Contribuições à crítica da economia política do esporte: as relações entre a produção e circulação do mixed martial arts (MMA) e a extração e realização da mais-valia

Abstract

We now present the final results of our investigations into the social relations of production of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) merchandise, especially when produced by athletes hired by the american company Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). We aim to expose the mechanisms of extraction and realization of surplus value present in this relationship. Our thesis can thus be summarized: in the process of production and circulation of the MMA/UFC commodity, what is central in the capitalist mode of production, surplus value, is produced and carried out, resulting in a value greater than what was initially invested. In other words, MMA athletes perform productive work. They also participate in capitalist valorization in an unproductive way when, through the goods they produce, they enhance the realization of the value of other goods that bring their brands closer to the image of the UFC. The basis of support for these two forms are the mechanisms for extracting added value present in the work relationships established between the UFC and the athletes: market monopoly; unilateral, flexible and unstable contracts; unequal incomes; work intensification (advance on non-work time, versatility, doping and rapid weight loss) and productivity. The path that allowed us to reach the results of this thesis was initially paved by studies of Marxist theory on the commodity, value and surplus value and on the new morphology of work. We also used bibliographic material specialized in MMA; as well as an interview with an athlete hired by the UFC. The presentation of these results followed the following organization: at first, we exposed our understanding of the utility of the MMA commodity, determined by its materially inherent properties, that is, its use-value. Also, its exchange value from the identification of the relationship between productive and individual consumption. Just as we identified the amount of human work socially necessary for the production of MMA, that is, its value. In the second moment, we present our understanding of the characteristics and function of the workforce hired by the company, as well as the mechanisms for extracting added value that support this relationship.