Introducing Mayhem Promotions

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In the world of mixed martial arts it seems as though there are almost as many promotions springing up as there are fighters, apparel companies, and energy drink makers. All are looking to cash in on the remarkable growth of the sport. A lot of these companies are gone just as quickly as they have arrived. Some to mismanagement, some just never captured their target audience. However, one of the promotions making all the right moves in this industry is Illinois based Mayhem Promotions. And all signs point to bigger things from them.

Jeff and Joe Albin started Mayhem Promotions in May of 2008 with the express intent to provide the best value and entertainment for the spectators, the sponsors and of course the fighters. The brothers realized that many of the smaller shows seemed to be in it for the money and not for the love of the sport. By being money driven, quality was sacrificed for profit and the brothers knew that there needed to be a new and innovative MMA company in the Midwest.

In order to hold their own events, they needed to do it properly. So they changed how they watched UFC events. Not as fans, but now as promoters looking to see what the "cream of the crop" were doing right. They took notes to see what a smaller show could do to provide local fans with a “big show” feel, but not charging them “big show” rates to experience an event. In addition they traveled across the Midwest to see other organizations shows, meeting with training camps and fighters all to get a better understanding of what to do and what not to do to be successful.

With several months of serious research wrapped up, the Albins had established what they wanted to do, and now had a clear plan on how they were going to get about doing it. The next step would be to put together their first event. That first event, "Disorderly Conduct", was held on December 6, 2008 at the Donald E. Stephens convention center in Rosemont, IL. 1300 fans were in attendance to watch the twelve amateur fights including a bantamweight title fight between Chris Lane and Ken Kirby. The goal of the event was to come out and make a big splash on the local MMA scene and Mayhem Promotions was able to deliver. Fans, fighters, sponsors, and the brothers all left the event impressed, and were looking for more to come.

"Disorderly Conduct I" was an amazing experience," said Joe. "As a new promotions company, I was hesitant about the turn out. There are so many companies out there, that we had to make our event and company stand out. I think our attention to detail and the desire to be the best MMA company was what helped us have a successful debut."

Going back to the founding motivation of the company, "provide the best value for spectators, sponsors, and fighters", the brothers looked to improve from their first event, and went to work on planning the second Mayhem Promotions event. They took the lessons learned in their first show and set out to expand on the good and correct the flaws they had from Disorderly Conduct I.

On March 28, 2009, "Disorderly Conduct II" was held at the DuPage Expo Center in St. Charles, IL. Mayhem Promotions removed all of the standing room areas around the arena, instead placed bleacher seating throughout. This way every fan in attendance had a better view of the cage. "Disorderly Conduct II" gathered more sponsors that were predominately featured throughout the event. The new venue provided additional room for the increased sponsors, larger signs, booths, and features prior each bout were also set up.

"From our first event to our second event, there were many changes. Not only did we change venues, but we changed the layout, type of available seating, and accommodations for the fighters," said Joe. "We take each event we do and try and make it bigger and better than the last. we are fortunate enough to get positive feedback on "Disorderly Conduct II" but will never be 100% satisfied. Another reason our shows will stand out among the rest."

As the Albin brothers again analyze their most recent show, Joe Albin went and spent even more time with fighters so as to build a much stronger and personal relationship with the fighters and their training camps. By building these better relationships, Mayhem Promotions should be able to put on much better match-ups than in the previous events. As an owner and executive Jeff describes their attention to matchmaking more like a true fans.

“I always like watching Dana White. Not in press conferences or public engagements, but in the moments you can tell he’s really having fun. On the Ultimate Fighter show, when he recently got to announce the semifinal fights. You can see he gets such a kick out of putting that specific fight together. That’s what Joe and I both thrive on. The simple fact that we set the stage (for the crowds enjoyment) the opportunity for all hell to break loose in that cage! An awesome display of aggression, technique, determination…and if it didn’t work and that fight sucked, you’ve got two more fighters in line, ready and willing, that can still make your event, and in the end someone’s night. That to me is awesome.”

All the long hours, research, meetings, networking, and hard work will likely be paying off soon when Mayhem Promotions and the Albins put on their third show. "Disorderly Conduct III" will be taking place July 18th at the DuPage Expo Center in St. Charles, Illinois. It is expected to draw in a crowd of over 1,200 fans. "Disorderly Conduct III" will have at least two title fights and at upwards of twelve fights total.

They have added some new big name sponsors in Dos Lunas Tequila and Mickey’s, as well as other local and regional supporters. Also, for the first time, there will be a live weigh-in that is open to the fans on July 17th at Alley 64 in St. Charles. Fans will be able to interact with the fighters and media will be on hand to ask questions.

Mayhem Promotions has seen a much faster rate of growth than they ever expected. They know it is a long road to get to where they want to be, but the Albin brothers won't sacrifice quality just to reach a goal. They set out to do things better than everyone else, and they plan to continue doing so.

Mayhem Promotions has the following upcoming events:
June 13: UFC 99 viewing party at the Fox and Hound in Schaumburg, Illinois
June 27: Woodstock Harley from noon to four
July 11: UFC 100 viewing part at Alley 64 in St. Charles, Illinois
July 17: Live weigh ins for "Disorderly Conduct III", 7pm at Alley 64 in St. Charles, Illinois
July 18: "Disorderly Conduct III" – DuPage Expo Center, St. Charles, IL

For more information about Mayhem Promotions and their upcoming fight cards, please visit www.mayhempromotions.com

Posted at 06-12-2009