Hello Everyone, welcome to the company spotlight Presenting Bad Matchup!
Bad Matchup is a US clothing brand geared towards MMA that started in 2014 and is based out of Illinois.
Without further ado, please check out this interview I did with Lexy, the owner and operator of Bad Matchup:
1. Tell us a little bit about your brand. Who are you and what do you guys represent?
My name is, Lexy, and I am the owner and operator of Bad Matchup. Bad Matchup is a combat brand that represents all fighters through media. We capture amateur and pro fighters to show their talent to the world. Whether if it’s an interview, commercial, or a photoshoot, we want fight fans to know about you.
2. What are some of your proudest moments in developing your brand?
The proudest moment is when I actually relocated the company. I'm originally from Chicago and was trying to make some waves there but when I decided to move to Los Angeles my life and brand changed. I worked with more people, saw a rise in traction, appeared at shows. It was a brave move to make and I'm very proud to still be holding on.
3. How do you spend your time building your brand (marketing, advertising, etc.)?
I do extensive research daily on how to push the brand. I really focus on ways to get the brand out there on social media using IG, Tik Tok, Twitter, etc. However, I am not really a social media person but I’m on there for hours contacting fighters. I try to think of different ways that Bad Matchup and the fighter can create some dope content. For instance, I love to showcase fighters and a sponsored product their using that helps them along their combat journey. It’s not only an opportunity for the fighter but for the product as well. Other ways I push the brand out there is by, doing giveaways in which I’ve experienced, is a way to connect with the fight crowd.
4. What are some of the hardships that you have faced when building your company, and how did you (or how are you planning to) overcome them?
For me, finances were a big burden however, I had to look at the bigger picture. I didn’t display the passion, ambition and consistency to make this dream of mines come into fruition. Once I stopped using money as an excuse to no longer take the brand further, I just looked at myself and asked, “Am I doing enough?” Did I take every avenue possible?” And no, I didn’t. I did not exercise every avenue that was a way for me to get the brand out there. I am older now and have received a lot of advice and mentoring and I must say things are different now. I am more patient, I’m more observant and came to ta conclusion this is all I want to do. So now I’m like, Bad Matchup over Everything, lol. Except family!
5. Where do you see your brand in 5-10 years? If you could summarize your brand in a quote, what would it be?
As of now, Bad Matchup is a media company. We’re actually working on customizing combat gear for fighters. We do have some pieces we did for some boxers that were part of our Research & Development phase. So were looking at keeping the media for the brand because we love discovering talent, but we want to try our hand in making fight outfits so fighters can look good and feel comfortable. So, with that said, we may separate the two. Stay Tuned! There is this quote by Dave Buck, it reads, “Your Brand is a gateway to your true work.” I felt that quote and it hit me hard. I worked for all these companies that I really didn’t want to work for. However, when I started working on my brand, I realized this was for me. I knew I wanted to do for a lifetime. I am passionate about, I could do it for free, it puts me in a calm mind-set and I can work on it for hours. In order for me to work on the brand, I had to place myself in a position to where I can focus solely on Bad Matchup. And that’s what I did.
6. What advice would you give to your past self of when you first started the company/brand?
Haaaa! To be more patient! My younger self was so stubborn and so set in my ways it was ridiculous. I wish I could just go back and slap myself! You live and you learn. I’ve learned a lot. So yes, being patient would have helped me a lot in the past. It is definitely helping me
now.
7. Are there any particular types of athletes you had in mind to sponsor?
The types of athletes I would like to sponsor is a Bareknuckle fighter and a wrestler. I’ve already sponsored in the past, MMA, Muay Thai, Boxing, and X Sports athletes all over the country. I would like for the brand to make its mark in Bareknuckle Boxing, and Wrestling. I think that’ll be awesome.
8. What do you look for when sponsoring someone?
When it comes to sponsoring a fighter, we would like someone that is serious about fighting and making a career out of it. We are a very loyal company and we make it all about the fighter so we would like that loyalty in return. I am proud to say that when we do sponsor a fighter, we take very good care of them.
9. Do you have any projects or products you are working on/would like to promote?
Yes, I’m always working on something. We have a few pics of some fight trunks that we made in house. Like I mentioned, this is part of our R&D phase for custom ring attire. We’re very fortunate to be working on this project because I think it’ll make the brand stand out more. We’re also getting into making fight equipment as well. Stay tuned!
10. Is there anyone you would like to give a shoutout to?
Mom! Huge shout out to my Mother who never doubted my dreams and always blessed me with her listening, understanding and motivational speeches. She is the one that keeps me going!
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And that is the end of the interview with Lexy! Please go support Bad Matchup by following them on their Instagram and Twitter, and please check out their website here!