Mixed martial arts (MMA) is experiencing unprecedented development as an industry in Spain. And, although this explosion of growth is explained by multiple factors, without a doubt, the consolidation of WOWFC (The Way Of Warrior) as a reference organization for this sport in our country has been partly to blame. However, now there has been an internal restructuring that has led to the departure of the partner and one of the founders, David Balarezo ‘Bala’, as CEO of the company, as the former director himself announced on his social networks this Friday.
«The end of one path… the beginning of another. After a unilateral decision, my time as leader of WOWFC, the company I founded on November 30, 2019, comes to an end. It has not been an easy closing, but I say goodbye with the satisfaction of having built, together with all of you, something that marked a before and after in MMA in Spain: more than 1,000 fights produced, 33 events held, 15 full capacity, 0 canceled events, historic agreements in production, broadcast and dissemination and several records achieved,” he explained, indicating that the dismissal came on October 3.
In his farewell message as CEO, Bala wanted to thank those involved in his time at the company. «I say goodbye to you, but first I would like to say a huge thank you to: my work team, who never looked at the clock and gave everything for this dream, the fighters and coaches, who make this madness that few of us understand possible… Thank you for every drop of sweat, blood and tears. The partners who trusted my management, even in adversity. My family and friends, for their unconditional support at every step,” said Bala, who was an MMA fighter and has captained the Kiofu Team in Madrid for years.
«Although this stage ends (what happened was on October 3… for the record), I know that every lesson, every battle and every achievement will always accompany me. When one path closes, God opens new doors. This is not goodbye, it is the beginning of a new journey. Here we go! Strength, Focus and Faith,” he concluded his message through social networks.
To a question from ABC MMA, the company recently indicated that Bala “continues to be a director” and that he will continue to have weight in the company as he is “an important shareholder.” At the moment, there is no news on who will take on that position in the future.
Internal changes
As the company itself recently noted, WOW’s executive team had expanded with new additions in the business and sports fields. As CFO, the company has hired Pablo Pavón, who brings with him 25 years of professional experience in large multinational companies such as Do&Co, Cuatrecasas or Atlas Copco. As CRO, WOW incorporates David Martínez-Aldama who joins the sponsorship team after passing through Atlético de Madrid, Team Heretics, La Liga, Málaga CF or KPMG.
Furthermore, due to the entry of Ilia Topuria into the shareholding, her manager, Íñigo Pérez-Tabernero, CEO of the Señor Mono Production Company, has acquired the position of CPO (Chief Product Officer), while Arturo Guillén continues as executive president from WOW.
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