Knock Out Representation Interview
Today we got to chat with the president of Knock Out Representation (KOR) about his business and what they do. KOR works with many fighters, including but not limited to Nathan Quarry, Joachim Hansen, and Jamie Varner.
MMA2Go: When was KOR (Knock Out Representation) established?
KOR: “Technically, KOR was established 6 months ago, but we have been representing fighters for over a year. Due to recent growth, it became necessary to put everything under a company banner and KOR was formed.”
MMA2Go: What is KOR’s mission statement?
KOR: “At KOR, it’s all about the fighters. KOR is a multi-faceted management/marking firm. Knock Out Representation has been established to bring MMA fighters an organization that will be in their corner both in and out of the cage. This would encompass the entire spectrum of their professional careers; from their humblest beginnings, to the height of their fame, to well after retirement from the spotlight.”
“KOR strives to consistently align its fighters with well known and respected companies in the thriving MMA industry. Our ultimate goal is to maximize exposure for our athletes while also creating great opportunities for our sponsors. KOR achieves this by cultivating fight night sponsorships, arranging appearances, organizing seminars, designing marketing campaigns, fostering social networking and more.”
“Every athlete which KOR represents is directly involved with their sponsors, their marketing campaigns and the creation of their personal websites/social networking pages. Their opinions count and we are here to listen and pass it on to the proper party. Each KOR fighter is expected to maintain high ethical standards and keep the best interests of sponsors in mind at all times. This philosophy helps our agency foster positive relationships with our fighters our sponsors and the general public. In addition, we also pride ourselves on being extremely fan friendly, by planning numerous fight gear giveaways plus autograph signings.”
MMA2Go: Could you tell us about KOR, and what you do?
KOR: “Knock Out Representation is a full service MMA management company. We work with the fighters to find the best fit to serve their needs. Whether it’s mapping out their careers, individual endorsement plans, or getting them the best fights, KOR does it all.“
MMA2Go: How and why did you choose to get involved with MMA?
KOR: “Initially, I was attracted to the sport and saw the growth potential. I mean, this is as real as it gets. After I completed my master’s degree in sports marketing & management and from the top ranked Kelley school of business at Indiana University, I felt like I had the proper tools to gain an advantage in the MMA world.”
MMA2Go: Do fighters usually contact you, or do you contact the fighters?
KOR: “90% of the time fighters find us! We do not recruit fighters and certainly do not give out empty promises. Fighters are passed over to KOR via word of mouth. Some from training partners or teammates who have been very pleased. Others have even been sent our way from actual sponsors. Sponsors like dealing with us and sometimes have close relations with fighters. Some have come our way because their prior management didn’t get them enough sponsors some simply didn’t show the fighters same passion to excel in the sport and others have even came along due to a manager not willing to put some effort and get a fighter training equipment.”
MMA2Go: Why should you be the first choice for fighters looking for representation or sponsorships?
KOR: “Let’s be serious, everyone wants to be or thinks they can be a manager, but KOR offers proven results!!! Fighters are the #1 priority for us and they’ll be the first ones to tell you, we bust our tail so they can relax and focus on their training. In my mind, we’re the top up and coming management company for up and coming fighters. It’s a perfect fit.”
MMA2Go: What kind of people do you like to work with?
KOR: “What kind of people do I like to work with? Obviously, I like dealing with people who are easy to work with, but that’s not always the case. Half the fun is the people in the business and developing lasting relationships with them. I think that’s why we’ve been able to be so successful so far, we don’t discriminate!”
MMA2Go: What are some of the companies you work with?
KOR: “We work with just about everybody! Clothing. Suplement. Video game. Magazines. Online media. Poker. Energy drink. You name it and we probably have a contact in the category. I would like to give a special mention to a few of our close friends and sponsors- Hayabusa probably has the best training equipment in the sport. Punchdrunkgamer.com is a great source for exclusive fighter interviews along w video game reviews. Silver Star clothing has been great to work with and we look forward to more signature shirts in the near future. Performancemma.com are incredibly easy to work with on sponsorships and other opportunities for fighters. Jesus didn’t tap they were one of our first sponsors when we started helping Pete Spratt. I am also proud to say that Pete was the first televised fighter to support Jesus didn’t tap. Also I can’t leave out Full Tilt Poker, they are huge supporters of MMA and I even have an account on their website. My favorite cards to play are Ace, 9…always a winner for me!!!”
MMA2Go: You represent quite a few fighters, are you looking to represent more fighters? How can they contact you?
KOR: “We are always open to discussion. My phone is by my side 24/7. Anybody with questions can email- info@KOreps.com “
Don’t forget to connect with KOR on other networking sites and their webpage.
http://www.KOreps.com
http://www.twitter.com/KO_reps
http://www.facebook.com/KnockOutRepresentation
