411Mania Exclusive Interview: A Few Rounds with Mark Cuban
Posted by Bren Oliver on 12.26.2007
The outspoken owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and HDNet Fights takes some time out of his busy schedule to discuss his fledgling fight promotion, how he was first drawn to Mixed Martial Arts, his thoughts on Floyd Mayweather, taking an "RKO" from the WWE's Randy Orton, and much more in this exclusive interview with 411Mania's Bren Oliver...
There are few current figures on the sports and entertainment landscape who are as iconic as Mark Cuban - a self-made billionaire who ranks amongst the world's Top 500 most wealthy individuals, yet could be mistaken for being an average fan in the stands of the American Airlines Center at a Mavericks' game...if he didn't happen to own the team or put over $275 million into upgrading the arena. Cuban is extremely passionate about his investments, almost to the point of presenting a polarizing persona to the public, but observers should not mistake his moments of exhuberation or exasperation for egocentrism. He is an extremely charitable man and has no problem giving credit where credit is due. And, as it turns out from the brief exchange I had with Mark, he is also as graceful in person as many viewers of "Dancing with the Stars" found him to be on the show. Cuban was polite, attentive, and answered every question whether the subject called for a serious tone or a humorous one.
HDNet Fights is his newest foray into the world of professional athletics but, as most know, it wasn't his first. A fan of basketball at an early age, Cuban went on to purchase a moribund basketball franchise in the city he'd called home for nearly twenty years - the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs went from two decades of winning 40% of their games to taking home nearly 70% since his purchase of the team in 2000. Cuban has a proven record of winning when it comes to sports, and, if the way he's approached the Mixed Martial Arts business so far is any indication, he will find the same kind of success in the cage has he has on the basketball court.
So far, the transition from "three point shots" to a "ten-point must system" has apparently gone smoothly. Cuban announced his intentions in Fall 2007 to develop HDNet Fights. It seemed a natural move given the High Definition network's past association with WEC and other lesser known fight promotions like Art of War, Ring of Fire, and the IFO. In the short time span since, HDNet Fights has put on two live events and is broadcasting a remarkable amount of live Mixed Martial Arts events this December which culminate in the epic M-1 Yarennoka card featuring Fedor Emelianenko.
The future seems bright for Mark Cuban's HD network and MMA promotion. But, what does he think about his company's current standing in the industry? How did he first get interested in Mixed Martial Arts and where does he see HDNet Fights going in 2008? What is his overall approach to running his own fight promotion? And, what about Jason "Mayhem" Miller's challenge for the owner's billfold at "HDNet Fights: Reckless Abandon"? Well, you'll just have to ask Cuban...and I did...
"Fighters are professional athletes, just as NBA players are. My job is to put them in a position to succeed in the cage or on the court and in their careers."
411Mania: Many would consider you to be a visionary based on your accomplishments in technology, business, entertainment, and with the Dallas Mavericks. Why were you first drawn to Mixed Martial Arts and what about the sport do you find to be appealing?
Mark Cuban: I'm a fan of the sport. I love the strategy and athleticism involved along with the fact that anyone can be beat. We started broadcasting WEC a few years ago on HDNet and that's what got me into it.
411: Do you see any similarities between being in the Mixed Martial Arts business and your other ventures?
Cuban: There are definitely similarities with the Mavs. Fighters are professional athletes, just as NBA players are. My job is to put them in a position to succeed in the cage or on the court and in their careers. I've learned things that work with the Mavs that I certainly will apply to MMA.
411: How did you decide on Guy Mezger acting as Commissioner/President? Was it a natural fit given his roots in Texas and vast experience where MMA is concerned? Can you please elaborate on his role in the company for fans who may not fully understand his involvement?
Cuban: Guy is not only a MMA legend based here in Dallas - he is an incredibly smart guy with a strong understanding of what works in the business world. It was a natural fit. His job is to play matchmaker, help with career development of the fighters, and to make sure HDNet Fights events are great to all involved.
411: HDNet Fights is two events into its existence. Based on crowd response and the general opinion of competitors on your most recent show, I think it is fair to say the investment has been successful so far. However, I imagine you have also seen both shows as learning experiences, and are still molding HDNet Fights into the company it will eventually become. What are some examples of things you feel are working? Are there any specific areas you hope to improve in the coming months and years?
Cuban: It's a never ending improvement cycle. Again, no different than the Mavericks. Every Mavs game we try to do better and it will be the same with HDNet Fights. We will do everything we can to make it a phenomenal experience for both the athletes and consumers. My job is to come up with ideas that accomplish that goal. It may be determining whether five rounds of three minutes each is better than three rounds of five minutes, and whether that creates more action, how to integrate technology into the experience and how to make it better for advertisers. There is a ton or room for the sport to grow and we are going to try to come up with ideas that accelerate that growth.
"Having guys like "Mayhem" and Frank definitely is a positive, but they aren't part of our promotion - we are part of their careers. Careers have ups and downs and aren't just about a couple fights. It's about putting these guys in a position where they can make a living and be set for their lives."
411: You were in attendance at "HDNet Fights: Reckless Abandon". What did you personally think about the night's bouts? How thrilled are you to have two competitors like Jason "Mayhem" Miller and Frank Trigg affiliated with your promotion? Are there any other fighters you're eyeing for future events - perhaps a certain UFC Heavyweight Champion who is waiting out his contract?
