Imperial Fighting founder Tim McTee on promotion’s fighter insurance policy and inaugural event in Charlotte, North Carolina – Exclusive

On September 10th, 2011, Tim McTee will bring his Imperial Fighting promotion to the historic Grady Cole Center in Charlotte, NC,  for its inaugural event.

McTee spoke with Kelvin Hunt earlier this week about how Imperial Fighting came about, how they have been able to garner some of the best talent around to fight on their inaugural card, and why they decided to offer accidental insurance to their fighters, plus more.

Pro MMA Now:  First off….tell us a little about your background…how you got involved in MMA and how the Imperial Fighting promotion was founded?

Tim McTee:  My main background is in event production. I’ve help produce events at the Georgia Dome, Phoenix Cardinals Stadium and the Georgia World Congress Center, just to name a few. As a kid I was involved in tae kwon do and kickboxing. Before moving to Charlotte, NC two years ago, I was training jiu jitsu out of FEKS in Lynchburg, VA. Imperial Fighting was actually born a little over a year ago, and was originally named “Lights Out”. We changed the name to Imperial Fighting because we wanted to come across as a professional organization. If you look at the UFC and Strikeforce, it’s very simple and clean. From the beginning we wanted to be looked at as a professional organization, not just another company trying to capitalize on a growing market.

Pro MMA Now: Now you have some of the best fighters in the area fighting on you promotional debut. Talk a little about how you guys went about gathering talent to fight on this upcoming event in September?

Tim McTee:  When we decided to take on this venture we starting researching fighters and top class athletes from around the Southeast. We spoke with other promoters, managers and local fighters to get a true idea of the fight scene in this area. We have kept a grass roots feel by keeping a lot of local guys on the card, but have also brought in big names from outside the area as well.

Pro MMA Now:  Right on. Now you guys changed the game last week when you announced that you would be providing accidental insurance for your professional fighters and select amateurs. Give us the background on that in that were you already working on this prior to Zuffa making their announcement or did you see it as a need and decided to follow suit with the big boys? How would you describe a ‘select amateur’?

Tim McTee:  We have always seen the need in this industry for some kind of protection. Until Zuffa announced it earlier this year, I don’t think anyone saw it as something that would actually take hold. It’s a huge risk for insurance companies to put themselves on the line for a sport that involves bodily injury. I think that Zuffa stepping up to the plate has opened doors for people to really see how successful this industry has become and will continue to be. Essentially we just followed suit and wanted to provide our guys with coverage to give them peace of mind. All of our pros will be covered and we have select amateurs that will be as well.  Select amateurs will be determined by us as a company. We are looking for up and comers, amateurs that have a shot at becoming a top notch pro. We want those amateurs who are positioning themselves to take this to the next level and start a career as as fighter. If you are going to take your career serious as an ammy, then we as a company will take you serious and help you stay protected!

Pro MMA Now: How is a promotion that about to put on their first show able to pull off something so huge and what exactly does the insurance cover?

Tim McTee:  It’s all an investment. Our business philosophy is to invest in quality production and quality fighters. To do that, you have to go above and beyond what the norm is. Right now the UFC is the only other company to offer and PAY for some type of health coverage for their fighters. To us the reward totally out weighs the risk and helps to build longevity for a fighter. Not only for their fight career, but also as a fighter for our company. If we can offer the fighters more, take better care of them, and give them the best platform to showcase their skills…… we all win. As far as the policy goes, it’s an accidental policy. If they get hurt while training they will be covered. If they trip coming out of the gym and break their ankle, they are covered. Stitches, ruptured orbitals, an ingrown toe nail, it’s all covered.  It’s a full time accident policy through Aflac.

Pro MMA Now:  What’s your ultimate goal for Imperial Fighting? Is it to become the best in North Carolina, best in the Southeast region, or even the #2 promotion in the world behind the UFC?

Tim McTee:  We want to be the best period. I know that is a big goal, but we have insurance for fighters, professional web and media content, a understanding of what fighters are looking for, and a great team to build around. We value what everyone has done in this industry to help it grow. But, if we are going to be the best, we have to mimic our business model after the best, and that is the UFC. Dana White has done more for this industry than any other person could have dreamed! If I don’t try to position Imperial Fighting like he has the UFC, then what’s the point? I’m simply trying to get the point across that if you don’t have something to shoot for, you will miss every time!

