UFC counterprogams Fedor
Fedor Emelianenko makes both his Strikeforce and network television debut on Nov. 7 when he takes on Brett Rogers on CBS. The UFC, as it frequently does, has put together a solid special to compete against that telecast. The UFC will be airing a special of previously unseen-on-cable main events.
The UFC has done something similar before, when it showed past pay-per-view shows on Spike, but it has never collected a series of main events like this. It could be a really cool special and it's a great chance for a new fan to get introduced to some of the biggest stars in the sport. I don't think it will outdraw the CBS card, but it's definitely a smart plan on the UFC's part.
Here's the lineup for the show.
UFC 102
RANDY COUTURE vs. ANTONIO RODRIGO NOGUEIRA
This highly-anticipated battle featured UFC legend and former heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, Randy Couture, against former PRIDE heavyweight and then UFC interim heavyweight king, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.
UFC 103
VITOR BELFORT vs. RICH FRANKLIN
A battle of veteran former UFC champions featured former light heavyweight champ Vitor Belfort returning to the Octagon against former UFC middleweight champ Rich Franklin.
UFC 101
BJ PENN vs. KENNY FLORIAN
Lightweight champion BJ Penn, in his second title defense, took on top contender Kenny Florian in a battle of Brazilian jiu jitsu experts.
UFC 101
FORREST GRIFFIN vs. ANDERSON SILVA
UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva moved up in weight class for a non-title bout against former UFC light heavyweight champ and “The Ultimate Fighter 1” winner, Forrest Griffin.
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Comments
Hey Tulip- Though you mention that you do not believe that it will beat the Strikeforce/M-1 Global Fight Card in ratings that is being shown on Nationally Televised CBS, you do fail to mention that Spike TV is a cable Channel that not everyone has access to. I'm not sure of the exact number, but CBS is obviously way more accessible to households than Spike.
As well, Spike recently announced that they broke a record in Sept 2009 with 4.1 MIllion viewers watching the TUF episode 1.
However, The Elite XC event that was televised on CBS in May 2008 brought in over 6.51 Million viewers. That was a card that spent most of it's time promoting a fighter in Kimbo Slice that everyone knew as to be intriguing, but unproven. They got over 6 million viewers to an unproven card.
But now, Strikeforce has the widely accepted Best Heavyweight in the world in Fedor, and a couple other great figthers in Gegard Mousasi, Mayhem Miller, Jake Shields, Fabricio Verdum, Jeff Curan, Antonio Silva,ect...
The above mentioned guys are all proven fighters, and throw in the fact that Mayhem Miller will likely draw some fans due to his MTV Bully Beatdown show, and there will also be many curious WWE crossover fans ready to watch why all the fuss about Fedor, and you are certainly looking at a Fight Card that will break all of the MMA records to this point.
Spike TV's rehash of PPV fights will likely get around half of what they got for their record breaking TUF Episode 1 this year. I wouldn't be surprised if the StrikeForce/M-1 Global event gets between 10-15 Million viewers. Print it.
Posted by: Dave " The Meatball" Armistead | October 21, 2009 5:53 PM
Myself and all other serious MMA fans have already seen those fights. Yawn.
I can't wait to see Fedor fight FREE on CBS!
Viva FREE fights!
Posted by: sal costello | October 21, 2009 6:07 PM
It was obvious that UFC would do something but it's nothing huge. Strikeforce are the really clever ones that have recognised the ONLY way to compete with the behemoth that is the UFC is by making their event free (not to mention getting it on network TV). They'll need to repeat it though. If they can do a few more and keep wage packets down (maybe offering shares in future earnings - make the fighters share the risk of being part of something that could rival the UFC). Software and MMA is different but the multi-billion dollar Microsoft is finally in trouble from a rival that cost not less but zero (Linux). It could work but many believe it won't. Coker seems clever though.
Posted by: Chris Owen | October 21, 2009 6:34 PM
I will definately be watching the fedor fight! Who in their right mind would miss this amazing television debut to watch old UFC fights?
Really, Dana?
lol
Posted by: Eric Y | October 21, 2009 8:05 PM
Casual MMA fans will probably watch old UFC main events rather than the Strikeforce undercard. Serious MMA fans have already seen those fights and will be watching the new ones, no doubt.
And Dave, being on Spike hasn't stopped them from outdrawing major league sports. And there's no way the Strikeforce fight will get 15 million.
Posted by: Mark Chalifoux | October 22, 2009 2:36 PM
Judging by your face, you enjoy a plate of crow from time to time. Come November 8th (or whenever the view share is disclosed) you will be served another helping.
Posted by: Dave " The Meatball" Armistead | October 22, 2009 5:31 PM
Pride FC was way more entertaining than UFC. The Pride fights were more vicious and savage, not as sanitized as UFC fights are. I wish someone would bring back those kinds of fights that allowed kicking and stomping on downed opponents, ten-minute rounds, etc.. UFC sucks.
Posted by: kingo | October 24, 2009 10:12 PM