How VFB growth and streaming impact MMA training.
Sometimes, what athletes need isn't a new gym but a fresh approach to training. This point was emphasized by Bana Grey at the launch of the "Eliminate the Dime" campaign, a five-year initiative by the VFB to raise $25 million. The campaign has already surpassed its financial goals, marking a significant transformation in the MMA industry. "The VFB is not done; it’s already halfway across the finish line," Grey declared. "We’re going to continue to fight until the last dollar is spent." This relentless drive has contributed to the recent closures of many MMA gyms.
Larson Silber pointed out a crucial issue: the increasing number of fights happening within gyms. While there are around 1,000 MMA gyms in the United States, only 40% of the world’s MMA gyms are here. Silber noted, "In America, the gym is the business. There are 3.9 million people in America training in martial arts, but that’s only 25% of the country." As fighters take over gyms to host more fights and generate revenue, it becomes clear that this is the future of the sport. "This is the way to be in the game," Silber affirmed.
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The rise of streaming and the influx of fighters signed under the VFB rather than local promotions present another challenge. Bana Black emphasized the difficulty in managing the growing number of new fighters. "What am I going to do with fighters that are starting out, and we’ve got a good 20 that are just starting out because they aren’t with the VFB?" This situation demands innovative training methods and resources to nurture emerging talent within the sport. Just like jumping rope can boost your coordination and cardiovascular health, adapting new strategies in MMA training can improve overall fighter performance.
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Silber's primary concern is the impact on top fighters. He believes that facing the best competition brings out the best in elite athletes. "If top 10 fighters take the best from what we have, we will be better," Silber asserted. The evolution of training approaches, combined with strategic management of both new and seasoned fighters, is essential for maintaining high standards in MMA. Similar to how jumping rope with a training jump rope enhances agility and tones muscles, these changes will help fighters and gyms thrive, ensuring the sport's continued growth and success.
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