Dylan Wanagiel Breaks Down Final X, UFC, and the Future of NJ Combat Sports | Episode #272

On this episode of @ChampAndTheTramp, the guys sit down with Dylan Wanagiel — VP of Sports Properties at Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) — to promote Final X on Saturday, June 14 at the Prudential Center in Newark NJ. Dylan talks about his journey from Madison Square Garden to the Prudential Center. He shares how he helped bring the UFC to MSG when MMA was first legalized in New York, and how that experience shaped his mission to make New Jersey a premier destination for combat sports. Now leading major event strategy at Prudential Center, he’s a driving force behind big shows, local talent, and putting Jersey on the map.

#ChampAndTheTramp #UFC #MMA #MSG #PrudentialCenter #DylanWanagiel #HBSE #NewJersey

Chapters:
00:00:00 Disclaimer
00:00:13 MuscleMeds Sponsor Shoutout
00:00:33 Nitro Live Testimonial
00:00:49 Final Sponsor Plug
00:00:52 Podcast Intro Begins
00:01:20 Guest Introduction – Dylan Wanagiel
00:01:45 How Dylan and Frankie First Met
00:02:15 From MSG to UFC – McGregor Era
00:03:10 What is HBSE and Who They Work With
00:04:02 Building Garden State Grapple
00:05:05 Why New Jersey Wrestling is Underrated
00:06:15 Getting UFC Events to Prudential Center
00:08:10 East Coast Fight Fans vs West Coast
00:10:05 Running Events Behind the Scenes
00:11:40 Creating Big Moments in Jersey
00:13:20 The Business Side of Combat Sports
00:14:55 On Influencers, Authenticity & Gym Clowns
00:16:35 Partnerships That Actually Work
00:18:05 Local Fighters & Building Community
00:19:40 Fan Experience & Security at Arenas
00:21:00 Brand Loyalty & Audience Growth
00:23:10 Fighters Doing Too Much for the Algorithm
00:24:50 Advice for Young Professionals in the Space
00:26:35 Future of UFC in New Jersey
00:28:05 GSP Memories & New Cards Coming
00:29:55 Final Thoughts on Career & Jersey Legacy
00:31:10 Wrap-Up, Gratitude & Outro
00:36:12 Final Comments

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