MMA Payout’s No. 5 story of 2012 is the return of Georges St. Pierre. After an 18 month absence, GSP returned to the UFC and defeated Carlos Condit to unify the UFC welterweight title. After receiving news of the PPV buys, Dana White indicated at the UFC on Fox 5 press conference that GSP “delivered” […]
Top 10 of 2012: No 6 Nike sponsors Silva, Jones and dos Santos
MMA Payout’s No. 6 business story of 2012 is the Nike sponsorship of UFC fighters. Anderson Silva, Jon Jones and Junior dos Santos are all sponsored by the sportswear company. Jon Jones received a global sponsorship with the company which may include a signature clothing line. Jones wore a “Bones Knows” t-shirt wherever he went […]
Top 10 of 2012: No. 7 the UFC-Fox relationship
MMA Payout’s No. 7 business story of 2012 is the first full year of the UFC-Fox relationship. In late 2011, the UFC signed a 7 year deal with Fox leaving longtime network Spike TV. While there was great anticipation for the UFC on Fox networks, the ratings have been less than anticipated. Despite a huge […]
Top 10 of 2012: No. 8 Zuffa continues international expansion
The number 8 business story of 2012 is the continued international expansion of the UFC. This year saw the launch of international TUFs, an Indian television deal and its first event in China. The first international TUF was in Brazil and involved Vitor Belfort and Wanderlei Silva as coaches. The show ran on Globo television […]
“Showtime Boxing on CBS” a success in boxing’s return to network
ESPN Dan Rafael reports that boxing’s big return to network television on CBS scored a 1.3 rating. The televised event, “Showtime Boxing on CBS,” on December 15th, aired between 1:45p.m. PT/4:45p.m ET to 3:00p.m. PT/6:00p.m. ET. The rating equates to roughly 1.5 million viewers although the actual numbers have not been released. The event featured […]