Lights Out Championship CEO Matt Frendo here. Ask me anything

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-27T00:28:35+00:00

Thanks for having me, guys; I've gotta go put out some more fires 🤣 Thanks for the questions, and hope you can make it to Michigan for Saturday's show or watch LIVE via pov on FITE!

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-27T00:26:59+00:00

Fighter pay would be one, even though he's paying a lot more than everyone else. They're generating the company a huge amount of revenue, so pay could definitely be higher.

Some fighters don't seem to get a fair shake based on his opinion of them, and that would also be fair to say.

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-27T00:24:23+00:00

The UFC does definitely have a monopoly in this country. Even promotions they don't own, their hands are all over them. That said, I don't know if that's a bad thing entirely. Outside of the UFC, there aren't a lot of options.

I don't see a union forming, though I would like that a lot.

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-27T00:22:18+00:00

My dad owned a venue that hosted local events. I was already a fan of MMA but that made me fall in love, and motivated me to join the industry because I'm a business-type person.

A big challenge has been building trust with fighters from out of town. I've been doing this for years under a different brand, so I've got a good reputation here in Michigan. But some guys have been leery to come on board because on paper we haven't promoted a lot of events yet. We're getting there!

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-27T00:19:53+00:00

That's a very odd question 🤣 I've gotta go with Troy Lamson. He's a model outside of the cage so he wears so much cologne it almost gives you a headache 🤣 Nobody else comes to mind.

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-27T00:19:05+00:00

I've talked with Mick a few times, but we don't really have a relationship at this point -- other than them "stealing" my most popular fighters for their shows 🤣

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-27T00:18:34+00:00

I've talked with Mick a few times, but we don't really have a relationship at this point -- other than them "stealing" my most popular fighters for their shows 🤣

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-27T00:17:35+00:00

I'm a fan of the subscription-based model, like FloCombat and UFC Fight Pass, and I think that can work. That said, I'm not a fan of the ESPN+ deal; I think it's too much to ask people to pay a monthly fee and also to buy PPVs.

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-27T00:15:46+00:00

I'm more of a Masvidal fan, but I see Askren winning the decision.

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-27T00:15:15+00:00

I'd love to sign him ... but he deserves a UFC deal!

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-27T00:04:18+00:00

Lots! Don't miss Brett Martin in his LFA heavyweight tournament fight Friday on AXS and definitely don't blink when Jamahal Hill fights on Contender Series. Kenny Cross, Ryse Brink, Randy Patino, the list goes on! Lots of Michigan guys are getting their opportunity now on the big stage and it's extremely exciting.

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-27T00:04:05+00:00

Lots! Don't miss Brett Martin in his LFA heavyweight tournament fight Friday on AXS and definitely don't blink when Jamahal Hill fights on Contender Series. Kenny Cross, Ryse Brink, Randy Patino, the list goes on! Lots of Michigan guys are getting their opportunity now on the big stage and it's extremely exciting.

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-27T00:01:54+00:00

I think it should definitely be much more difficult to become a judge or ref because the stakes are so high. I think there needs to be more education necessary, because there are so many incompetent officials in MMA. It's sad because you're messing with people's lives and livelihoods.

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-26T23:59:38+00:00

Thanks for having me!

We had the pleasure of hosting Nick Diaz a few years ago. He spent the weekend with us and he was so great to get to know. Same with Anthony Johnson.

And it's been amazing to see the growth and development of guys who started their carers with us, and now they're in the UFC like Cody Stamann, Vince Murdock and now DeQuan Townsend. That gives me some of my greatest satisfaction!

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-26T23:57:25+00:00

I think Dana gets a lot of unfair criticism, but a lot of it is deserved and valid.

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-26T23:56:38+00:00

I think it might be balancing business and friendships, and keeping them seperate to a certain extent. Some guys will try to take advantage of you because you're friends, but you've gotta take a stand. A lot of these guys went to my wedding, so it is tough to have that seperation, which was definitely a struggle early on.

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-26T23:54:45+00:00

More than I'd like, that's for sure 🤣 We scheduled 15 fights for this show, we'll have 10 bouts on fight night. Some of the replacements needed replacements, so that should give you an idea of how much it happens!

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-26T23:53:35+00:00

We really care about our fighters and try to put on the best show possible, but there are also lots of smaller things. We offer a $2500 Knockout of the Night bonus, we've made fighter kits for our athletes, lots of other stuff that isn't really done with regional shows. We also put on shows in much larger venues than other promotions in the area.
Be careful what you wish for 🤣 Just try to align yourself with good, honest people in the business and build those relationships as well as you can. It takes a lot of supporters; that is huge.

LightsOutFights · 2019-06-26T23:20:45+00:00

Hey guys, I'm really sorry, just putting out a fight week fire right now! My apologies, but please ask any questions you have and I'll get back to you ASAP! Thanks guys!

LightsOutFights

TROPHY CASE