According to a PR industry web site O’Dwyer’s PR, the UFC has retained a Washington D.C. lobbying firm Farragut Partners to combat the expansion of the Muhammad Ali Act.
The D.C. based firm was formed this year. They are an offshoot of partners from another firm. They have a list of clients in the telecommunications, energy and healthcare industries. Earlier this year, T-Mobile chose the firm to help it push support for the “Wireless Tax Fairness Act.” The bill would enact a five-year moratorium on any new state or local taxes imposed on consumers for wireless service.
The firm also represents Comcast Corp., Altria Group (Tobacco Industry) and Blue Cross/Blue Shield according to opensecrets.org. Thus far this year, it has reported $950,000 in lobbying income.
Oklahoma Congressman Markwayne Mullin introduced the bill late last month.
The bill would introduce measures to expand the Ali Act protecting boxers to all pro combat sports athletes.
A three-person team at Farragut Partners will handle the UFC account including federal legislative staffers for Republican politicians.
Payout Perspective:
Clearly, the UFC opposes federal regulation of MMA and specifically its business practices. It should not surprise anyone that it has hired a lobbying firm to represent its interests and gain support in opposing the expansion of the Ali Act. This year it has already spent $110,000 on lobbying firms. Last year it spent $410,000. Look for the total for this year to increase due to the Ali Act lobbying efforts. We shall see if it is money well-spent for the company.
Its all about the sale….hahaha…potential buyer wants to make sure labor is cheap hahaha
Ali act not coming to mma HAHA
Looking forward to seeing the Ali Act in mma, clean up the greed and corruption in the sport
They need it for mma, otherwise it is just wwe with a different form of combat. Dana white is the new vince mcmahon