You might know him simply as the ex-partner of current TUF: 20 and UFC fighter Bec Rawlings, but Dan Enson Hyatt’s (8-4-1) impetus in the Mixed Martial Arts landscape extends much deeper.
Unbeknownst to most fans outside the continent, along with co-heading and serving as matchmaker for a local professional MMA promotion, the 26-year-old Australian superintends day-to-day duties of his very own fight team at Riot Vale Tudo as well.
While Hyatt’s social facades have been the subject of criticism (even envy, for some) for almost his entire life, what we don’t hear about often enough are the sacrifices he’s made in getting his outfit, VALOR , up and running.
Moreover, it should be noted that Hyatt has made the dreams of young, aspiring fighters a reality, by providing such hopefuls a grand stage to ply and showcase their skills on.
Along with his co-founder, Philip McNally, together they’ve helped nurtured VALOR into one of the country’s top Mixed Martial Arts billings in just two years, producing notable talents such as the aforementioned Bec Rawlings, Christina Tatnell, among many, many others.
After celebrating a triumphant second anniversary show just two months ago, MMASucka.com recently had the distinct pleasure of catching up with Hyatt, where he openly shared his thoughts on starting the organization, the Mixed Martial Arts scene in Australia, providing opportunities to young fighters and much more:
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On whether there were any obstacles faced prior to starting VALOR…
Hyatt: “In the beginning, VALOR with co-founder, co-owner and personal friend Mr. Phillip McNally, the goal was simple; create a legitimate, structured platform for hard working, undiscovered and local athletes to showcase their abilities within a safe and transparent environment, all while providing the general public with an affordable night of action packed entertainment unlike available anywhere else in the state. We both feel that over two years and thirteen events later, it’s safe to say we have achieved what we originally set out to do. In regards to some of the obstacles that were initially faced, these were plentiful and difficult in varying degrees.
First and foremost, the biggest obstacle was that of gaining the trust of the general public, along with the academies, athletes and sporting personalities themselves. Unfortunately in the past within the state of Tasmania, Australia, the state in which VALOR originated from, there had been some very shady, money hungry and unintelligible ‘promoters’ that put forth a handful of events collectively, events that left a rather bitter taste in everyone’s mouths, most significantly, ours. Our direction was simple from the get go; cheap ticketing prices, no expectation of making money and ensuring that the athletes themselves knew that the show was about them, not us and our back pockets. The inaugural event was titled ‘Resolution’ and this initial model, one that we have stuck by to this day, has seen VALOR achieve many unique accomplishments within the Australian MMA scene.
Additionally, another issue that we initially faced was that of securing licensing and sanctioning. At the time of VALOR’s inception there was a lot of negativity surrounding the sport, most of it facilitated by local media, and this was something we had to break through, and are still attempting to eradicate completely at present. Securing venues was difficult, so much so that our second event had licensing pulled a week from show time, forcing us to scramble to find not one, but two alternate venues within six days notice. This was due to the second venue that was secured also pulling licensing upon pressure from various mediums.
Sanctioning was a whole other issue within itself, but one that both Phillip and I have made much ground on and are very proud of. Gaining the support, or at least the acknowledgement and approval of not only the government, but local councils, the sporting commission and police forces was no easy feat. Through our perseverance however, we were able to ensure that VALOR became not only the first ever government approved MMA organization within the state, but also the first to receive sanctioning from Australia’s biggest MMA sanctioning body, Mixed Martial Arts Australasia. I truly do believe that many other promoters would have folded in the face of the adversities that we have conquered, and while there have certainly been times where that’s been a genuine possibility, we remained and continued to remain steadfast and are here today to reap the benefits.”
On why VALOR stands out from other promotions in the country…
Hyatt: “As a fighter myself, I’m more than appreciative of what the athletes require and how they like to be treated. In the current landscape of Australian MMA, I am a rarity. Not only am I the youngest MMA promoter in the country, I am also one of the very few promoters that is actually a current fighter, even more so, one of the very few that has actual in cage MMA experience. This has enabled me to gain a much more wider spectrum of perspective when it comes to promoting, and with the business knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport in which Phillip McNally possesses, we have both together created an MMA promotion that has quickly gained a very positive reputation.
