Podcast Summary: Digital Social Hour – "Why UFC Is Dominating Boxing: Insider Reveals | Ali Abdelaziz DSH #724"

Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Ali Abdelaziz
Release Date: September 17, 2024

1. Introduction

In episode #724 of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly welcomes Ali Abdelaziz, a prominent UFC manager, to discuss the meteoric rise of the UFC in comparison to boxing. The conversation delves into Ali’s journey in the mixed martial arts (MMA) industry, his management philosophy, and the strategic elements that have positioned the UFC as the leading combat sport today.

2. Ali Abdelaziz’s Career Path

Early Beginnings and Transition to Management

Ali Abdelaziz recounts his initiation into the fighting world, starting with judo at the age of five under the mentorship of a national champion cousin. His transition from athlete to manager began while he was still training and fighting professionally.

Ali Abdelaziz [01:14]: “Honestly, I was still fighting and training. This was at the Gracie Gym in New York. Before that, I trained with Greg Jackson and Jordan Pierre. When Jordan Pierre moved to New York, he invited me to join, and I decided to stay and help manage fighters.”

Ali highlights the significance of his first major client, Frankie Edgar, and how managing Edgar, alongside other key fighters like Gracie and Henzu, laid the foundation for his successful management career.

3. The Success and Roster of Ali’s Management

Building an Impressive Roster Through Integrity and Dedication

Ali emphasizes that his success is rooted in hard work, dedication, and maintaining integrity in his relationships with fighters. Unlike many managers who actively recruit, Ali’s roster grew organically through word-of-mouth and mutual respect.

Ali Abdelaziz [02:30]: “Management’s like marriage. I don’t really manage or recruit actively. It’s all word of mouth. Gym talk, guys talk to each other. We do right by each other, and the trust is there.”

He proudly manages top-tier fighters such as Kamaru Usman, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, Henry Cejudo, and Kayla Harrison, many of whom have been with him for nearly a decade. This long-term commitment underscores the strong, trust-based relationships he fosters.

Ali Abdelaziz [03:59]: “I’ve been with Kamaru for 10 years, Habib for 10 years, Islam Makhachev for 10 years, Henry almost 10 years, and Kayla Harrison almost 10 years. These relationships are built on trust and mutual respect.”

4. UFC vs Boxing: Reasons for UFC’s Dominance

Systematic Growth, Consistent Scheduling, and Fighter Dedication

Ali attributes the UFC’s dominance over boxing to several key factors:

• Consistent Scheduling: The UFC hosts events every week, providing a steady stream of content and maintaining audience engagement.

  Ali Abdelaziz [25:27]: “The sport is growing every day. UFC is almost in 178 countries now, and they’re doing a fight every week. It’s consistent.”

• Fighter Commitment: UFC fighters demonstrate unparalleled dedication and work ethic. Unlike boxing, where fighters frequently switch management and promotions, UFC athletes often remain loyal to their teams, ensuring stability and sustained growth.

• Integrated Management and Promotion: The UFC employs matchmakers who are often martial artists themselves, like Sean Shelby and McMayner. This alignment between fighters, managers, and promoters fosters a cohesive environment conducive to the sport’s expansion.

  Ali Abdelaziz [07:28]: “The UFC has great matchmakers who are martial artists. They understand the sport deeply, which helps in creating compelling matchups.”

• Global Reach and Diversity: The UFC’s ability to attract talent from nearly 180 countries has broadened its appeal, making it a truly global sport.

  Ali Abdelaziz [24:51]: “Everybody’s different, man. UFC is so diverse, with fighters from almost 180 countries. It’s grown massively and will continue to do so.”

• Fighter Development: Ali notes that the UFC invests in developing fighters’ careers intelligently, ensuring they peak at the right times and maintain longevity in the sport.

  Ali Abdelaziz [23:12]: “I’m building guys to be smart about their careers, ensuring they have the right moments to shine.”

