Dražen Forgač is a man who has been building one of the most recognizable martial arts organizations in this region for years. In an interview with “Nezavisne novine”, the founder and co-owner of FNC spoke about the possibility of FNC’s return to Banjaluk, the record-breaking event in Belgrade, the expansion of MMA sports in the region, and the relationship between sports and entertainment in the martial arts industry.
The expansion of the MMA sport in recent years has been especially pronounced in the Balkans, where an increasing number of audiences follow martial arts, and arenas are more often filled to capacity.
Forgač, who has been present in this sport since its beginnings, as a fighter, trainer, manager, and today also as a promoter, believes that such growth is the result of the long-term work of all actors in the sport.
“This is the long-term result of all of us who are involved in sports. I have been in it since the very beginning, as a fighter, coach, manager and now promoter. Since FNC started organizing events, there has been expansion, a great increase in popularity among people in the region, and the result is full arenas, and FNC is the leading organization in this part of Europe,” he emphasized for “Nezavisne novine”.
The last FNC event held in Belgrade broke all the previous records of the organization, both in terms of attendance and ticket sales, as well as in terms of audience interest throughout the region, but also beyond its borders.
Forgač points out that this is an event that marked the organization’s previous work in every sense.
“This was a record-breaking event in Belgrade by all parameters. From ticket sales, revenue from tickets to viewership throughout the region, but also outside of it. We had great, record numbers and it was simply a historic event for FNC”.
FNC is not closing the door to Banja Luka
FNC previously organized an event in Banja Lukawhich left a strong impression on the organizers, and the possibility of returning to this city still remains open.
“Banjaluka remained in our fond memories. We were well received, it was a great event. Depending on our plans for the future, Banjaluka is always there, it is mentioned, but that expansion to the region has changed the focus and direction a little, but there is always a chance to return to Banjaluka,” Forgač points out for “Nezavisne” as part of the Sunset Sports festival.
The emergence of more and more alternative martial arts events
Recently, alternative martial arts events, such as BFC Baka Praset, have become more and more popular, attracting audiences and fighters with significant financial offers, which raises the question of the relationship between sport and entertainment in the martial arts world.
Forgač looks at it clearly separately, emphasizing the difference between professional sports and entertainment formats.
“We need to separate the two types of business, but also the understanding of all this. FNC is a serious sports organization and is based on sport and fighters who take it seriously, while this is entertainment. Whether it’s boxing matches, midget fights or influencers, it’s the same, and it’s entertainment and has nothing to do with serious sport. That doesn’t mean that I think it’s something bad or something negative, on the contrary, it’s entertainment for the masses, but a clear distinction must be made between sport, which is MMA and FNC and those types of events that represent an entertaining character for the masses,” said Forgač.