I’ve been put up in five star hotels, but have also slept with cockroaches in motels not fit for even the lowliest of peasants. I’ve fought for little, but also for a lot. I’ve punched on inside small pubs and clubs, as well as stadiums that seat thousands. I’ve been picked up from airports in style, alongside having to pay for my own transport to venues. I’ve gone from fighting in poorly run, amateurish events with limited sanctioning to fighting in some of the biggest promotions in the country where professionalism is key. All these experiences over almost a decade now have given me a fair indication of how I like to be treated as a fighter myself, and in turn I have ensured that all of these good experiences have been integrated into the make up in which VALOR stands for. There has not been one single athlete yet whom has EVER voiced displeasure of their treatment when competing on a VALOR event and I intend to keep it this way.
It’s the little things that count: Being picked up from the airport. Having weight cutting facilities readily accessible. Food and drink made available and free of charge at weigh in’s and within warm up rooms. An educated and knowledgeable crew to ensure your needs are catered for on fight night. Being paid in cash immediately after the event. Not having to worry about finding your own way back to the airport once the show is finished. Little things like these instances make for a great experience as an athlete. Make no mistake; the athletes are the show and without them, the show does not go on. Tickets are not sold, money is not made and the crowd is not entertained. I need not even touch on the quality of events. There is a reason VALOR is currently the number one most followed MMA organization within Australia throughout social media, more followed than promotions with five plus years of establishment and experience.”
On whether his much publicized aftermath with Bec Rawlings deterred his plans for VALOR in any way…
Hyatt: “To be quite frank; no, not at all. While I’m not perfect, having never claimed to be, my estranged wife’s story about domestic violence and abuse, mere allegations, mind you, that have zero criminal charges, restraining orders, police reports or credible, independent eye witness statements to back it up, was conveniently released over three months after our split to take attention away from her still widely assumed and now believed infidelity.
On this topic, funnily enough, roughly a week before her release of said story, my VALOR co-promoter Phillip McNally received a message from Bec, a message stating that if I did not return certain belongings acquired throughout our marriage that she would ruin not only my name, but the name of VALOR as well. This threat was laughed at, the story released and here we are today, bigger and better than we were at the time.
Fact is; within Australia, everyone knows who built her image and who put in the work to take her from where she was to where she is now. I believe that irks her. We share a beautiful three year old son together, our son whom she continues to prevent me from seeing for no other reason than her spiteful nature and the sour grapes in which she continues to exhibit towards me only does her image harm now, not mine. As pathetic as it is, especially when you consider the personal and professional loss in which she has caused me, I will always love her and I will always miss her. The fallout from our relationship certainly did not affect VALOR, however.”
On his broadcast plans for VALOR…
Hyatt: “At present, every single fight that has occurred inside the VALOR cage, over 135 in total, is available to view on our official YouTube channel. This is in addition to numerous highlight reels, behind the scenes segments and specials. Our most recent event, VALOR 8, was streamed live across the Internet and was just recently broadcast on the Comcast Sports Network in the United States, making VALOR the first Australian MMA promotion to have a full event broadcast on U.S television. For the foreseeable future, those located in Australia can expect to see VALOR aired on cable providers such as Foxtel and Austar with announcements to be made shortly.”
On VALOR’s recent triumphant two year anniversary event in June…
Hyatt: “This event was a celebration of two years and thirteen events, and an accumulation of headache, heartache and stress that resulted in one of, if not the very best events we have promoted to date. The crowd was electric with over 1,500 in attendance, the fights were amazing and all our promotional procedures worked flawlessly. It was also the first time in the states history that an MMA event had been streamed live around the world and the reaction and buy rate exceeded expectations. Our two year anniversary event was most fitting of an anniversary occasion and both myself and Phillip McNally are extremely proud of the end result, a result that has made us even hungrier.”