5. Key UFC Fighters and Future Predictions

Highlighting Dominant Fighters and Upcoming Talent

Ali provides insights into some of the UFC’s top fighters and shares his predictions for future champions:

• Islam Makhachev: Currently the pound-for-pound number one, Ali praises Islam’s dominance and finishing ability.

  Ali Abdelaziz [05:15]: “Islam is on a different level. He finishes guys efficiently, making him the best fighter in the world today.”

• Kamaru Usman: Viewed as the greatest welterweight of all time, Ali believes Kamaru has surpassed previous legends in the sport.

  Ali Abdelaziz [28:37]: “I think Kamaru has bypassed George St. Pierre and is one of the greatest ever.”

• Future Champions: Ali predicts that fighters under his management, such as Magamat Uncle Life and Bilal Muhammad, will soon capture UFC titles.

  Ali Abdelaziz [28:49]: “Magamat Uncle Life will become the UFC Light Heavyweight champion. Bilal Muhammad will beat Leon Edwards in London and become UFC Lightweight champion this year.”

6. Challenges and Politics in UFC

Navigating Internal and External Challenges

Ali discusses the complexities within the UFC, including the occasional overlap of fighters and the political dynamics that can influence matchups and promotions. He mentions instances where fighters he manages have had to fight against each other, a rarity in his management experience.

Ali Abdelaziz [04:24]: “I believe I’m the only manager with multiple fighters who have fought each other, proving the strength and depth of our roster.”

Additionally, Ali touches upon his views on broader political issues, including his support for Donald Trump, which occasionally intersects with his professional relationships.

Ali Abdelaziz [17:30]: “Donald Trump is all about peace, business, and making the economy better. He’s a great human being and treats people really well.”

However, he maintains that business relationships within the UFC are primarily professional, despite differing personal views.

Ali Abdelaziz [21:22]: “On a personal level, I love Dana White and respect him, even if we don’t always agree on business matters.”

7. Relationship with Promoters and UFC Leadership

Strong Bonds with UFC’s Leadership

Ali emphasizes his positive relationship with Dana White and the UFC’s leadership team. He praises Dana’s consistency and dedication to the sport, which has been pivotal in the UFC’s sustained success.

Ali Abdelaziz [21:45]: “Dana White is a great promoter. We have a good relationship, and I respect what he does for the sport.”

He also highlights the importance of collaboration between managers and promoters to create lucrative and exciting fight cards.

8. Closing Remarks

Continued Growth and Future Endeavors

As the podcast concludes, Ali reiterates his commitment to the UFC’s growth and his excitement for the future of MMA. He encourages listeners to follow his work on Instagram @AliAbdelaziz200 and shares his optimistic outlook on the sport’s trajectory.

Ali Abdelaziz [25:14]: “The sport has been around for 30 years and is already massive. Imagine how big it will be in the next 20 years.”

Sean Kelly wraps up the episode by thanking Ali for his insights, leaving listeners with a comprehensive understanding of why the UFC continues to outpace boxing in the combat sports arena.

Notable Quotes

• Ali Abdelaziz [02:30]: “Management’s like marriage. I don’t really manage or recruit actively. It’s all word of mouth.”
• Ali Abdelaziz [05:15]: “Islam is on a different level. He finishes guys efficiently, making him the best fighter in the world today.”
• Ali Abdelaziz [24:51]: “Everybody’s different, man. UFC is so diverse, with fighters from almost 180 countries. It’s grown massively and will continue to do so.”
• Ali Abdelaziz [25:27]: “The sport is growing every day. UFC is almost in 178 countries now, and they’re doing a fight every week. It’s consistent.”

Conclusion

This episode of Digital Social Hour offers a deep dive into the strategic elements behind the UFC’s dominance over boxing, as revealed by insider Ali Abdelaziz. From management philosophies to fighter development and global expansion, Ali provides a comprehensive look at the factors fueling MMA’s rise. His candid discussions on the industry’s challenges and his optimistic predictions for future champions make this episode a valuable listen for fans and aspiring professionals alike.