Fight Capital Newsletter #48
Locking in on 2025, LFA KO of the Year Winner Kendra, Charlie Quinn Wins, and Henry Cejudo's Right Hand Content Man
2025 is here, and so is a new chapter for Fight Capital!
As the brand continues to grow, I’m transitioning to a monthly newsletter format to bring you even more curated insights, stories, and strategies from the combat sports world. 2024 was a monumental year for Fight Capital, with game-changing interviews, exciting business deals, and incredible partnerships.
From working with Karate Combat, Swerve TV, LLC, UFC legends, and rising MMA stars to diving deep into the combat sports sponsorship game, the momentum has been unstoppable here.
Fight Capital is thriving as a trusted voice in the combat sports business and branding space. In this month's edition, I’m thrilled to spotlight some of the biggest moves happening in the industry and share my thoughts on what's next.
In this month's edition, I’m thrilled to highlight my conversation with Kendra McIntyre, a rising star in women's MMA and a Cal Berkeley graduate balancing a career in tech with her journey to MMA greatness. Plus, don’t miss Dylan Rush’s inspiring story, as he answers the call from Henry Cejudo and continues to make waves in the combat sports world.
Sincere Regards,
How To Secure Combat Sports Sponsorships in 2025
It's my mission to tackle a pivotal topic for fighters, managers, and teams: securing sponsorships in 2025.
The sponsorship game has shifted dramatically in recent years, and staying ahead means adapting to new trends. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just breaking into the scene, this guide will equip you with the strategies needed to attract the right partners, build lasting relationships, and turn sponsorships into long-term success—both inside and outside the ring.
Let’s take a look into the evolving world of sponsorships and discover how you can make 2025 your breakthrough year. If you want to watch this in video format, you can review my podcast epsiode here:
The Changing Landscape of Sponsorships
The sponsorship game in combat sports is evolving. It’s no longer just about legacy sponsors like equipment brands and energy drinks. Now, lifestyle brands, tech platforms, and even startups are tapping into the energy of fight culture. These sponsors are attracted by the growth of MMA, boxing, and kickboxing on streaming platforms and the influence of athletes with strong personal brands.
Today’s sponsors demand authentic engagement. It’s not just about slapping a logo on your shorts—they want real connections with fans.
1. Build an Authentic Personal Brand
To attract sponsors, focus on authenticity. You don’t need a million followers. Many fighters with 10K to 30K followers land significant sponsorships because their followers are real and passionate. Authenticity and trust are far more important to sponsors than sheer numbers, as engaged fans are more likely to convert into customers.
Tips for Building Your Brand:
Share more than training clips. Take fans behind the scenes.
Highlight unique routines or personal moments.
Keep it raw and real—authenticity resonates more than overproduced content.
Building a personal brand takes time, but it’s one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your career. Sponsors want to partner with fighters who feel relatable and genuine to their audience. By consistently showcasing your personality and values, you’ll cultivate a loyal following and attract brands that align with your journey.
2. Align with the Right Sponsors
Partner with brands that fit your lifestyle and personality. Authenticity is key here too. For example:
Israel Adesanya aligns with gaming and pop culture because of his love for anime.
Rose Namajunas connects with wellness brands that match her holistic approach.
Fans can tell when partnerships are forced. Synergy with your sponsors ensures the relationship feels natural and impactful.
3. Leverage Content Creation
Content is king in 2025. Short-form content dominates social media, but
Michael Bisping with his podcast and commentating for UFC.
Sean O’Malley on YouTube, building influence beyond their fight careers.
This influence attracts sponsors, making content creation a currency for partnerships.
4. Sophisticated Sponsorship Proposals
Gone are the days of simple logo placements. Sponsors want measurable ROI. Create professional proposals that include:
Social reach and engagement rates.
Career highlights and fight schedules.
Planned content campaigns with trackable metrics (e.g., links or discount codes).
Make sure your proposal tells a story about who you are as an athlete and why you align with their brand. Show them how your audience aligns with their target market and how your partnership can create tangible results. The more you demonstrate value and highlight opportunities for collaboration, the more likely sponsors are to invest in you. Always remember, your proposal should make it easy for them to envision a win-win partnership.
Real-World Example:
A young fighter pitched a meal prep company by showing:
His fight schedule.
His media appearances on local TV.
A mini influencer campaign featuring the sponsor’s meals.
The brand signed a year-long deal because they saw a clear plan with business potential.
5. Use Data to Your Advantage
Analyze your social metrics to show sponsors your audience demographics and engagement. Highlight key stats like:
Follower location.
Age range.
Interests.
This data helps brands see your value and tailor their campaigns to your audience. Stay updated on emerging platforms to connect with younger audiences and keep your content fresh.
6. Collaborate for Co-Branding Opportunities
Team up with other fighters or gyms for co-branded content. Joint efforts multiply your reach, create a sense of community, and demonstrate brand unity. For instance, collaborating on a series of training videos or joint Q&A sessions can showcase multiple perspectives while giving sponsors a bigger audience to engage with.
7. Maintain Active Sponsor Relationships
Keep sponsors updated with:
Monthly or quarterly check-ins.
Fight results, social stats, and media coverage.