On the improvements that have been made to VALOR since its inception…
Hyatt: “Let’s put it this way; when VALOR was first announced, it was expected that our first event would fail and the brand would never be heard of again. A lot of people underestimated our intelligence, connections and drive and this has made our success all the more satisfying two years on.
Being so involved in the sport, and having personally been involved with so many promotions across the country, be it as a fighter, trainer, corner man or official, I genuinely believe and am happy to pronounce that VALOR is the number one MMA organization in Australia. No one treats their athletes better than us. No other promotion offers the affordable, cheap ticketing prices that we do.
While we focus on local talent, the quality of our fights is unquestionable, many resulting in some of the best knockouts and submissions you will see countrywide. VALOR boasts a very close knit crew which at its core has been together since the inaugural event and over time, each and every single members’ experience and knowledge has grown exponentially. Our competent crew plays a large role in ensuring that our events run smoothly and that our product is something that the general public wants to consume. As far as improvements are concerned, these are endless in nature, and at the end of the day, as long as our crowd figures continue to climb, as they are now, we must be doing it right!”
On what his general focus is when choosing fighters for VALOR’s fight cards…
Hyatt: “Big names are of no interest to me, or VALOR as an organization. Our direction has always been, and will always be local talent with a considerable emphasis on building future stars from the ground up and maintaining them until its time to move on to bigger, more international based organizations. Unlike many other promoters within Australia, I don’t get it twisted, nor do I pretend that we are something we’re not. VALOR was created to provide a platform for athlete’s to showcase their skills, a place where local, undiscovered talents can shine.
For example; VALOR promotional champions are crowned in four man, one night elimination tournaments with select qualification criteria. One of these criteria’s is that you must have previously fought for VALOR and that you hold a winning or even record within the organization. The list of big name Australian fighters who have demanded walk in title shots for big money is endless, and each and every time I turn down their advancements. In my opinion, home grown and hungry up and comers such as Adam Cook, David Butt, Shaun Etchell and Ethan Duniam, just to name a few, are much more deserving of such opportunities and this is a model we stand by.”
On his thoughts on Women’s MMA in Australia and if he’s looking to change the landscape with VALOR…
Hyatt: “Having worked with extremely talented WMMA fighters such as Bec Hyatt, Christina Tatnell and Tammy Taylor in the past or currently, as both a trainer and a manager, I think I’m more than qualified to comment on the state of WMMA in Australia.
Compared to three or four years ago, WMMA within Australia is in a much better position, albeit still a niched one, as mentioned. Yes, there are more fighters, and promoters have more willingness to book match-ups, but one problem remains; the general public still does not take the women as seriously as they do for the men.
The inaugural VALOR event in 2012 featured an all female main event for only the second time in Australian MMA history, my estranged wife Bec Hyatt against Muay Thai veteran Rachel Sheridan. Despite this being a fantastic match-up and ultimately, a great fight, the crowd was more invested in the novelty of two females fighting inside a cage with limited clothing, as opposed to the skills and determination being displayed. Regardless of what those ‘in the know’ like to make out, this is still the issue in Australia. To date, VALOR has promoted numerous WMMA bouts featuring well known WMMA fighters such as Bec Hyatt, Christina Tatnell, Shauna Carew, Amy Adam and Helen Malone but to believe we can change the landscape of WMMA within Australia would be naïve.
The landscape of WMMA within Australia will remain the same until the general public better appreciates what these women go through to dance under those bright lights. In saying that, make no mistake; Christina Tatnell, 20 years old, currently undefeated within VALOR and riding a four fight win streak, is Australian WMMA’s next big thing and belongs on the Invicta Fighting Championship roster.”
