Ronda Rousey is exec producer of new docuseries ‘Why We Fight’
Complex Networks’ new original docuseries “Why We Fight,” executive produced by Ronda Rousey, the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) first female bantamweight champion and Olympic medalist in judo, premieres Wednesday, Oct. 18.
Across the eight, 45-minute episodes, “Why We Fight” follows a talented and troubled young fighter, Zac “Kid Yamaka” Wohlman, on his pilgrimage across the globe.
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Struggling with his own demons, he encounters fellow warriors who have their own issues and reasons for stepping into the ring. Inspired by the short film "Kid Yamaka" directed by Matt Ogens, “Why We Fight” is produced by Dirty Robber and Religion of Sports, and is distributed on Complex’s digital channel, available via go90.
“Why We Fight” is a powerful, visceral and multi-layered journey that goes beyond the ring and explores the motivations that compel these athletes to compete in their sport,” said Justin Killion, general manager of premium content for Complex Networks. “We’re honored that Zac shared his personal story with us. ”
“We expect the series will hook viewers far beyond the traditional fight audience,” Chris Uettwiller, CEO of Dirty Robber, co-producers of the series, said in a release. “Through Zac, we were able to capture an authenticity rarely seen in the fight world. Why We Fight allows the viewer to see the fears and vulnerabilities of men and women who might otherwise appear invincible.”
Wohlman, originally from San Fernando Valley, California, battled with a drug problem throughout his childhood and currently faces a painkiller addition that threatens to destroy his career.
The docuseries follows Zac on his odyssey to heal his wounds so he can return to the ring a better fighter and better person. Viewers experience this emotional and physical roller coaster as the conflicted boxer establishes deep and meaningful bonds with these fighters he meets on his travels. It’s raw and uncensored emotion – as visceral and moving as the fights themselves.
“Fighting is the most primordial instinct we have,” said executive producer Gotham Chopra. “Zac’s willingness to take us with him into his own quest to uncover why we fight has been a raw and awesome odyssey and one I’ve been proud to be a part of.”
Ivana Kirkbride, Chief Content Officer of go90, added: “We’re incredibly excited about partnering with Complex, Dirty Robber and Religion of Sports to bring Zac’s personal journey to fighting fans everywhere. Why We Fight epitomizes go90’s vision of providing fans with content from exceptional producers, that they can connect with on an emotional level, all while bringing them deeper inside the world of their favorite sports.”
In the first episode, Zac travels to Tijuana, Mexico to study the art of boxing. It’s in this first episode that Zac reveals he’s been addicted to opioids following an injury, and is now doing his best to rebuild his confidence and regain his skills.
“Why We Fight” is executive produced by UFC Champion Ronda Rousey. Executive Producers for Dirty Robber and Religion of Sports, LLC are Gotham Chopra, Matt Ogens, Martin Desmond Roe, Chris Uettwiller and Adam Feinstein. For Complex Networks, Justin Killion and Melanie Moreau.
RELIGION OF SPORTS
Religion of Sports is a sports media platform founded by Gotham Chopra, Michael Strahan, Tom Brady and Dirty Robber. Created to explore sports’ spiritual dimension and why sports matter, content includes its flagship Religion of Sports series as well as an upcoming series of documentaries in partnership with LeBron James for Showtime about the NBA’s social and cultural impact across time.
COMPLEX NETWORKS
Complex Networks, formed from the acquisition of Complex Media Inc. through a joint venture by Verizon and Hearst, is a global lifestyle brand and media company and one of the most influential voices in popular culture today. Complex Networks generates over 810 million video views a month across its digital channels – Complex, Collider, First We Feast, Rated Red, Pigeons and Planes, Sole Collector and more – and is a top 10 publisher in the U.S. for social engagement on channels like Facebook and YouTube.
Complex Networks develops and distributes original programming for its channels and through output deals with premium distributors including go90. The company cultivates content that spans across popular culture from music to movies, sports to video games, fashion to food, reaching the coveted 18-24-year-old male audience. In 2016, the company successfully hosted its first ComplexCon in Long Beach, California, attracting top brands and over 35,000 attendees to the two-day cultural festival.
ABOUT GO90
go90 is a premium mobile entertainment destination for the best in live sports and original content. go90 is part of Verizon's digital media network of video content and platforms, which includes OATH brands - AOL, HuffPost, Yahoo View, Yahoo Sports - and COMPLEX Networks and more. go90 features 1,400 hours of originals from sought-after creators and talent and 25,000 hours of live sports and TV. go90 content can be viewed free from the app on iOS, Android or at go90.com.
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This story was originally published October 17, 2017 at 11:33 PM with the headline "Ronda Rousey is exec producer of new docuseries ‘Why We Fight’."