Interview with UWC matchmaker

UWC was formed in June 2005, by brothers Alex and Dan, since then UWC have gone onto have 9 successful events and have built up a good stable of fighters who have been able to fight in the UFC and other shows throughout the world. MMA reporter Fernando Lopez was recently able to interview UWC matchmaker Alex on his thoughts on mma and UWC. 

So Alex what have you being doing recently?Over the past few months I have been busy planning UWC 10, As well as dealing with fighters that UWC manage who have been fighting at several events throughout Europe. Dan has also recently opened up a full time MMA academy in Southend, which has taken a lot of our time. 

This year will be the 4th Year since you launched the first UWC event, how does that make you feel?It actually seems like we have been running for 40 years! No I am happy with how far we have come, we have been able to build up a good reputation in Europe and I feel that our hard work has paid off, since we began I have learnt a lot about mma and I feel that we have been able to provide a positive image of the sport in the UK. 

There are people out there who still say MMA should be banned due to the danger, what’s your answer to that? In life there are always going to be people who don’t like something or don’t understand it. MMA is a safe sport, we as an organisation as well as other organisations in the UK have strict rules to which we abide by. The fighters who participate are trained athletes, they have a strict medical prior to their fight, the referees are very experienced and always deal with the safety of the fighters as a priority. I have seen far worse injuries in ice hockey and football! 

Do you work with other MMA organisations?Due to managing several fighters I have been fortunate enough to have worked with the likes of the UFC, Cage Rage, Cage Warriors, Pain and Glory, CFC and several other organisations. Each show has different ways of doing things and I have been able to take ideas and use them at UWC. I feel that by working together we are increasing the popularity of mma in the UK and thus providing our athletes with the exposure they deserve.

 Where do you see UWC as a brand 2 years from now? Since we began, the brand has grown more and more, we are working on taking our events outside the UK and have several projects that we are working on. We also work with UWC – USA which is a separate organisation who has been able to have several successful events in Washington DC. We have a good following in Europe and Brazil, which we hope to capitalise on. 

Is there anyone you would like to thank? I don’t think there is enough time in the day to thank everyone! I would like to thank my brother Daniel who has the same ambitions as me, I would also like to congratulate him on getting his Brown belt 2 stripes from Royce Gracie, I would also like to thank ALL the loyal fighters who have helped UWC become the success it is, as well as their trainers and managers I tend to speak to more than I speak to my family, our sponsors and Lastly our fans who without there would not be a show. 

Any fights we should keep an Eye out for at UWC 10?All of them!!