Alberto Rodriguez, as Alberto Del Rio.
ALBERTO Rodriguez (former WWE star Alberto Del Rio) isn’t the first wrestling star to make the switch to Mixed Martial Arts.
Brock Lesnar and CM Punk have made high profile moves in the past, but nothing like what Rodriguez has done.
Rodriguez was named president of MMA promotion Combate Americas in October last year and he has now revealed his plan to take the brand to the top of the MMA world, which means taking over from the UFC.
The promotion doesn’t enjoy the global recognition of the UFC, but Rodriguez revealed that the Mexican-based product can certainly punch above its weight.
“We know it is going to be very difficult to beat the UFC in the United States, but we’re doing a really good job in Latin America, especially Mexico,” Rodriguez told The MMA Hour.
“We already beat them (the UFC) down there (in Mexico). We already have three million viewers per week. So we’re doing fantastic.
“Of course in the United States and the rest of the world, it’s going to be different.”
Alberto Del Rio.Source:Getty Images
Rodriguez found fame in the Vince McMahon led World Wrestling Entertainment, where he was a four-time world champion. McMahon has turned WWE into a global juggernaut worth millions, but Rodriguez says he will be nothing like his former boss in wrestling.
“I will be less like Vince McMahon and more like Dana White,” Rodriguez said.
“(My job is) Finding talent, finding places to take the sport. Make these fighters from being amazing athletes to be superstars, and sell tickets, pay-per-views and make a name for themselves.”
He already has his eye on one WWE star he’d like to bring across to his promotion, his fiance, female wrestler Paige. Rodriguez says Paige is well credentialed in making the switch.
“Actually the other day she was with me at jiu-jitsu and I was teaching her a lot of stuff. I mean I would love to have her fighting for me. I’d give her a good contract.”
Rodriguez is known all over the world thanks to his time in WWE, but he is also a legend in Mexico. He comes from a famous wrestling family and is a third generation star. His grandfather is the great Mil Mascaras, his father legend Dos Caras.
But people don’t realise Rodriguez also had a solid MMA career, including a headline fight with Mirko Crocop, in his prime.
“Mirko was the man, he was killing everyone in Pride and all over the world,” Rodriguez said. “I thought I had nothing to lose. If you go and shock the world, you’re all set. And if you lose, nothing will happen.”
In the end he said his entry into MMA from professional wrestling was simple and came down to just one thing.
“Back in the beginning of my career I was making $1000 per month. This guy was going to give me $20,000 for one night. I said ‘where do I sign’.”
Rodriguez was a star in Japan, Mexico and WWE.Source:Getty Images
Rodriguez became even more famous thanks to his MMA exploits meaning he was offered more money from professional wrestling promoters in both Mexico and Japan (and eventually WWE), meaning he soon made the transition back to professional wrestling.
It is there he learnt all about showmanship and entertainment, an important skill for fighters of today. The likes of Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather have it, it is what makes millions pay good money to see them fight. Rodriguez sees that as an area he can work with the young stars of Combate Americas and help in the fight against bigger promotions like the UFC.
“We have amazing fighters and athletes, but we want them to be superstars,” Rodriguez said. “At the end of the day, this is the money business and unfortunately if you do not bring money to the table, you’re not good for the business.
“You can see Conor McGregor. When he’s out there he’s the bad guy, he loves being that ass*** in the cage because that’s what people want to see.
“You pay to see him win or lose. You either love him or your hate him. Everything is entertainment.”
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