Wednesday’s big conference call that promised to be “industry redefining” was indeed the formation of an association. UFC middleweight Tim Kennedy announced the launch of the MMA Athletes Association. During the call, Kennedy stated that the board consists of himself, Georges St-Pierre, Donald Cerrone, Cain Velasquez, and T.J. Dillashaw. Meanwhile, Bjorn Rebney, back after two years away from the sport following Viacom’s decision to let him go from Bellator MMA, will be in an advisor role.
It is worth noting (among many things discussed during the call) that Rebney said they are focused strictly on the UFC, not any other promotion. He also added that more announcements will be made in the coming weeks.
How did UFC fighters respond to this news on Twitter? It’s early days and this post will be updated with a few more new tweets later in the day, but for now, see for yourself. Cole Miller is part of this compilation, and his name was in the news as recently as yesterday. Ian McCall even asked a question during the conference call, in addition to tweeting here.
Not exactly sure what this entails, but could definitely be a step in the right direction!! #UFChttps://t.co/6Bdxr0zpkf
— Nik Lentz (@NikLentz) November 30, 2016
It’s fucking ridiculous is what is!! Glad fighters are starting to think about each other. Rising tide raises all ships!! #UFC#MMAhttps://t.co/yrperMDUwp
— Nik Lentz (@NikLentz) November 30, 2016
Mumaaa! https://t.co/V3YpnwrPqbhttps://t.co/3tssiwQ7qJ
— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) November 30, 2016
@Cowboycerrone@TimKennedyMMA would love to speak with you guys soon to iron out through some details and answer some questions I may have.
— Cole Miller (@colemillerATT) November 30, 2016
I’m with it … RT @Themmaaa: The Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Association is here. #MMAMovementpic.twitter.com/g2fy9jwNaJ
— FranCisco Rivera (@CiscoRiveraUFC) November 30, 2016
This sounds too good to be true. I’d break down and cry if I had any emotion left for this game. @TimKennedyMMA@Cowboycerrone
— Cole Miller (@colemillerATT) November 30, 2016
We must all become educated and I’ll do whatever it takes to do that. https://t.co/WOb1VlxdkF
— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) November 30, 2016
— Thiago Alves. (@ThiagoAlvesATT) November 30, 2016
I’m listening in on THE conference call right now, fighters in support of each other and their rights is awesome. @TimKennedyMMA
— Leslie Smith (@LeslieSmith_GF) November 30, 2016
Great news! @TimKennedyMMA I’m in! https://t.co/4BBT1B8aTV
— Jocelyn J Lybarger (@mmajocelyn) November 30, 2016
@jzsouza@MMAdamMartin it is the wrong start because there is still so many unanswered questions on how this will benefit us.
— tim means (@MeansTim) November 30, 2016
@jzsouza@MMAdamMartin and now wrong individual leading the charge. I don’t want anyone I don’t know handle decisions in my career!
— tim means (@MeansTim) November 30, 2016
@TimKennedyMMA looking forward to hear more about it bud. Great move!
— Thiago Alves. (@ThiagoAlvesATT) November 30, 2016
Long over do. https://t.co/U3kGyk5MP7
— Will Brooks (@ILLWAVYBrooks) November 30, 2016
That’s easier to do when the NFLPA was already established. The MMAAA is clearly still in beginning stages https://t.co/RIlCBeUk8v
— Will Brooks (@ILLWAVYBrooks) November 30, 2016
Can someone ask how an agency will avoid the conflict between interests of represented fighters and the collective interests of fighters
— Leslie Smith (@LeslieSmith_GF) November 30, 2016
Here… we… go! https://t.co/xGraZnsQDN
— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) November 30, 2016
Standing up for what’s right! Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Association #Repost… https://t.co/sEGaqCEmWx
— TJ Dillashaw (@TJDillashaw) November 30, 2016
It all sounded good but not enough substance. #loudnoises
— Will Brooks (@ILLWAVYBrooks) November 30, 2016
