In the world of Mixed Martial Arts, there are numerous organizations with respectable, top-tier athletes to call their own. Undoubtedly, the UFC is in the lead when it comes to exposure to the casual sports fan.
However, the UFC is intent on keeping it that way. How far will the UFC go to keep MMA fans from tuning in to other organizations?
With the rise in popularity of MMA, fans of the sport want to see their favorite fighters in the cage (or ring) more. Often, there is a gap between events because of the time required to market and produce an event.
Take, for instance, UFC 88, featuring Chuck Liddell vs. Rashad Evans, which is planned for early September. With so much time between events, it's natural for fans to turn to other organizations to get their fix of highlight reel knockouts and slick submissions.
But what does it say when an organization attempts to put together an event in just over a month's time for the same night that another organization makes its debut? Despicable.
The UFC has always taken pride in its high production quality, solid cards, and strong marketing. It doesn't make sense to try and cram all the things that it does well over the course of several weeks into one month.
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The only possible explanation is that the UFC is trying to steal viewers to make sure it remains the highest watched MMA organization in the world.
Let's face it, the UFC is facing some serious competition. EliteXC's deal with CBS not only brought MMA to network television, it was also the highest watched MMA bout on free TV history.
Strikeforce has a deal with NBC for late-night airtime. The "Dream" organization in Japan is putting together some reputable shows as well, featuring Aoki, Diaz, Sakurai, Uno, Cro Cop, and Yamamoto.
Now the UFC's latest threat: Affliction. Affliction: Banned is one of the most talent filled cards in MMA history, featuring Fedor vs. Sylvia, Barnett vs. Rizzo, Babalu, Linland, Arlovski, Rothwell, Nogueira, Belfort, Martin, and Pyle.
Now the UFC is trying to throw together a card on Spike TV for free in just over a month to try and compete? Even the UFC's choice for the headliner is intriguing at best.
Moving Anderson Silva up to 205 is an interesting prospect, considering how he's almost "small" to be a 185-pounder. Matching him up against James Irvin doesn't make too much sense either.
Sure, Irvin did destroy LHW up-and-comer Houston Alexander with a Superman Punch that tied the fastest KO in UFC history, but that does not put Irvin in the top 10 and warrant a fight against Silva. Irvin is also big for 205. It just does not make sense.
This is a shameful attempt by the UFC to remain the "top-dog" in the MMA world. Unfortunately, this is not the first time the UFC has pulled this particular stunt.
Last year, the UFC scheduled an event the same evening as a Cage Rage event in the UK. It is actions like these that make people look down upon the business aspect of the UFC.
Will the UFC achieve its goal and overshadow Affliction's debut into the MMA world? Only the numbers will tell on July 20. I think UFC won't succeed.
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2 months ago
This is the smart thing to do for the UFC from a business perspective because it will help keep them on topo of the market. I believe if other organizations had the abiltity to hold shows to counter the UFC that they would because it is a good idea from a business standpoint. With the TUF 7 finale coming up and UFC 86 the UFC will be able to advertise the event pretty well. I'm pretty sure that the UFC has the ability to put everything for this event together in time especially since it is being held in Las Vegas.
2 months ago
Pete your missing the point. This show isn't about Affliction, it's about Dana screwing up. He promised the fans something big and it didn't happen so now he has to do something do make it up to them.
Whats wrong with giving MMA fans a choice between a UFC product and an Affliction product?
from 2 months ago
Sorry but I have to say this since you do it a lot: it's you're*. Watch your 'your' and 'you're' usage a little more. I say this with hopes you'll appreciate it, as you are a fellow writer.
from 2 months ago
you're point is well taken. hehe.
2 months ago
i appreciate your opinion Pete, but I think your totally off base. This is good for everybody involved.
2 months ago
Affliction will come out on top. With the backing of Donlad Trump, they will have enough money to pay fighter more then what they make in the UFC, or anywhere. The best thing now though, it doesn't matter what MMA league you belong to (except the UFC), everyone is cool with co-promoting events to have their fighters fight othere fighters in other leagues. Thats cool.
from 2 months ago
What makes you think Trump is so much more rich than the people who own the UFC? They're all billionaires. Your point isn't well researched and I'll have to call it null.
