I’m not sure how much of this is the responsibility of UFC and how much is the responsibility of Rampage’s own publicist (and I’m guessing he probably doesn’t have one).

I think Rampage, even though he’s a very personable guy, also likes to keep a somewhat low profile when he’s training. He goes up there to Big Bear and just does his thing, which is a big part of his improvement as a fighter.

And on the whole casual fans don’t know Rampage a ton because he has not fought much in the UFC, why doesn’t the UFC create a kick ass video highlight of Rampage then. Throw in a few slams, KO of Chuck, a few funny lines, and release it to a ton of websites, and I think a few of them will pick it up and run with it.

I’m a marketing guy myself and I’ve been around the PR biz for a long time. There’s a formula like you said, but its not always textbook (there’s also a lot of bad marketing out there). Just because x, y, z are in place doesn’t mean that someone like Rampage should automatically get his own sneaker (which last time I checked isn’t Rampage getting his own shoe?). Even if a fighter does become a coach on TUF, that doesn’t automatically equal superstardom. The fighter has to have the “it” factor and its something that UFC cannot manufactuer or push. Randy and Chuck have “it” and it was just a matter of giving them that large audience. I always laugh at how Tito says Chuck doesn’t poor interviews considering Chuck is so much a bigger star and more beloved than Tito ever was. Its not just about knowing how to talk and smile.

So the million dollar question is does Rampage have “it”? On paper it seems like he does. He’s getting the shoe deals, the celeb appearances and the sponsorships that he never got in Japan that he longed for. I think in many ways he already is a star and its only a matter of time before he’s more well known, but I don’t think its something that needs to be rushed or forced down people’s throats. Many people forget that “The Rock” was booed when he first came into the WWF. Everyone assume that he was the the next big thing as well. The Octagon is the biggest platform there is and the UFC is better served by giving him the best match ups possible.

Wait until Rampage’s fight is about a 6 weeks away, and then we’ll see what kind of media blitz UFC puts out. I got a feeling it’ll be huge.

I have a friend who is a publicist, has only been for a few years, and you would be surprised how much media coverage you can get with a little bit of effort and somewhat who is half ass entertaining. Media, much like a lot of things, has a lot to do with who you know. UFC, as they stand right now, know a few people (I think Yahoo does a few stories on the UFC, I may stand to be corrected) who would push Rampage stories and interviews.

Now you may be right, the UFC may not be mainstream enough to have a array of outlets talking to them. But on the outlets they do have, they need to push Rampage hard, and I don’t think Jim Rome or others would have turn down a Rampage interview if asked. He is funny, he can be articulate when he has too, and most of all, he has now become a really good athlete. Here, just look at these interviews, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTkNdevZCcI and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37nykC8ePwA&feature=related . You can’t tell me that Rampage doesn’t bring a smile to your face and makes you laugh. He is great, and the type of athlete the UFC needs to sustain their growth.

shame on you

http://www.fightersonlymagazine.co.uk/news/viewarticle.php?id=331&offset=3

http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=5069&zoneid=13

The Henderson fight was back in 2005. Since then, Nogueira has won one fight and lost two, including a loss to a relative unknown, and hasn’t fought since his last loss. Evans is undefeated, despite the controversy involving his Draw with Tito. Evans is also in the UFC, where he is seen by more people.

Not saying that’s why, but it could be.

Why?

Ortiz has gotten his doors blow off by Liddell (2x), got embarrassed by Griffin (but got a nice gift to set up Ortiz-Liddell II) and eked out a decision w/ Evans…oh and he beat up Ken Shamrock 3 times.

Evans couldn’t even get past Ortiz.

I’m not saying Nog is undeniably better – but those two don’t exactly bring resumes or performances that give any argument for why they should be ranked ahead of him.

Uuuuh … they could be hooking him up with interviews, show appearances etc etc etc. The UFC does have massive connections … getting rampage in an issue of GQ or Maxim or any of those other magazines is as easy as saying “Hey, wanna do this?” Never mind the fact that Spike TV spreads for the UFC all the time … any show they do could have Rampage make an appearance.

I think Rampage did make appearances on some of the Spike Awards shows and in Maxim (let’s keep in mind you need to be chick to be on the cover). And the notion that getting on a magazine cover of a major magazine like GQ is “easy” is preposterous. Editors don’t make choices based on what CEOs and presidents of other companies want. They make choices based on what will sell magazines. If they thought Rampage would increase sales, they would beating down his door. Last time I checked, Rampage isn’t a household name that would boost any magazine’s sales rates.