Triller co-founder Ryan Kavanaugh understands the value of challenging the status quo. The promoter’s business, Relativity Media, was recognized as one of Hollywood’s most productive and innovative producers prior to entering combat sports. Kavanaugh has previously stated that he is uninterested in making award-winning artwork, stating, “”I’m not in this for the art… I’m simply looking for a way to make money,” says the artist.
Kavanaugh is upsetting the apple cart yet again with Triller Combat Club, presenting high-profile combat shows with stars like Mike Tyson, Jake Paul, and now Evander Holyfield and Vitor Belfort.
Live musical acts have performed at Triller Fight Club events, with rapper Snoop Dogg smoking a blunt during a bout and comedians like Pete Davidson working as roaming reporters.
Updating An Outdated Sport
All Kavanaugh is doing, according to him, is bringing to light things that combat sports, such as boxing, should have adopted years ago.
“It’s for entertainment,” Kavanaugh says of boxing and mixed martial arts. “Theoretically, people would watch because it’s compelling, no matter how you look at it.” People pay to see it because it is entertaining. Boxing, which is shrinking and losing its fan base, which has shifted to a primarily male over 50 population, isn’t keeping up with the trends.
“We’re attempting to shake things up a bit.” We’re causing quite a commotion. According to the strategy, every quarrel we have should be raised to a new level. That doesn’t always imply that it’s better; we learn from our mistakes, but it’s still an event. There isn’t a brawl in progress. As a result, we want to make sure that everyone is catered to.”
Branching Out
Triller’s major emphasis in the combat sports field is boxing for the time being, but Kavanaugh believes he has intentions to branch out into mixed martial arts as well, putting him in direct competition with White and the UFC.
“We’re interested in working with any MMA athlete that still wants to compete but isn’t under contract or looking for a second wind,” Kavanaugh stated. “Whether they’re boxers or MMA fighters, we find that a lot of men burn out and believe they’re done.” After that, they have a new lease on life.
“We have a plan to start our own—call it an MMA branch if you want—that will integrate boxing and MMA on our programs and use elements of both,” he explains. As a result, part of the process of marrying them is to create a hybrid that combines the two.”
Kavanaugh Isn’t Sorry
To be honest, Kavanaugh insists he has no intention to criticize White or any other combat sports promoter, but he also refuses to apologize for Triller’s business practices.
“Look, I believe we’re doing something fresh,” Kavanaugh replied. ” We’re attempting to reach out to a wider audience.” I can see why it scares people in the industry. In my perspective, it shouldn’t. We hold everyone in high regard. We’d want to collaborate with everyone. We want to assist boxers in their development, which is a wonderful thing.
“Some individuals get it and phone us every day to work with us, while others try to derail it in every way they can.” Everything is included in the cost. Everyone would do it if it was simple.”
