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It's Time To Roll, Baby
Behind the Scenes With the UFC's Burt Watson |
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Written by Doug Jeffrey |
It’s time to roll, baby! Let’s roll!”
Burt Watson’s voice echoes through the halls of the Broomfield Event Center, advising another fighter that it’s time to head to the UFC’s Octagon.
 The fighter’s eyes are filled with fire, but he doesn’t say a word as he glances toward his cornermen, who give a quick nod, indicating they are ready. Head held high, the fighter moves slowly through the open door and heads toward the most important day of his life.
He could be back in five minutes. He might be back in 10. He might be back in tears. He might be back in ecstasy. Burt Watson has seen it all.
“I can’t take that [if he’s crying],” says Watson, the UFC’s site coordinator.
He can’t take it because he gets close to them.
“They become my kids for the week,” says Watson.
Which is when the 59-year-old father of four from Philly becomes a surrogate dad.
“[After a loss], they need to be consoled and told that they did not get to that level if they were not any good, and I tell them that,” he says. “Not only is it the truth, but it’s what they need to hear.”
For the fighter in tears, the consolation may also include a pat on the back or a fatherly hug. For the fighter on Cloud 9, it could be a very high five or celebratory hug. Either way, it’s why Watson wears a dark suit.
“If a fighter wins, I am the first person he looks for,” says Watson, who has a bachelor’s degree in business administration. “Then it’s bam. I’ve got sweat, blood, snot and gook all over me. If the suit is dark, it [all that stuff] does not show. I didn’t spend $1,200 to have that happen,” he adds with a chuckle.
THE JOURNEY BEGINS
Watson’s path to MMA began in boxing. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he managed “Smokin” Joe Frazier. In the ensuring years, the former high school track star worked with numerous high-profile fighters, such as Michael Spinks, Oscar de la Hoya and Mike Tyson.
“It was all about boxing,” he says.
Until, that is, a mutual friend introduced him to UFC president Dana White. Watson accepted White’s offer for work, and his first gig as an independent site coordinator was UFC 31.
The responsibilities of a site coordinator entail an abundance of items, such as picking all up fighters from the airport, working with the state athletic commissions, making sure the fighters have everything they need and on and on and on and on.
Watson is quick to point out that White made the transition from boxing to MMA smooth as silk.
“Dana never questioned what I did nor did he interfere with what I did,” says Watson. “He relied on my expertise. I cannot tell you how comfortable that made life for me and how much it motivated me to do a better job.”
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Part of doing that better job is making a fighter feel like he’s a member of the UFC family, whether it’s his first or 10th fight.
“[Fighting for the UFC] is more than just signing a contract,” he says. “I have always felt that I had to give them a comfort level that makes them feel part of the family, so they know we care about them as a person and as a professional athlete.”
And part of doing that better job is recognizing that a fighter is a complex individual.
“During the course of the week, the fighter is more less four [different] people,” says Watson. “There is the one I pick up at the airport, the one who has to make weight, the one the day of the weigh-in and the one on the night of the event. You have to adjust yourself to those four people, and they are four different people.”
In the process, Watson develops a strong bond with them … because he encourages communication.
“I tell them that I do not care what it is or how late it is,” he says. “If it is in here, and I point to my head, then put it here … and I point to my ear.”
And the fighters do … even if they cut it close.
For one event, a fighter had to be at the arena at 3. At 2:05, Watson’s phone rang.
“I ain’t got a cup.”
“You ain’t got what? Why the hell did you not call me last night?”
Fight time was 5:05. By 4:30, he had his cup, delivered to the arena in a cab that rolled up just in time.
RIDING IN STYLE
Fighters and cabs aren’t the only ones who roll at the UFC. You’ll also find Burt Watson in perpetual motion, regardless of the time, city or country.
“Thanks to the UFC management, it easy to be happy and in a good mood,” he says. “I am having the best time of my life, and I would not trade it for anything.”
Watson also quickly points out that he couldn’t do the quality job he does without quality help.
“You are as good as the people around you,” he says. “I am pretty lucky to be on this ride right now … and it’s one hell of a ride.”
Until next time.
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