On how he juggles his time heading a gym and a promotion…
Hyatt: “With great difficulty, I can assure you. VALOR in its current format is an eight hour a day commitment for myself at present, while my academy, Riot Vale Tudo, which boasts 10 active fighters, is roughly four hours. Between operating both, I’m left with very limited down time but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Those whom know my back story know of the struggle I face with depression and anxiety, and being pre-occupied with these two aspects of my life is like a natural medicine for me. The busier my mind the better!”
On what he looks at most when putting fights together as a matchmaker…
Hyatt: “When I begin to put together a card my immediate focus is securing as many known, local based ticket sellers as I can to ensure that the event is viable to run. For any promoter, ticket sellers are like diamonds to a woman. Once I know the names I have to play with my attention turns towards the match ups themselves.
First and foremost, I look at experience, record and how fighters match up stylistically. Then I’ll begin to look at particulars such as age, when their last fight was, who they have fought in the past and what potential outcomes and avenues could be explored in the future if a certain fighter is victorious. In this day and age styles make fights and I’m a big believer of that. Matching a grappler against a striker is always an interesting prospect and personally, I do tend to stay away from matching predominately grappling based athlete’s against each other.”
On updates of VALOR’s future events…
Hyatt: “Our next event, VALOR: C SERIES 6, is scheduled for September 6th in Hobart, Tasmania and is currently capped at nine bouts. This event has many exciting match ups, including a number one contender fight for the VALOR Welterweight Championship between fan favourite Stu Dare and Hoshi Friedrich. Additionally, VALOR 9 is scheduled for November 22nd in Launceston, Tasmania and will feature Callan Potter defending his VALOR welterweight championship, newly crowned Eternal MMA Flyweight Champion Shaun Etchell’s return to the VALOR cage and David Butt participating in a number one contender fight for the VALOR Lightweight Championship.
Our most anticipated upcoming event is scheduled for January 31st, 2015 however, and will see VALOR debut in a brand new state of Australia as we begin promoting in Brisbane, Queensland.”
On whether he’s ever considered expansion into new markets within the region…
Hyatt: “For the immediate future, our expansion focus is on Queensland, Australia, and in particular the city of Brisbane. This domestic expansion will see VALOR become just the second active organization in Australia to promote events across multiple states and is set to be extremely beneficial for our brand. An international expansion is something that’s certainly not on the agenda at present, but if I could day dream for a second, there would be nothing more fulfilling for me personally than bringing VALOR to Asia!”
On how he strikes a balance between his work and social life…
Hyatt: “In all honesty, I am terrible when it comes to striking a healthy balance between personal and professional. This is a very likely the reason why my marriage fell a part! Combat sports are a product of my upbringing and are woven into my lifestyle, so much so that it’s very difficult for me to separate everything.
I more or less have no friends outside the fight game, my past two romantic relationships over five years have been to female fighters and the first thing and last thing on my mind each day is fighting. Between operating VALOR, ensuring my athlete’s at Riot Vale Tudo are prepared for their fights, managing athletes from other academies, traveling around Australia and the world on fight duties and preparing for my own fighting comeback, I can surely say that I don’t have any time to waste during my days.
I must say however, that after attending Rebel Fighting Championship 2: Battle Royale in Singapore earlier this month, August 1st, and working for the promotion as their cage coordinator, my hunger and fire to fight again has been ignited. I haven’t been this motivated to compete in a long time and it’s my sincere hope that I can make my in cage return at Rebel Fighting Championship 3 in Asia.”
On his future plans and goals for VALOR…
Hyatt: “In the foreseeable future, the goal is to continue promoting VALOR in the esteem in which it has been promoted to date and to not lose sight of that. As the age old adage goes; if it isn’t broke… don’t fix it. In regards to long term goals, the main priority is growing VALOR’s crowd attendance to sustain larger venues, which in turn will attract bigger, more lucrative sponsors and will ultimately benefit the athlete’s with better payments for their participation. Never forget; VALOR was started by a fighter and a fan, for the fighters…”
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Credit: Dan Enson Hyatt, VALOR
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