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 #NewJerseyChapters: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 CommentsFollow us on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/champandthetrampTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@champandthetrampFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/champandthetrampDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations about combat sports, politics, and everything in between!