It’s not all signing autographs and hanging out with fighters when your an MMA journalist. It’s no fun. It’s a job just like any other job.
So the question is, Do You Want To Be a F**king Writer!
This is the speech I imagine Dana White would give if he were to ever host a season of the Ultimate Writer (TUW just doesn’t roll off the tongue like TUF).
Greg Savage has been covering MMA for Sherdog.com since 1999. If anyone knows what it’s like to endure the hardships of covering the sport, it’s him.
“It’s not an easy road,” Savage says. (29:20) “It’s not an easy gig. It’s cool in a certain way… but at the end of the day its a job.” (30:35)
Savage has seen the sport grow tremendously throughout the past decade or so. From small Indian casinos to sold-out arenas all across the world, there’s no doubt that MMA now has the fan-base so that journalists can make a living covering the sport.
“If we went back to the way things were in the early 2000’s, none of us would be making the money we’ve made over the years, and none of us would have the success we’ve had.” (21:50)
Savage also talked about how the sport has grown in professionalism. Where some media use to drink at press row (20:00), now a code of conduct is enforced.
There’s also dealing with the boss Dana White. If you’re planning on covering anything related to the UFC, you know that keeping a good working relationship with the big man is tough, but important.
“He’s a guy who I think has been a huge positive of the sport, for the most part. Trust me I wish there are somethings in our relationship that would have been different. You take the bad, you deal with the overwhelming good.” (25:45)
Recently journalist Brian D’Souza felt the bad that comes with dealing with the UFC President. It’s not uncommon for MMA journalists to get on Dana’s bad side.
“Brian D’Souza felt that wrath, I’ve felt it, other people have felt it. It’s not fun, but overall you’ve got a job to do. You can’t let one person’s comments deter you.” (26:25)
The biggest piece of advice that Savage has for up-and-coming MMA journalists is to get your name out there and to make connections.
“Work your ass off. Meet as many people as you can, build as big of a Rolodex as you can and never stop grinding, cause that’s how this job gets done.” (27:50)
Greg Savage hosts Cheap Seats along with Jordan Breen on the SRN and SiriusXM Sportszone 92.
To listen to the full interview with Greg Savage, click the embedded SoundCloud player above or click this link.
