UFC 149 Card: Event Is Strictly for Diehard MMA Fans

Urijah Faber vs. Renan Barao, for $44.99? Really?

This is not an event worth $44.99, especially considering the last pay-per-view, which featured one of the most hyped matches of all-time, carried a price of $49.99.

Are we saying that the Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen card in UFC 148 is only $5 more interesting than this one?

Please, we all know that isn't true.

I've been watching the UFC since Royce Gracie was king of the unbridled sport. I'm a diehard MMA fan, and and that's one reason I'll be watching. But my primary reason for watching is because I'm charged to cover the sport, so I have to tune in.

Without those two allegiances I'd be skipping this one, and reading someone's recap.

There are a few spots on this card that could produce some very entertaining battles. But frankly, there are no names on this card that will trigger most fans to fork over the cash.

The Tim Boetsch vs. Hector Lombard clash at middleweight could be exciting. Boetsch has tremendous heart. He showed that in his come-from-behind win over Yushin Okami at UFC 144. But even this fight has been watered down by injury.

Boetsch was originally supposed to face Michael Bisping, but he suffered an injury and Lombard is his replacement.

Injuries happen; there is no getting around that, but this is an undercard bout. A pay-per-view's selling power is largely based on the feature bout(s).

There is no way Faber-Barao would ever carry weight with anyone except diehard MMA fans. This is a perfect example of why some UFC pay-per-views should be drastically lower in price.

The $5 difference is not enough. I'll watch, and I may very well be entertained, but I'm sure I'll have to fill-in my friends who are less than rabid MMA fans about the results.

Because I'm sure they won't be watching.

Follow Brian Mazique and Franchiseplay for reactions, analysis and news from the world of sports and sports video games.

Follow @BrianMazique

Follow @franchiseplay