MMA Payout

The Business of Combat Sports

Jason Cruz

NBC Fight Night on NBC: 1.6 million viewers

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ESPN reports the ratings for NBC’s Fight Night which aired on network television on December 22nd scored 1.6 million viewers for a 1.2 rating.  It was the second week of boxing on network television as CBS carried a fight card the week before. The main event featured a controversial ending as heavyweights Steve Cunningham and […]

White eyes MSG this November

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MMA Fighting reports Dana White is looking to have an event in New York’s Madison Square Garden for its 20th anniversary show in November 2013.  The only problem: MMA is still not legal in New York state. White revealed his plans at the post-UFC 155 press conference.  Despite the fact that MMA is prohibited by law, […]

Top 10 of 2012: No. 1 UFC 151 Cancelled

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The No. 1 MMA business story of 2012 is the cancellation of UFC 151.  The decision to call off the September 1st event raised a number of issues that the company may need to address going forward. The cancellation of 151 amakes it the event that never was.  It was estimated that the UFC would […]

Top 10 of 2012: No. 2 The end of Strikeforce

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MMA Payout’s No. 2 business story of 2012 is the demise of Strikeforce.  January 12th will be the end of the organization after 27 years of existence and 7 as an MMA promotion. The purchase of Strikeforce by Zuffa was for a reported $40 million and repayment of debt.  Dana White has denied Zuffa trying […]

Top 10 of 2012: No. 3 Ronda Rousey signs with the UFC

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MMA Payout’s No. 3 business story of 2012 is the Ronda Rousey phenomenon.  Dana White made Rousey the first woman to sign with the UFC. 2012 has been a big year for Rousey.  She is appealing with the mainstream media as she has a unique backstory, is open, honest and is a talented mixed martial […]