Cuban: "Reckless Abandon" was a great card. The action was incredible! Having guys like "Mayhem" and Frank definitely is a positive, but they aren't part of our promotion - we are part of their careers. Careers have ups and downs and aren't just about a couple fights. It's about putting these guys in a position where they can make a living and be set for their lives. Guys like Frank and Mayhem appreciate that, and not only do they lay it out in the cage, but they have given us great feedback as well.
411: This month you are bringing an unprecedented number of live Mixed Martial Arts events, in HD Quality no less, to the public - free of charge. It seems apparent your goals are to grow the sport and deliver fights to fans. How do you feel this approach to business acts as a benefit to your company when you are potentially losing out on PPV revenue and, in some ways, promoting your competitors? Is your goal to similar to what ProElite has done - align HDNet Fights with organizations such as the IFL and M-1, ultimately forming a fellowship of sorts?
Cuban: The more live events HDNet has, the more subscribers HDNet will get. That's good business for us. We are different than the UFC. We aren't dependent on gate, PPV and License fees. Great HDNet Fight events create ongoing subscribers and advertising revenues not just for the live fights we broadcast, but for other shows as well - shows like "Inside MMA", our "Countdown" shows, and other shows you will see on HDNet.
Because of this, we will partner with everyone and anyone that puts on great events that meet our standards. IFL, M-1, are just two examples. Hopefully, we will partner with ProElite and others as we go forward.
411: How do you feel HDNet Fights differs from other notable Mixed Martial Arts companies out there in the world? What do you feel your promotion offers that others might not?
Cuban: Don't even care how we compare. Our job is to do the best we can for our customers/viewers and athletes. We will learn from what others do, but try to also come up with unique elements in how we work with athletes and how we broadcast and offer event to consumers and always try to improve.
411: How do you see 2008 unfolding where HDNet Fights is concerned? What should fans be expecting in the New Year?
Cuban: More and more of the same.
" I would love to see Floyd in a cage and I think he would love to try it. However, he has a ton of respect for the best MMA athletes and knows he can't just walk in and be the best in the world."
411: You have dabbled in reality television on a few occasions both in front of and behind the cameras. Any possibility HDNet Fights may explore the world of reality TV given the success of the UFC's Ultimate Fighter series?
Cuban: Yes, but whatever we do, it won't be about seeing which guys get drunk and tear up a house. It will be more like what HBO does with 24/7 or behind the scenes with athletes showing them as the true professionals they are. Being colorful is great. We love that. Being unprofessional and showing that and making that a draw for viewership hurts the sport and colors those who have dedicated their lives to the sport unfairly. So you will see us try to avoid that approach.
411: As the world saw on December 8th, you accommpanied Floyd Mayweather Jr. to the ring for his fight against Ricky Hatton. Mayweather has spoken out against Mixed Martial Artists a number of times, saying, "Anyone can put a tattoo on their head and get in a street fight. These are guys who couldn't make it in boxing, so they do (MMA). Boxing is the best sport." Now, ESPN is reporting the two of you have spoken about Mayweather's participation at a future HDNet Fights event. Has the boxing vs. MMA debate come up between you and Mayweather? What can you tell us about his potential involvement with your promotion? Do you have an opinion on how a professional boxer might match up against a comperable MMA fighter?
Cuban: I think Floyd's opinion was shaped by what he has seen on some of the reality shows out there. No knock on the Tapout guys or some of the guys in the TUF series, they are doing what they have to do to make a living, but they create a certain perception of the sport that isn't necessarily positive. Floyd and I have discussed how different boxing and MMA are. They are basically two different sports with some crossover skills.
Floyd is going to explore a little deeper into MMA. He is a businessman first, middle, and last, and based on our conversations, he knows there are unique opportunities with HDNet Fights. We are exploring all of them. I would love to see Floyd in a cage and I think he would love to try it. However, he has a ton of respect for the best MMA athletes and knows he can't just walk in and be the best in the world. He knows he has to bring the commitment to training and preperation to MMA that he has brought to boxing. Floyd works harder to get ready for work than just about anyone I have ever seen. Combine that with his strong business acumen and however he gets involved, he will only do it with the goal of being the best in the world.
Quick Hits:
411: Any response to Jason "Mayhem" Miller's wallet-for-wallet challenge after his victory at "Reckless Abandon"?
Cuban: He couldn't even carry my wallet! I don't see how he thinks he could beat me in a fight for it.
411: What two NBA players would you like to see step inside the "HDNet Fights" cage?
Cuban: None. I don't think they are that stupid.
411: Who would you rather be stuck in an elevator with - Dana White or David Stern?
Cuban: David, I guess. I don't know Dana at all.
411: Do you have any favorite fights, or memorable moments, associated with MMA events pre dating your association with HDNet Fights?
Cuban: I'm a huge Horodecki fan. Watching some of his early fights really got me into MMA.
411: You once took an "RKO" from WWE Superstar Randy Orton at the 2003 Survivor Series. Have you fully recovered from the impact?
Cuban: You never really recover from a 6'5 guy in a speedo sneaking up behind you and taking you out...
411: Thank you for your time Mark, have a wonderful Holiday season, and best of luck in your continued success!
