Exclusive : Absolute Action MMA's Vice President of Operations - Billy Donovan

'Another fight week here in Kentucky. Absolute Action MMA is bringing you a jam packed card Saturday, April 2nd at the Midwest Sports Complex in Florence, Kentucky. Bluegrass MMA will be there live covering the fight and giving away some T-shirts. Stay here at the site for more information coming real soon.

We were very lucky to get a few minutes of time with the Vice President of Operations last week leading up to this historic show. Billy Donovan has taken the time to answer a few of our questions and help us to help you get to know more.

Looking at the Anniversary Show coming up on April 2nd give us a run down on the history of your organization. How did you get started? What was your motivation and what have you learned this first year in you business?

"DR.Parag Patel started Absolute Action MMA after going to several local and regional shows where after witnessing promoters worrying more about the cash box then the fighters that were in the cage. He then knew that he wanted to provide an avenue where these athletes could benefit on a stage where they were featured.  Over the past year, we learned that it wasnt going to be easy to continue but we had to elevate expectations for 'local' shows"

Tell fight fans who may have not been to a local show what you can expect from an AAMMA show that sets you apart from say a big time UFC fight or your bigger promotions.

"Its a SHOW.  Its an EVENT.  What it isnt, is a cage in a field with two people from the local bar beating each other up.  That isnt the sport that we call Mixed Martial Arts.  That isnt what we do.  We have the lights, the cameras and definately the Absolute Action.  We have been told that WE are the standard in regional shows and are ready to live up to that hype."




How do you find your fighters, and better yet, how as a matchmaker do you set your card up to provide maximum entertainment?

"Fighters are now and for some time been contacting us.  They, the fighters, gyms, trainers, managers, etc see the value that Absolute Action MMA provides.  As far as the matchups, thats the art of Matchmaking.  We have been able to put fighters in the cage that have trained and are ready to compete.  We are able to be selective and it provides for better and better matchups.  A recent USA Today write-up commented and the competiveness of our matchups."

You mention having a fighter as a team member will allow you to outlast the competition, how so?

"Having had a fighter, we were able to get insights about what the guys wanted to get out of fighting.  It allowed Absolute Action MMA to provide the 'small things' that other promoters either didnt care about or didnt think was important.  We know that without the fighters we wouldnt be able to put on these events."

Are you a fighter driven organazation in the sense you are there to promote the fighter, or are you more interested in promoting your brand?

"It comes hand in hand.  Absolute Action MMA is growing into a nationally recognized entity.  This brings attention, such as your organization, to our fighters.  In less than a year, we have had fighters get recognized on our show and go on to other 'bigger' shows. By 'bigger' I mean other nationally established promotions throughout the country so we would like to think that in building the AAMMA "Brand" that also helps in promoting the fighters that compete under our banner."

April 2nd is fast approaching. Give us a breakdown of your show. The card looks packed. Who should we watch for?

"Yes the card is stacked full of high level very intense matchups from top to bottom we are very excited about April 2nd becoming the most action packed card to date! There are way too many above average fighters on this card to point out just one to watch out for, If I had to suggest who to watch for I'd say watch each and every one of these guys and girls because there is plenty of talent on this card that you will see on that "bigger" stage in the future"

Anyone you want to give a shout out to?

"Our main sponsor Cage Passion Fight Wear. The Northern KY Celtics 7th Grade AAU Basketball Team going to the state tournament next weekend, watch for that #3 Blake Donovan kid,I hear he is a pretty gifted point guard, Want to thank Cage Craze for their continued support and coverage, Bluegrass MMA for giving us the opportunity to do this interview and all the Fighters and Fans that have supported and continue to support Absolute Action MMA we thank you the most! For tickets and information about April 2nd or any other AAMMA event please visit our website at www.aamma.net"

There you have it folks. If you haven't heard of these guys and this organaztion, you soon will. Big talent, great promotion, and good people. Bluegrass MMA wants to thank Vice President Donovan for taking the time to chat with us. He has also agreed to be apart of our first video blog live from AAMMA XII - The Anniversary Show Saturday night. You can find out more by going to the mentioned website: http://www.aamma.net/ and you can follow the man himself at http://www.twitter.com/billydonovan

Stay tuned for more information right here!