“Dana made UFC a brand,” Berlanga said to TMZ Sport. “He understands easy methods to market. He understands easy methods to construct fighters. He understands fighters that’s superstars.”
Berlanga said Dana’s approach goes beyond what happens on fight night and focuses on constructing a fighter’s profile outside the ring as well.
The unbeaten Brooklyn native said his job is to maintain winning and producing knockouts while allowing his profile to grow into other areas of entertainment.
“I said, ‘Yo, Dana, man, I’m going to do my job,’” Berlanga said. “I’mma win. I’mma look good. I’mma catch these knockouts and proceed to construct my brand.”
Berlanga believes expanding his name beyond boxing is critical to maximizing his profession.
“That’s very necessary for us,” he said. “That brings in rather more money, rather more eyes, and it just makes you whole.”
The 28-year-old also revealed he has ambitions outside the ring. He said he enjoys skilled wrestling and acting, adding that he was originally set to look in Creed III before a torn biceps forced him to undergo surgery and price him the role.
Berlanga even floated the potential for eventually making a WWE appearance, saying that becoming a crossover entertainer matches the long-term vision he has for his profession.
Edgar’s brand won’t be rebuilt by knocking over one other series of fastidiously chosen opponents. That’s the trail Top Rank took through the early years of his profession, matching him against modest opposition while promoting his first-round knockout streak. The approach generated hype, but many fans questioned the standard of the competition, and people questions resurfaced when Berlanga began facing world-class opponents.
If Dana White wants Berlanga to grow to be a mainstream attraction, the long-term answer is unlikely to be more “tomato cans.” Mainstream stars in combat sports are generally built by defeating credible opponents in meaningful fights. If Zuffa leans too heavily on protective matchmaking, it risks recreating the identical formula that critics say limited Berlanga’s credibility in the primary place.
