@thehookhq on all social media platforms

It’s approaching the first year of The Hook and I wanted to reflect on some of the lessons I have learned.

Firstly, I started with a phone in my pocket and an eagerness to understand how the industry worked. While the equipment has been upgraded, the eagerness to learn has remained the same. It is important you retain the eagerness as that drives progression, more so than the quality of the equipment that is used. After all, you can lead a horse to water but can’t make it drink.

Networking and building relationships is another key component. Speak to everyone, regardless of their background. Boxing in particular is a small world and so you will inevitably cross paths again. When you do, refer back to something you learned in that first conversation, it shows you were truly listening. Endeavour to help but expect nothing. Opportunities come when you least expect them.

Iterating is crucial. We started doing written posts, then it turned to presenting front of camera and now most of our traction comes from the interviews. Remember your niche will find you. Trying different things will only get you to your niche quicker.

From interviewing Sophie Whittam (Founder of Fight Label) to attending the press conference in Ireland ahead of Jazza Dickens v Anto Cacace it has been another busy week for the Hook!

UFC ANNOUNCE WHITE HOUSE CARD

Politics and Sport in isolation cause division. Putting the two together creates more division but also opportunity to further personal interests.

The relationship between Dana White and Donald Trump follows this trend. It began when The UFC was a struggling organisation owned by Zuffa. Venues refused to host UFC events and the sport had limited mainstream acceptance. Despite the backlash, Trump endorsed the organisation, allowing The UFC to host events at his casinos. Fast forward 20 years, TKO Group Holdings (parent company of The UFC and WWE) has a market cap of $16B. Trump is in his second stint as president and has long called for The UFC to host an event at the White House. That wish has come true as The UFC Freedom 250 event will take place on the 14th June, which incidentally ties in with Trump’s 80th Birthday.

The UFC traditionally operates in the black. So much so that they are in the midst of a $375M settlement dispute affecting 1200 former UFC fighters. They claim that The UFC contracts suppressed athletes’ abilities to negotiate with other promotional options. Economically, this event breaks from the current model as it is expected to cost in the region of $60M.  They are expecting to generate at least half of that money through sponsorships. Mark Shapiro is viewing the show as “an investment for the long run” which is about “earned media”. That investment has several shortcoming which has irked several of the biggest MMA stars.

Jon Jones was expected by many to headline the 14th June event. Instead the Main event will see Ilia Topuria defend his lightweight belt against Interim champion Justin Gaethje. Jones has openly criticised White for lowballing him in negotiations ahead of a proposed fight with Alex Pereira.

An event that was intended to signify the strength of the UFC, is doing the exact opposite.