Hi Mike, before we start can you tell our readers a bit about The Fight Lounge?
The Fight Lounge is a website that concentrates on MMA from all over the world; from the bigger promotions like the UFC to small regional shows. We provide all the latest news and video as well as a forum for MMA fans, fighters, coaches and promoters to congregate.
1/How did you get started with The Fight Lounge?
I have been a fan of MMA since 1994 and have religiously watched it every day since. I wanted to be involved in some form just because it was/is a huge part of my life. I even sent off a UFC application form when I was 18 with little to no training (laughs).
In 2000 I had an idea about this mega site for MMA and the name The Fight Lounge. It wasn’t until 2004 when I got the site designed, but I had to put it on the shelf due to other working commitments. Then, in 2009, me and my partner Jackie decided to release the site and go to work. It isn’t the mega site I visioned, but it will be.”
2/It is arguably now amongst the biggest (if not in fact already the biggest) MMA sites in the UK – what do you think was the pivotal moment for you/the site that made it so successful?
The reception of The Fight Lounge has been incredible, it seems like every MMA fan in the UK has heard of it and the feedback has been amazing.
It’s hard to pinpoint an exact moment, but I noticed it growing after the first month. It has taken hard work by us all to get to where we are. Jackie has an important role and we have some excellent and talented writers like Nathan Court, Rob Riley, Scott Campbell, Stuart Baxter, Lee Bebbington and Ben Mays. I like to think I have a good nose for sniffing out a story that will blow up and get people reading, and we have had many of those.
3/ What are you hoping to achieve over the next year with the site? (without giving too many secrets away!)
I don’t want to give too much away, but The Fight Lounge is about to mutate into my initial vision. What is coming is incredible and it will push us into the realms of world beaters. I have the upmost faith in what we are preparing for and the results will speak for themselves.
We also own TFL Sports Agency, which is a management company for fighters looking to go far in the sport. We have some great names on the books already and more are about to be added shortly.
4/ What has been your favourite/best moment associated with running The Fight Lounge?
It’s hard to say as we have had many fantastic moments. The first article to get 20,000 views was a big one which has since been surpassed. Getting our very first sale on the shop was a great feeling. Meeting some of the nicest people in the sport and becoming close friends has also been a highlight of mine.
5/What’s a typical day for you?
A typical day has me working from about 8 am (sometimes earlier) and figuring out what articles will go on that given day and which will be set for the next day. I then delegate some work, write my articles, interview someone involved in the sport and look for exclusives.
After that I talk to the fighters we manage and work on their fights, sponsors and training. If I have time, I then have a quick go on the PS3 before settling in bed with Jackie to watch some Family Guy (laughs).
Thanks for your time Mike, we recommend all our visitors checkout The Fight Lounge athttp://www.thefightlounge.co.uk/
