like Brazil.
  • He emphasizes the importance of promoting MMA in different languages and cultures to expand its reach and reach new audiences.
  • McLaren believes that the UFC’s global success is a testament to the sport’s universal appeal and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries.
  • He envisions a future where MMA continues to grow and evolve on a global scale, becoming a truly international phenomenon.

19. The Importance of Recognizing the Sport’s Unique History:

  • McLaren shares anecdotes from the early days of the UFC, highlighting the sport’s unconventional origins and its rapid evolution.
  • He discusses the iconic figures who shaped the early days of MMA, including Tank Abbott and Ken Shamrock.
  • McLaren emphasizes the importance of remembering the sport’s roots and the challenges it faced in gaining acceptance.
  • He believes that the UFC’s history is a testament to its resilience and its ability to overcome obstacles and establish itself as a global force.

20. The Importance of Recognizing the Sport’s Impact on Society:

  • McLaren acknowledges the impact of MMA on society, recognizing its influence on pop culture, entertainment, and even politics.
  • He discusses the sport’s ability to provide a platform for athletes from diverse backgrounds, showcasing their skills and dedication.
  • McLaren believes that MMA offers a unique form of entertainment, captivating audiences with its unpredictable nature and thrilling matchups.
  • He envisions a future where MMA continues to evolve and adapt, embracing new technologies and cultural trends while remaining true to its core values of authenticity and competition.

5 Memorable Quotes:

  • “The worst thing that would happen to the UFC is if it became a sport,” – McLaren emphasizes the importance of maintaining the sport’s raw, unpredictable nature.
  • “There’s only one UFC. I mean, you’ve got a sprinkling of good fighters elsewhere, but the other franchises, they’re lame. They’re just lame,” – McLaren asserts the UFC’s dominance in the MMA landscape.
  • “You don’t have to be me. You know, someone just a casual person could appreciate fighting because you, you just watching it is exciting,” – McLaren emphasizes the universal appeal of MMA, even for casual viewers.
  • “If a guy takes you down and dry humps you for five rounds, tough shit. You gotta figure out how to get up,” – McLaren advocates for maintaining the authenticity of MMA and against altering rules for entertainment purposes.
  • “It’s the potential for those amazing moments that make the dull spots more important,” – McLaren recognizes that the unpredictability of MMA makes even the seemingly “dull” moments more exciting.


 

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