MMAPredictions

For those out there who are fascinated by the Japanese mixed martial arts culture, this video is for you.

This was shot from the press booth in the Los Angeles Coliseum at the conclusion of the K-1 Dynamite show that took place in June 2007. K-1 Dynamite was famous for being the mixed martial arts debut of Brock Lesnar. The event was also infamous for being the occasion when the California State Athletic Commission claims that Royce Gracie’s urine samples tested positive for banned performance-enhancing drugs.

As you can see in the video, most of the stadium is empty during the fireworks display. It was far from full to begin with, but I know most people ran from the event as soon as it ended in an attempt to beat the Los Angeles traffic.

In any case, this video demonstrates the disconnect in what Japanese MMA promoters think fans look for. I am not sure how much all those pyrotechnics cost, but it was definitely not inexpensive. I am not sure they served any purpose for the fans present that evening. Perhaps they looked good on the broadcast in Asia.

Whenever a company attempts to penetrate a market that already has big players (like the UFC) firmly entrenched it is never easy. It’s even more difficult when the newcomer to the scene comes from another culture.

- Caleb

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