Why UFC on Fox 2 Was a Disaster

Nothing overtly disastrous happened at UFC on Fox 2 last night. In the three fights that aired on the network, no one was seriously injured. No one dropped an F bomb over the air. Everyone chewed with their mouths closed. 

Then again, nothing overly memorable happened, either. And when you're grading on the curve that is a major broadcast TV event, that may be enough to call it a disaster.

Even the normally reliable Chael Sonnen was off his carnival-barker's game last night. WIth these big-network events, you only get so many bites at the proverbial apple. It may not be a fair, or even realistic, expectation, but anything short of a tape-measure home run for a major broadcast even—especially when you're a young and controversial sport seeking a mainstream foothold—is going to be considered something of a disappointment.

To put it another way, this event committed a cardinal sin of television—it was boring. Spare me your dissertations on the tragically unheralded intricacies of the clinch; the fights were dull and that's all there is to it. I watched the fights with a group of people who aren't big fight fans, and they were falling asleep on the couch. Not what you're looking for.

So yeah, in a way, it was kind of a disaster (at least at first glance—the final ratings numbers will tell the real story). Here are the three reasons why. 

3. A Chalky Aftertaste

All three of the night's winners—Chris Weidman, Chael Sonnen and Rashad Evans—were favorites in Las Vegas to take care of business. That literally made this a predictable night of fights, as far as outcomes go.

2. No Finishes

Not only did the favorites win, they did so in fairly uninspiring fashion. That's not to say that any fight that goes to a decision indicates an uninspired performance, but in this case it does.

All three winners seemed to play it safe. It's understandable, with one fighter (Weidman) taking the fight on short notice, and the other two perhaps saving as many bullets as possible for their forthcoming title shots. Understandable, but not exciting. No one even came close to putting an opponent in trouble.

(Photo credit: ESPN)

1. No Water Cooler Moments, During or After the Fights

Sonnen wanted to deliver a memorable sound bite in his post-victory interview with Joe Rogan, but it felt a little warmed-over. 

"Joe Rogan," Sonnen said when asked about Bisping's takedown defense, "tonight is not a night for questions for me...I want to know how you feel being only inches away from greatness. I want you to tell everybody how it feels. Are you not mesmerized?"

"How does it feel to be in Chael's Octagon, on Chael's channel, holding Chael's microphone, interviewing Chael? And while you're thinking about that, remember this. When you're the greatest fighter in the world today, they've got a name for you. They don't call you a great fighter. They call you Chael Sonnen. Be me, if you can."

Meh. Sonnen's personal smack script has often been compared with that of a pro wrestler. Never did it feel more that way than it did last night.

At least Sonnen tried. The rest of the fighter comments were as dull as the fights themselves, which didn't contain any new grist for the all-important highlight reels.

(Photo credit: Busted Coverage)