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Thursday, February 26, 2015

My Two-Cents - Ronda Rousey and Arianny Celeste

(Hat-tip: Marissa Payne's 'Early Lead' and The Washington Post)

It's amazing how Ronda Rousey is considered to be so "brash" and "outspoken," yet her words tend only to be directed at the sport's bit players, never at those who sign her paychecks.

Rousey believes that fighters are underpaid and ring-card girls are overpaid, which is her right.

Speaking of ring-card girls, Arianny Celeste (who also has a right to her opinion) thinks that Rousey is something of a bully.

Rousey clearly has little respect for Celeste (who seems to be a favorite target of Rousey's) or her work, but I can't help but wonder, when it comes to those who employ Celeste and Rousey, where is that same venom?

After all, if Celeste weren't working for the UFC, she wouldn't even have a job for Rousey to be unimpressed by.

Last week, Rousey was praised for taking a "momma's basement blogger" to task for what she perceived to be their slight on women's mixed-martial-arts.

His comments were nothing when compared to what Dana White has publicly said about female mixed-martial-artists and their abilities, but that was before Rousey was signed by the UFC and made the face of their distaff division, so all appears to be forgiven.

Funny how that works, isn't it?

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

MILLER LITE NAMED THE OFFICIAL TITLE SPONSOR FOR BELLATOR MMA

New York, NY, February 10, 2015 - Miller Lite has been named the official title sponsor for Bellator MMA events in 2015, marking the first-ever title sponsorship for the emerging MMA brand.

The partnership will debut with Bellator 134: The British Invasion on Friday, February 27 from the Mohegan Sun Arena, in Uncasville, CT.

"We are thrilled to partner with Miller Lite as we embark on our biggest year ever at Bellator," said Scott Coker, Bellator president. "We share a similar philosophy with Miller Lite where we put quality above all else."

"We've enjoyed being a part of the Bellator family for the past two years and are excited to become the first premier sponsor," said Adam Dettman, MillerCoors director of sports, entertainment and licensing. "We know MMA resonates with Miller Lite fans and look forward to another great year."

"Bellator MMA Presented by Miller Lite" will feature many of the most exciting athletes in the world in hard-hitting events from all around the country. The Miller Lite sponsorship will be across all of Spike and Bellator's platforms and on-site at venues. The partnership includes an on-air branded fight clock graphic, mat signage, custom tune-in spots, and signage at all press conferences. Miller Lite will also support local market activations.

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world's premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Miller Brewing Company

Miller Brewing Company was founded in 1855 by Frederick J. Miller when he purchased the Plank Road Brewery in Milwaukee, a city he chose as the best place for a brewery given its access to great water. Miller Lite, the original great-tasting light pilsner beer, (MillerLite.com, Facebook.com/MillerLite, @MillerLite on Twitter) was introduced nationally in 1975 and is among the top-five selling beers in the United States. Miller Fortune (MillerFortune.com, Facebook.com/MillerFortune, @MillerFortune on Twitter) is brewed with caramel malt and cascade hops for a balanced taste and smooth finish. The brewery's oldest enduring beer is Miller High Life (MillerHighLife.com, Facebook.com/MillerHighLife, @MillerHighLife on Twitter). Known as the Champagne of Beers, it was introduced in 1903 and is still brewed with the same yeast strain that Miller carried in his pocket from Germany. Miller Genuine Draft (MGD.com, Facebook.com/MillerGenuineDraft, @Miller_Global on Twitter), introduced in 1986, is the original cold-filtered, packaged draft beer. Miller Brewing Company operates in the United States and Puerto Rico as part of MillerCoors, a joint venture of SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company. Learn more at MillerCoors.com, at Facebook.com/MillerCoors or on Twitter through @MillerCoors.

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

SOURCE: Brener Zwikel & Associates, Inc.

Note from Ric: Impressive, but, as far as revenue and exposure, Bellator is still a long way from the UFC.