The MySpace Suicide: On The Defensive II
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The first step would be to try and find the actual website or myspace account for the fighter you are looking for. Many times there are links on UFC.com providing this information. Once you get to these sites look for autographed memorabilia to purchase or at least get a very good image of the fighter’s signature for future reference. Once you recognize what the fighter’s signature looks like you can cross reference it to items that are being sold online. If you cannot find the fighter’s site or signature anywhere then ask the seller of the goods to provide a picture of the fighter actually signing the item.
Many times a seller will offer a COA (Certificate of Authenticity) however this is just a standard piece of paper warranting and guaranteeing next to nothing. Asking for a photograph of the item being signed puts more responsibility on the seller to prove he actually had the fighter sign his item. Again, the seller providing this picture will not guarantee you are getting an authentically signed item but the chances greatly improve.
The last way to get the signature you are looking for is to attend a UFC or mixed martial arts event. The majority of the fighters at these events have been known to be very gracious in terms of taking care of the fans and there is nothing better than getting your items signed in person. Most of the major mixed martial arts websites keep their calendars updated and appearances are clearly advertised. So by doing some research, you may be able to meet your favorite fighter at an event near you.
With the UFC gaining so much worldwide popularity, so has UFC autographs and UFC memorabilia Unfortunately, this also brings fraud. There is absolutely nothing worse for a collector than to look at a piece of autographed memorabilia and wonder if it was actually signed by that person or not. You should have 100% confidence in who you are buying from. Remember, a COA is only as good as who’s name is on it.
Bernie J. Gernay is the President of PSI (Pro Sports Investments). PSI is a full sports memorabilia and marketing company out of New Jersey. PSI is the first sports memorabilia company to conduct paid UFC fighter autograph appearances on the east coast. You can find out more about authentic UFC autographed memorabilia by going to http://www.prosportsinvestments.com
This post was written by: Joe Nolan
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