Making Money with MMA (mixed martial arts)

I don't know much IMs that deal with sports things, but I'm the one who does.
I was looking for some ninjutsu affiliate programs recently.
Anyway, I do think that martial art is hard selling niche.

Pictures, interviews... People can already get those on websites such as Sherdog.com
I think (but you would have to test it to be sure) that MMA fans would be more likely to buy training methods by top MMA fighters.
Just my 2 cents as an MMA enthusiast

Hi,

Forget ClickBank or any selling platform for the moment.

Think about building a LIST of loyal audience.

1. Develop a Magazine Style site/blog.

Make it content rich and media rich. Have a FB forum later on.

2. Build a List.

-> Optins get access to several FREE videos on Street Smart Self Defense for Ladies.
-> Optins get a Free Ebook which PHOTOs describing Street Smart Self-Defense for Ladies.

3. Product

-> Since your friend is a Pro Photographer, you might offer non-exclusive ROYALTY-FREE photos in action. Sell them based on usage license.
-> Sell EXCLUSIVE photos.
-> Sell Footages.
-> Advance Training Videos in Your Paid Membership Site
-> Advance Tips in fitness and excel MMA sports

4. Marketing

-> Advertise in Online Magazines, Forums and Blogs where many women gather
-> Offline - Send Photo Portfolio to Offline Magazines and Sports News Networks
-> Social Network Marketing.

2 cents.

I think i can speak here. I created one of the leading UK MMA sites a few years ago, until I let it go as it was to much of a time drag at the time, what with a new baby, day job and me just getting dilliusioned and burned out with it. I kind of kick myself now with what I know today for letting it go.

During this period it was a UFC media partner streaming weigh ins and post figher media events. I interviewed tons of fighters both up and coming and those in the UFC. I also went to lots of fight events and got to know quite a few people in the industry.

I train too, still to this day (BJJ).

A few things about MMA. Ebooks will not sell at all, no one wants to read an ebook, especially with something that requires so much coordination. It has to be video and if it is a video it needs to be someone really, really up there at the top. For example if its grappling based then the likes of Roger Gracie, Marcelo Garcia, Damian Maia. Wrestling would be the likes of GSP, Rashad Evans, Matt Hughes.

From what I know of video instructionals they don't sell that well, small numbers and a lot of pirating. Most of the revenue is from t-shirts and sponsorships.

The question should not really be - what would IM'ers want to sell but really:

What do MMA enthusiasts want to buy?

If you have a product that you market is begging for, then why would Im'ers not jump on board? You have to prove there is a demand for your product and that it is worthwhile for IM'ers to promote you, then it becomes a no brainer...

I suggest you start by surveying a number of MMA enthusiasts and ask them what kind of content they are looking for, in which formats and what they would actually be willing to pay for.

It's much better to create a product tailored to your market then one tailored to IM'ers who will simply quit promoting your product when they realise there is no demand...

Create a product that has demand and then sensible IM'ers will happily promote you.

Azmanar,

You're so spot on!

What you've suggested is already in effect. The list building he has as there are fans who go to his website but he hasn't optimized it yet. We'll get him IM'd.

I have client building MMA membership site. He provides many good video for many techniques. I think he's making good money with this model. His site still runs till now, maybe this can become inspiration for you.