Pro MMA Now:  Now there are a few promotions in North Carolina already that put on great shows. What’s going to separate Imperial from all the rest and what can fans that attend your show in September expect?

Tim McTee:  There are some amazing promotions in NC already and we don’t take any of them for granted. In our eyes they have helped pave the way for us to be successful in this industry. We plan on taking the things we have seen that make them successful and incorporate and build upon those things. Like I said to before, to be the best, you emulate the best. We have decided to use  professional sound, lights, media, and services to set us apart. We want the fans to feel like they are at a UFC show.

Pro MMA Now: One thing I saw that’s interesting is that you are going to have several professional fights at your first event. Most promotions in North Carolina hold amateur only events or an all amateur event with maybe one or two professional fights for the most part. What made it possible to have 4 professional fights at your first event?

Tim McTee:  Again, we want to strive to be the best……PERIOD! To do that we have to do more than everyone else outside of the UFC. We want to give all those pros a chance to fight and build their way up within an organization. We hope that with the standards we have set in place that the fighters will stay with us, and grow with us. If we continuously put on great shows, sell out venues, and provide the most for our fighters we will not only obtain greatness we will retain it! Hopefully by this time next year we will be an all pro show with an amateur platform to feed into.

Pro MMA Now:  I’ve noticed that you guys are heavily involved on the social media scene. Obviously that’s part of your strategic plan to grow your brand, but discuss some of the things that you’ve been able to do through social media?

Tim McTee: We are definitely social media addicts! Without it, I don’t feel like we would be as connected with different parts of the country. I talk to guys in California, Texas, New York, and all over the country on a daily basis. Most of them looking for quality organizations to fight for and asking if they can get on one of our cards. You can follow us on twitter @imperialfights and @themctee for updates and daily banter. Being able to reach out to people all the world helps to build a nice brand name.

Pro MMA Now:  What mediums would you suggest fans obtain the latest information about Imperial Fighting?

Tim McTee:  Add us as a friend on Facebook and follow us on twitter. Make sure you visit our website at www.imperialfighting.com for weekly updates and info about upcoming events. Or send me an email at [email protected].

Pro MMA Now: I noticed that you are encouraging all military personnel that plan to attend your event to wear their uniforms. Talk to us about that a little?

Tim McTee:  With the 10th anniversary of 9-11 the day after our event we wanted to show our support for the military. MMA is an awesome sport and there are a lot of great fighters in this industry. But, without those men and women who serve our country we wouldn’t have the freedoms we enjoy everyday.  They are the true HEROS and FIGHTERS as far as I’m concerned. Patriot day is Sunday 9-11-11 and we wanted to honor them with our first event “Patriot Fights”. Our main fight of the night features Keith Richardson who is a former marine and has had 3 tours in Iraq, and is a true American Hero.  He also happens to be an extraordinary fighter and his fight against Dustin Walden is sure to be a WAR!

Pro MMA Now:  Ok. The floor is yours…make your pitch to all the fans that read this and tell them why they should be attending the first ever Imperial Fighting: Patriot Fights event on September 10th, in Charlotte, NC, and the historic Grady Cole Center?

Tim McTee:  We have a loaded card for our inaugural event and want to blow the roof off of the Grady Cole Center on September 10th.  With video screens and arena seating there will not be a bad seat in the house!  UFC 3 was held at the Grady Cole Center and was witness to probably one of the best MMA fight of all time; Royce Gracie vs Kimo Leopoldo.  Join us for a night of memorable fights and witness the beginning of Imperial Fighting.

Pro MMA Now:  Now are there any specific people, partners, groups, or sponsors that you would like to mention or thank?

Tim McTee:  First and foremost our company wouldn’t exist with God and our Savior Jesus Christ.  We make no hesitations to be thankful to Him as He continues to bless us throughout this endeavor. My beautiful wife Amber for allowing me late nights and time away from home to pursue this company.  My brother Zack McTee who has done some amazing things with our media content and overall web appearance.  There are numerous sponsors and individuals we have met along the way and would like them to all know how thankful we are for their support.