The Millstone Times July 2018

AUTOMOTIVE

MMAPL Comes to Atlantic City

Former HBO executive and pay-per view pioneer Mark Taffet has recently launched his newest project: MMA Pro League. As the founder and head of HBO’s pay-per view sector, Taffet oversaw and ran over 190 pay-per view events, which generated $3.6 billion in revenue and nearly 70 million buys. He presented marquee events such as Mayweather vs Pacquiao (2015), which grossed roughly $410 million and 4.4 million domestic buys. At the time, this was the most watched fight of all time, and shattered all previous pay-per view event’s revenue by over $250 million. As Taffet starts his new chapter with the MMA Pro League, he will use his decades of experience and connections to further his vision. MMA Pro League is a team-styledMMA, much different from the current fabric of the sport. Other leagues rely heavily on the star- power of individual fighters, making its success much more volatile. The league will be composed of teams from across the country, coached by MMA icons such as former UFC fighter Dan Miller and Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion Daniel Gracie of the legendary Gracie family. MMA Pro League is set to have its first five events at the brand new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, including its premiere fight on August 17th. Not only does the current growth and rising interest in the sport bode well for Taffet’s project, but the luxurious new venue that will host the first several fights is a major attraction for consumers. “The Hard Rock is going to have a lot of customers and fans coming to the casino,” Taffet said. “For us to arrive at this time is very beneficial for us.”

www. TheMillstoneTimes.com 55