Matt Dodge is the CEO of Dodge Sports, which has a wealth of MMA talent under them, from UFC fighter Andre Ewell to Canadian prospect Jasmine Jasudavicius. Dodge has worked with NFL players, and knows the ins and outs of sports management.
How did you get into MMA?
MD- “My professional career began at 18, representing NFL clients for a small sports agency in New York City. From there we started to see the growth in mainstream MMA and started transitioning into representing fighters.”
What got you into wanting to be a manager and how did it happen?
MD- “I love the sport of MMA and knew I wanted to be as close as I could to it. I’ve always had a knack for marketing and negotiations and got involved with the sport early and grew along with it.”
How do you go about finding new fighters to sign? Are you actively watching the regional scene, maybe even watching ammy fights?
MD- “I watch a ton of tape and work a lot through referrals; many gyms are developing great young talent and I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some great coaches and teams that have referred talent to the agency.”
What are some mistakes made by other managers you notice?
MD- “Short term financial gain over long term success. Fight management is about finding the best path forward, to a long-term successful career for your clients. Often times this means being patient for the right opportunities at the right time vs. throwing a client into an opportunity they’re not ready for at that particular moment.”
What are some ups and downs of being a manager?
MD- “You win and lose with your clients. You have to deal with the competitive nature of the industry.”
Let’s say you have a young fighter get an offer against an experienced fighter in a “dangerous” fight? Are you more of a slow build like Michael Page or a fast push like Aaron Pico?
MD- “This all depends on the fighter and where we / their coaches feel they are. The fighters hire us to make those decisions on a client by client basis.”
What is your opinions on fighters managing themselves? How important do you think it is for a fighter to have a manager?
MD- “Very important however not necessary until a few fights into their professional career. As you move up in the game, it’s critical to specialize/bring in people to handle certain aspects of your career.”
What is some advice you have for someone looking to get into the industry as a manager or someone just now starting?
MD- “Work for FREE! Soak up everything and add value; be creative.”
Who is a client/prospect you have on the team that is for the most part, unknown but you thing has a high ceiling?
MD- “Anthony Romero – Anthony is a 155er on a 14-fight winning streak (6-0 pro, 9-1 ammy). At 22 years old, he has a lifetime of experience and is only getting better.”
