The UFC,
a popular Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports organization, is considering
expansion to Mexico
in 2014. Expansion to Mexico
would greatly enhance their booming Latin American market, which is already
thriving in Brazil .
With an enormous MMA following, a growing circuit of regional fight promotions
and great local talent, Mexico
has the essential pillars in place.
UFC President Dana
White said he would like to take full advantage of this spike in MMA
interest; he believes there is a great culture of Mexican MMA fighters who have
developed a unique style of Mexican fighting.
These bright local talents include Mexican-American Cain
Velasquez, the defending heavyweight champion, and Erik Perez, a rising
bantam-weight contender. The success of the expansion efforts depends on
whether the UFC is able to build and nurture these rising stars to bolster
community support.
However, for now, the UFC is relying on a similar model it
presented in Brazil--a joint-venture deal with a television network--to
increase its TV presence in Mexico. This strategic partnership with Televisa
Networks will give the organization a way to disseminate free UFC programming on
existing channels.
According to media reports, it could launch as early as
September 2013.
Plans are also in the works to add a Spanish -language
version of "The Ultimate Street Fighter" to the network, tentatively
titled: "The Ultimate Street Fighter: Latin America ."
UFC executive Marshall Zelaznik, chief of international development, believes
that having a regionally specific series and a live event in Mexico
City would spearhead the UFC's business efforts in Mexico .
If the UFC can implement successful expansion efforts in Mexico
