MMA Hype January Recap

Editorial by Jay Lawrence

 MMA Hype January 2025 Recap

We saw the largest growth to MMA Hype for any month in the history of MMA Hype. Our average event rating nearly doubled, we crowned a new champion in almost every weight class, we had our first homegrown fighter breach the top 1000 p4p, and we started the first EVER midget fighting league in MMA Tycoon.

Highlighted fights:
Ferreira defeats Lucas (265lbs title @ Hype 22) Two undefeated fighters went at it, but Ferreira (managed by Mark Roland) showed quick dominance with a 24-second submission and became the first ever title holder at MMA Hype.

Drayman defeats. Mostovoy (205lb title @ Hype 23) Again, two undefeated prospects took to the cage and this time, they went the distance of five rounds. With a split decision victory, Drayman (managed by James Desmond) became the first 205lb champion at MMA Hype.

Cooke defeats Sack (155lb title @ Hype 24) This was the type of title fight you want to see. Boxer vs. clincher, Sack (a clincher) controlled the first two rounds of the fight from the clinch. However, Cooke carefully worked his counter punches and was able to drop his opponent like a sack of potatoes in the third round. Cooke, managed by  Brian Geaney, moved on to become the first 155lb champion at MMA Hype.

Heinicke vs. Rosales (185lb mid card @ Hype 24) The first draw in MMA Hype history came as these two stood toe to toe and went blow for blow. Both fighting for a potential #1 contender spot, judges were mixed on who they favored and the fight ended in a draw.

Allen defeats Pitts (145lb title @ Hype 25) Edgar Allan, managed by Brandon Marshall, with his big KO power and his skill at countering punches, was able to knockout Darryl Pitts halfway through the 4th round. Pitts was dominating the fight in all manners and it came to be a surprising finish when Pitts' face hit the canvas followed by blows from Allan in the mount. Allen's reign as champion came to a quick ending when he cowered from a fight against the #1 contender. Allen was immediately stripped of the title and the title will be up for grabs on February 15th as Francisco Garcia and Geordi La Forge compete for it.

Dawson defeats Shikongo (185lb title @ Hype 28) Our 185lb division has been our thinnest division for talent and numbers, but this fight did not disappoint. Dawson, managed by Brien Geaney, came in as the favorite with a 3-0 record vs. granite chin Shikongo.  The fight went a full five rounds with action from standing, clinch and the ground. This was the type of full MMA battle we hope to see. Dawson, with 103 punches thrown from the mount position (not including 64 thrown from standing) was able to win the fight with a close, 48-47 margin on the cards. Shikongo showed his chin and nearly caused Dawson to tap several times, but ultimately couldn't seal the deal on this championship. 

Ferreira defeats Powell (265lb title @ Hype 29) The first ever MMA Hype title defense came out with the champion on top. Enter the Ferreira-era, as Ferreira, managed by Mark Roland, once again showed his dominance. Powell was 4-0 stepping into the cage having defeated every one of his opponents in the first, or early second round. However, near the end of the second round, Ferreira pulls a reversal on the ground, goes on the attack with punches, then finished with a submission from the mounted position! Powell couldn't take it and immediately asked for mercy. This title defense moved Ferreira into the top 1000 p4p fighters.

EVENT RATINGS:

Consistency has been key here at MMA Hype. Featuring highly anticipated main events and co-main events, we have seen our event ratings and attendance improve each week. The end of December had our ratings in the 70s and 80s, but by the end of January we were reaching 119 in consecutive events. We have a great roster of managers and fighters that quickly accept the matches and move up and down the ladder of title contention each week. We are not yet reaching a profit from any of our events, mostly because we offer the highest payouts for new fighters of anyone in MMA Tycoon. However, we are growing ever closer to breaking even!

MIDGET WRESTLING:

Midget wrestling is underway at MMA Hype. We hoped for 16 midgets to sign up for our initial tournament, and we received 19. Using grappling rules, our midget wrestling events will be taking place every Sunday starting with round 1 of our tournament on February 16th. These fighters are the shortest possible height (150cm) and must weigh in at under 135lbs. We anticipate weekly matches with these fighters.

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