PPV History – Looking at UFC 175 headliners Weidman and Rousey

As we await Saturday’s UFC 175, let’s take a look at the headliners and their PPV history.

Chris Weidman

Despite Ronda Rousey’s popularity, it’s Weidman that is on top of the marquee Saturday when he faces Lyoto Machida.  Weidman’s PPV and gate numbers have been impressive in his last two outings.  Of course, those two fights were against Anderson Silva.  Still, the advance appears to be strong and could be one of the biggest of not just this year, but of all time.

UFC        175        v. Lyoto Machida – ?

UFC        168        v. Anderson Silva – 1,025,000 PPV buys

UFC        162        v. Anderson Silva – 550,000 PPV buys

There’s quite a difference between 162 and 168.  Obviously, 168 had a better card but it was the rematch versus Silva that everyone was interested in seeing.  At 162, many believed that Weidman did not have a chance against Silva.  No one knew that Silva would act like he did.  Still, Weidman took advantage and the championship.  This card may help in determining how big a star he is.  While Rousey may help some, Weidman is the main attraction here.

Ronda Rousey

UFC 175               v. Alexis Davis – ?

UFC 170               v. Sarah McMann – 340,000 PPV buys

UFC 168               v. Miesha Tate – 1,025,000 PPV buys

UFC 157               v. Liz Carmouche – 450,000 PPV buys

UFC 170 was disappointing for Rousey as the PPV numbers were lower than her previous two events and the gate at the Mandalay Bay was less than expected.  It’s likely that 175 will outshine 170 in PPV buys and gate.  But, no one believes that she will lose against Davis.  Will the fact that she is an overwhelming favorite hurt buys?

Payout Perspective:

Weidman and Rousey are two of the biggest active UFC stars today.  Certainly, having Sonnen-Silva (or Belfort) would have helped this card.  How many more buys would it have pulled?  Who knows, but it would have brought a lot more buzz to the card.  Still, with all of the hype surrounding International Fight Week and the main and co-main event for 175, it’s likely that this card will produce a respectable buy rate.  Will it do as well as last July’s event where Weidman won the title?  Are the lower PPV buy rates with its bigger stars a concern for the UFC?  With tickets being the most expensive this year the UFC should be happy with the attendance and gate.  But, it’s the PPV buy rate that most look to when it comes to the success of an event.  The PPV business has been down and if the reports that UFC 174 did 125,000 PPVs at best, one would think the expectation for 175 have been reined in.