2 months ago
I agree with Bryan, this is good for everyone. Each promotion wants to be better than the other, and in doing so they'll put on great fights. Affliction wants to make a big splash in the MMA scene and the UFC wants to remain on top, so what we get are two great cards on the same night! Not only that, but you get very interesting headlining bouts...Fedor vs Sylvia and Silva at LHW! I think it's great!! It's a good thing I have two satellite receivers because I'm setting up two TV's in the rec room and I'm watching both events!!
from 2 months ago
Boy are you lucky. I am hoping to watch "Banned" and tape the UFC event.
2 months ago
its not that i don't agree its good for fans or a good business move, I just think its cheap trying to one-up another organization rather than trying to co-exist. This is also the first opinion piece I've written so I know what I say is up for scrutiny
from 2 months ago
I understand your point. But in all honestly competition like this is good. It gives us more fight cards and better fight cards to watch and choose from. The fans have no reason to complain imo.
2 months ago
The UFC is kinda stupid for doing this card on the 19th. I know competition is good but Anderson Silva vs James Irvin is crap compared to Fedor vs Tim Silvia.... Go ahead and give comp but make it worth while... Give us something to think about... The Affliction show could KILL a UFC show easy because UFC only wants one or two big fights on one card and thats small time stuff...Plus if Affliction can pick up the other Pride fighters they'll be just fine. UFC has no tournaments, No challenge fights, No out of weightclass fights, No none title fights, No open weight tournaments... If UFC is going global they better wake up and add some veriety.
2 months ago
Robert:
I never said TruMP was richer than the Fertittas. Let me reiterate, Trump has the money to pay the fighters what they want, as do the Fertittas. The UFC (Dana White) will not pay them what they want. Affliction already paid a $3.5 bond to the CSAC to cover all of the fighters salary. Thats more than any other UFC event bond. Don't tell me about not researching. I will school you on MMA, son.
from 2 months ago
They both have the money, but if Affliction starts losing money do you think that Trump is going to stick around? This is just a fad for him, like his own line of Vodka. The three and a half million bond is standard in the state of California to ensure the fighters get paid. Just because Affliction is throwing money around doesn't mean they are going to be successful. They haven't even put on a show yet.
If Affliction is going to be successful they have to get more fighters (not just old Pride fighters and Free agents) that are popular. When the day comes that Affliction gets GSP, Penn, Anderson or Wand Silva, anybody that the UFC covets to sign with them for more money, that's the day that the UFC will be in trouble.
2 months ago
I see absolutely NOTHING wrong w/ with what UFC is doing. This is simply Business 101. If you're a Lemonade seller and someone else puts up a lemonade stand in your neighborhood, its only natural for you (being a good businessman) to counter them. Under optimal conditions you would like to offer a superior tasting Lemonade to counter the competition, however if you are under time constraints, you will have to improvise. If you can't offer a BETTER product under short notice...then you offer a CHEAPER (or even FREE) product. This is exactly what Dana White has done.
Guys....c'mon, I can't believe what I'm reading from some of you. You're complaining about a FREE UFC FIGHT. That's like bitching about the color of the the brand new Corvette that someone just gave you. If you don't like FREE UFC FIGHTS (or free Lemonade)...then by all means, I encouage to pull out your credit card and order the Affliction fight. I'm sure many of the Hard-Core fans will do just that. However, there will be MILLIONS of casual, less-than-hardcore MMA fans that will plop down on their couch and watch an entertaining, FREE UFC match, without losing an ounce of sleep over missing the $50 Affliction card.
....and that is EXACTLY what Dana White is betting on. Ever heard of Walmart? If you can't win with quality....win with Price and massive exposure. Business 101.
2 months ago
In a decade from now, the UFC will just be another sanctioning body like the WBC, WBA, or IBF in boxing. The big attraction fighters are basically working for peanuts with the current "stable" system. De La Hoya and Mayweather make over $20 million a piece for a snoozefest while Fedor and Couture max out at only $1 million? Boxing is dying a slow death...GO MMA!!
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