For decades, Burt Watson has dedicated his life to the world of combat sports, whether it was as the manager of Joe Frazier or the site coordinator for some of the biggest boxing and mixed martial arts events in history.
But now it’s time for the man once described by UFC commentator Joe Rogan as the “Babysitter to the Stars” to write his own chapter in combat sports as a promoter.
“I want to give fans a world-class product, and preparing each fighter for the bright lights of the next level is what I do,” said Watson, who spent 14 years working with the MMA elite as the site coordinator for the UFC. “The combination of competitive fights and great fan support is the only way to get that done, and I’m excited to start this new chapter.”
Burt Watson Promotions will present events at South Florida’s hottest venues beginning this spring, with future dates to be announced soon. Each fight card will showcase a wide array of professional talent from around the regional circuit, creating a platform for these athletes to build a local following as they climb the ladder in the world’s fastest growing sport.
“Every fighter started somewhere, and every champion was once a prospect,” said Watson. “My goal with Burt Watson Promotions is to introduce these future superstars to the public, and with my years of experience, show them what it takes to compete on the highest level of the sport.”
For the inaugural event on Saturday, June 15 at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Burt Watson Promotions’ “We Rolllnnn MMA” will present “MMA LIVE,” a night of mixed martial arts action that will feature top regional talent in competitive, action-packed bouts. Stay tuned for fight card announcements and ticket information.
A retired member of the United States Marine Corps, Watson’s love affair with combat sports began when he became the longtime manager of his friend, Boxing Hall of Famer Joe Frazier, and has continued to this day. Working behind the scenes with icons of boxing and mixed martial arts, Watson is respected throughout the industry for his professionalism, knowledge and attention to detail. His calm in the most pressure-filled situations in sports has earned him a unique place in the hearts of fighters around the globe, whether world champions or the first fighter on the undercard. In 2019, Watson takes the next step as a mixed martial arts promoter.