Premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise Combate Global is launching on TikTok for the first time ever on Oct. 1 thanks to a partnership with Wave Sports + Entertainment, the leader in sports storytelling for the next generation. In addition to establishing and managing the Combate Global brand on TikTok, the landmark deal calls for WSE to take on management of the franchise’s Snapchat discover show. Combate Global will also join WSE’s impressive roster of MMA and combat sports partners featured on HAYMAKERS, WSE’s industry-leading media brand touted as the best combat sports brand on the Internet. Combate Global content will also be distributed throughout WSE’s network of sports and entertainment media brands that reach more than 115 million followers globally.
“WSE has a proven track record of leading in digital when it comes to sports and particularly when it comes to MMA. We have every bit of confidence in WSE’s ability to bring our fans exciting new narratives about the franchise and our athletes.”
The move comes as Combate Global, which has the youngest U.S. television audience of any MMA sports franchise, evolves its marketing strategy to reach an even greater number of these young MMA fans digitally. These fans have been largely responsible for the sport’s remarkable growth in recent years, helping to make MMA the eighth most popular sport in the world according to Nielsen Fan Insights 2020.
To build its presence among younger fans, Combate Global turned to WSE, the leader in production and distribution of sports and entertainment content for digital platforms. WSE leads the industry in both social media reach and engagement among Gen-Z and millennial demographics, which comprise more than 85% of WSE’s audience.
“The launch of Combate Global on TikTok is a momentous move forward for our brand that is growing at a record pace as we connect with younger generations of fans,” said Campbell McLaren, Chief Executive Officer, Combate Global. “WSE has a proven track record of leading in digital when it comes to sports and particularly when it comes to MMA. We have every bit of confidence in WSE’s ability to bring our fans exciting new narratives about the franchise and our athletes.”
“Combat is in our company’s DNA. HAYMAKERS is one of WSE’s flagship brands, having launched just over two years ago and now boasting over 10 million cross-platform followers,” said Daniel Maas, Senior Vice President, Commercial, Wave Sports + Entertainment. “We look forward to partnering with Combate Global to help build their digital footprint and brand on social while also bolstering the HAYMAKERS roster of world-class partners.