SFT Combat, considered one of the biggest MMA events in Latin America today, can also be considered a remarkable innovation in the fight scene, breaking with stereotypes and promoting an unprecedented approach in the universe of mixed martial arts.
On March 2nd, at 5:30 pm, STF 45 will take place at Clube Atlético Juventus, in So Paulo (SP). The main card will be broadcast on Band TV, but the entire event will be shown on open TV. The two title fights will be between Barbosa x Sucuri and Black Diamond x Aparecido.
Under the leadership of David Hudson, CEO of the event, the SFT stands out not only for great disputes, but for its family essence and values that go beyond the meaning of a common competition.
Everyone says that MMA is violent and football is not, but in fact, on the contrary, athletes really value respect and discipline, highlights Hudson.
Realizing that MMA is much more than just a spectacle of violence, the CEO found in the SFT a space to transform lives. SFT Combat has already had more than 1.7 thousand fights, including amateur fights. Furthermore, the event dominates the TOP 10 rankings in all categories in national and international fights.
The next SFT will feature three main MMA fights, where of the six athletes, three are in the TOP 10 and two are in the TOP 20.
According to Hudson, many Brazilian competitions match fights in favor of their fighter, which in his opinion is detrimental to the sport. Unlike other events, SFT values impartiality, a stance that not only raises the standard of the sport, but also consolidates the event’s reputation. The CEO also highlights the luck of having a matchmaker, Magno Wilson, who thinks the same way and values this professionalism.
The championship has the Semi Pro category, where an amateur athlete ready to move to the professional ranks, has one or two fights under professional rules and prepares to join the main ranks.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has been working under exclusive contracts, something unprecedented in the country. Therefore, the athlete cannot compete in another national event, only outside Brazil. The motivation for the contracts was the visibility that many athletes gained at the event and were consequently called upon by others to fight. Currently, some athletes still have this contract, while others do not. Despite this, the fighters respect the conditions.
Furthermore, SFT is the only Brazilian MMA organization with a ranking system.
Social projects
The event welcomes many athletes from social projects, which in Hudson’s opinion, saves lives. There are many stories of young people saved by MMA. With this in mind, every month, SFT chooses a social project and produces an institutional video, which is shown on Globo and throughout the month on social networks.
We want to show companies that by supporting the SFT, you are supporting the communities and all these athletes, reinforced the CEO.
The championship provides a book for commentators with the story of each athlete. By watching the broadcast, the viewer can find out everything about each fighter’s trajectory.
Women’s fights
One of the milestones of its inclusive vision was the introduction of women’s fights, which was rare and became a success. The first fights had a great audience, which is why the SFT always has women’s fights, which are always considered the best of the night.
Unfortunately, women’s participation in MMA is still scarce, and there are few athletes to fight, considering that girls soon stand out and leave Brazil, a process that takes longer for men. The first event aimed at women was Pink October. From then on, every year there is something focused entirely on women, on some special date.
According to Hudson, there are no events that feature women’s fights in Brazil, and until three years ago, the SFT was on the same average as the UFC in women’s fights (average of 30%). Therefore, the event stands out as a pioneer on this front, offering opportunities and recognition for athletes.
Event differences
Martial art respect. To be a big event you have to reach the people, so we made it a family event, said Hudson.
In addition to its commitment to sporting excellence, SFT Combat stands out for its entertainment and family atmosphere. From interactive activities for children to unique exposure opportunities for sponsors, the event offers a complete experience for everyone involved.
- SFT is the only event that does not accept profanity, subject to a six-month suspension. There was never a fight at the time of the confrontation, and other events motivated the fight at that moment;
- The event features free virtual video games for children. Children can also enter the octagon, compete and win prizes.
- Since 2019, SFT has had a mascot, Big Dave, who interacts with the entire public.
- For adults, there is the Kiss Camera, a competition for the best kiss.
- Dance duel with the ring girls
- Artists who make caricatures and create souvenirs for fans
Sponsors have several opportunities to display the brand within these differentiators, such as the ring girls, the mascot, activations, medals, trophies and the master sponsorship, which is the center of the octagon.
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