Extra opportunities to promote their products.
Treat sponsors like business partners. Consistency and professionalism turn one-off deals into long-term partnerships.
8. Strategic Negotiations
Understand your value when negotiating deals. Research market rates and consider creative options like:
Flat fees or monthly retainers.
Performance bonuses.
Revenue shares from product sales.
Start small if needed, but show brands your growth potential. Let them feel they’re part of your journey. Highlight how their support contributes to your success and demonstrate how their investment will grow alongside your career. Share examples of past partnerships or metrics to build confidence in your ability to deliver results.
9. Integrate Sponsors into Quality Content
Avoid generic sponsor posts. Instead, create engaging content where sponsorship feels natural. For example:
One-minute fight tips with sponsor overlays.
Mini-documentaries or Q&A segments featuring sponsor products.
Fans engage with clever integrations, making sponsorships more effective.
10. Stay Family-Friendly
Combat sports can be intense, but staying professional and avoiding controversies helps attract mainstream sponsors. Focus on your craft and values to maintain a broad appeal.
Sponsors value athletes who represent discipline, respect, and determination—qualities that reflect well on their brand.
Avoiding unnecessary drama or contentious behavior ensures that your public image remains positive and marketable. Remember, your actions inside and outside the cage influence how fans and potential partners perceive you.
The Bigger Picture
Sponsorships can bridge the gap to future opportunities beyond fighting. Build strong networks with brand managers and marketers.
Your Action Plan
Audit your social presence, personal brand, and network. Take an honest look at how you’re presenting yourself and identify areas for improvement. Are you engaging with your audience regularly? Are you highlighting your unique story?
Identify three sponsors that align with your image. Think about brands that genuinely fit your lifestyle, values, and fan base. A strong alignment increases the likelihood of a successful partnership and ensures authenticity.
Draft a simple pitch plan showing how you can connect them with fight fans. Be specific—outline how their brand integrates into your daily life and how your audience would benefit from the partnership. Remember, showing a clear value proposition makes it easier for sponsors to say yes.
Taking these steps will not only help you secure partnerships but also establish yourself as a professional that brands are eager to work with. Building strong relationships with sponsors now can pave the way for long-term opportunities that extend beyond your fight career. Start small, stay consistent, and always aim to grow—the results will speak for themselves.
In 2025, partnership success is about authenticity, data, and strategic partnerships. Fighters who master these elements will not only attract sponsors but also create long-lasting opportunities for themselves beyond the ring.
If you have questions or want to dive deeper into any of these strategies, drop them in the comments or reach out directly. Let’s work together to push the boundaries of what’s possible and keep the fight industry thriving for years to come.
For more insights into combat sports business, follow the Fight Capital Newsletter on LinkedIn and Substack.
Henry Cejudo Calls, Dylan Rush Answers
This Week's Podcasts
Blending Brains and Brawn, Kendra McIntyre in a Must Watch in MMA | Fight Capital #110
In this episode of Fight Capital, host Ryan Rapaport interviews Kendra McIntyre, a rising star in women's MMA and Cal Berkley graduate who also works as a software designer. They discuss Kendra's unique journey balancing her dual careers, the challenges of transitioning from Muay Thai to MMA, the impact of viral moments in her career, and the role of faith and mental conditioning in high-pressure environments. Kendra shares insights on branding in combat sports and her aspirations for leaving a positive legacy beyond fighting.
Follow Kendra on Instagram @team.kendra https://www.instagram.com/team.kendra
Takeaways
・ Kendra balanced two full-time jobs in tech and MMA before focusing solely on fighting.
・ Transitioning from Muay Thai to MMA highlighted the importance of grappling skills.
・ Her viral head kick knockout at LFA 182 brought major attention to her career.
・ Faith helps her persevere through challenges and maintain a strong mindset.
・ Neurofeedback training has improved her mental performance and reduced anxiety.
・ Branding requires a strong sense of self, which she is still discovering in MMA.
・ Kendra aims to inspire others to chase their dreams and embrace their unique value.
・ Building a successful career in combat sports requires balancing business and fighting.
A Journalist and Fighter: Charlie Quinn’s Bold Move and His Las Vegas Hustle | Fight Capital #109
In a special New Year's Eve episode, Ryan Rapaport sits down with Charlie Quinn, a rising figure in the MMA sports media and betting worlds, to dive into his bold transition from journalist to fighter, his explosive move to Las Vegas, and his plans to dominate in 2025. From selling out arenas as a New York native to carving out a lane in MMA betting, Charlie’s journey is a testament to resilience, hustle, and betting on yourself—in and out of the cage.
Follow Charlie Quinn on Instagram @CharlieQuinnMMA and @WinWithCharlieQuinn for betting insights and updates. https://www.instagram.com/charliequinnmma/
Takeaways
・ Charlie shares the highs and lows of stepping into the cage for the first time.
・ Insights into how Las Vegas became the launchpad for his next chapter.
・ The unique challenges of balancing MMA training with content creation and betting.
・ Charlie’s chip-on-the-shoulder motivation to prove himself in 2025.
・ The power of taking risks and creating opportunities in the combat sports world.
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Great post Ryan!