Talkin’ MMA with promoter Joe D’onofrio
Published by on September 5th, 2008 in Interviews

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MMAMemories.com: How did you get involved with boxing?

Joe D’onofrio: As a young boy I boxed with the State of Michigan Golden Gloves. Since then I always had the taste for more. And this, years later, turned into Promoting.

MMAMemories.com: So what made you switch over to mixed martial arts?

Joe D’onofrio: The trend today is MMA. We will not leave Boxing, we’ll continue to do both.

MMAMemories.com: What are some of the similarities and what are some of the differences in doing these two kinds of shows?

Joe D’onofrio: All in a days work for both. Because boxing is so well established, it’s easier to match and get information on fighters, whereas MMA is in it’s infant stage which makes it difficult to get both the necessary information, and do the proper match making.

MMAMemories.com: How do you like doing MMA shows?

Joe D’onofrio: I enjoy it. It’s just a new twist to an old game (Promoting).

MMAMemories.com: Is the USA vs. Canada theme going to be a staple of your shows or will you be doing just USA fighters as well?

Joe D’onofrio: Both. You can’t ignore the quality of the Canadian MMA facilities nor the talent of the fighters they produce.

MMAMemories.com: Why do you think Canada has won every time?

Joe D’onofrio: The water? No, actually I’m not sure. Our team of professional matchmakers did a great job matching the competitive levels of all the fighters on the previous shows, I don’t think there is any denying that. And in the end, the results ended up favoring Team Canada.

MMAMemories.com: The laws in Michigan are problematic currently. Have you done anything to help change that?

Joe D’onofrio: Yes. Al Low, the Chairman of the newly formed Unarmed Combat Commission for the State of Michigan and I have spent many hours discussing past, present and future bylaws of the states that currently have legalized Mixed Martial Arts. Michigan has adopted guidelines that incorporate several key ingredients to make Michigan a front runner in MMA regulations as well as a role model for other states looking to legalize Mixed Martial Arts.

MMAMemories.com: Once MMA is fully regulated and legal in Michigan, do you plan to switch over to professionals?

Joe D’onofrio: Of course. However, we will continue to work with the amateurs in MMA as we do in Boxing. Any and all the fighters we currently utilize today in all our shows are Professional level athletes. They depend on honorable promoters, managers and trainers to bring them from the amateur level to the professional level. It’s very important as a Promoter to recognize when an amateur fighter is ready to advance to the next grade. The safety and the proper farming should be necessary for all amateurs who have the desire to take that next step. Our field team is aware of the capabilities of all our involved combatants as well as their skill level.

MMAMemories.com: What’s your long-term goal for promoting these shows? Where do you see yourself ending up?

Joe D’onofrio: The same as I am in boxing. I intend to be around a while. As far as where I will end up, most likely as a Commission member with the State of Michigan.

MMAMemories.com: Tell me about your next show.

Joe D’onofrio: On September 6th on the grounds of Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Donofrio Entertainment will continue the “Caged Warrior Combat” series with “MEADOW BROOK CAGE FIGHT FESTIVAL”.

MMAMemories.com: I had the opportunity to watch one of your shows at The Palace of Auburn Hills on Fox Sports Network. That show had more bells and whistles than any other show I’ve seen in the State, is this your brain child?

Joe D’onofrio: Yes it is. We have a state regulated pyro technician who creates all the large flames as well as the “Concussion Bombs” that are lit for the entrance of all the fighters. There is a 100-foot cat walk to the cage, a dance troupe that follows the fighters to the cage, all the lights and sound. There are a lot of things that go along with the excitement of attending or watching one of my shows.

MMAMemories.com: There are more than 20 promoters in the state. What makes you different?

Joe D’onofrio: Pride, Honor and Respect. Our philosophy has never faded nor been compromised. We treat our fighters with respect and dignity and greatly appreciate our attending patrons. Without fighters or spectators, you do not have an MMA, Boxing or any type of entertaining event.

MMAMemories.com: Some of the other shows in Michigan have been poorly attended, how do you manage to have 5,000 plus at your shows?

Joe D’onofrio: We do a lot of advertising, put on quality shows and work with the drawing power of the Palace. Also, over the years Donofrio Entertainment has built quite a loyal following.

MMAMemories.com: Why did you think MMA has taken off the way it has?

Joe D’onofrio: I think it’s all the possibilities contained within the rules of fighting. In boxing, you know two guys are going to throw fists and one will win by knockout or decision. The proper way to box with has pretty much been nailed down as well with subtle variations in style and technique. In MMA, there are countless ways to win using countless different disciplines. You never know how a fight will go.

I also think it’s young and fresh. The sport itself is still growing. The stars from 10 years ago can’t compete with today’s MMA fighters and I think the same will be true of the next crop of fighters who have grown up with MMA always having been there.

I also think the marketing has been key. There are no eye-catching clothes in boxing. A UFC event is a spectacle and they’ve done a terrific job with that. People who go see even a local show are looking to have the excitement they’ve seen on their television recreated for them which is one of the key ingredients we incorporate in our shows.

MMAMemories.com: Will you ever go back to boxing?

Joe D’onofrio: Absolutely! On October 17th at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The much anticipated rematch between Holly Holm and Mary Jo Sanders. We are projecting an estimated crowd of 16,000 this event .