MMA Junkie reports on the added benefits that Bellator fighters are receiving in lieu of its move to SpikeTV. With the move, expect Bellator fighters to become involved in cross-promotional opportunities for the network.
Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney indicated that the organization fighters would participate in the various Spike and MTV award shows and events. Michael Chandler, Pat Curran and Brian Rogers walked the Red Carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards last week.
Payout Perspective:
The cross-over opportunities could enhance the Bellator brand while giving its fighters a chance to expand its reach and develop their own brand. While most of the events are just photo ops where most of the media will not know who they are, it gives them an opportunity to promote the organization and themselves. Of course, the VMAs saw a significant drop in viewer ratings this year but that should not be attributed to the Bellator appearances.
All well and good I guess, but Bellator needs to stop enforcing their matching rights AFTER they release fighters. It’s complete BS and is really starting to turn me off as a fan. Their entire model is based on signing the best prospects, and if they make their promotion unattractive due to their ever-expanding portfolio of legal disputes with talent they’ll cut off their own feet.