The concept of rewarding fans with free fights is admirable, and a step in the right direction for a combat sport looking to avoid the mistakes that boxing has made over the years. However, the risk with the UFC Prelim shows is that if the two featured fights go quickly, it forces the hand of the UFC to show further […]
TV
TV Ratings: WEC 45, Strikeforce: Evolution
The television ratings from the latest WEC and Strikeforce offerings have been released courtesy of Versus and Showtime (brought to us by MMAJunkie): WEC 45 – 330,000 viewers Strikeforce: Evolution – 341,000 viewers Payout Perspective: The results definitely favor Strikeforce in this latest head-to-head. Not only did Strikeforce outperform the WEC in viewership, but it […]
The Risk and Reward of Ring Entrances
Michael Rome of BloodyElbow raises the topic of MMA event production reform with regard to ring or cage entrances in his latest piece on the website: A big part of promoting mixed martial arts is giving fans a reason to care about the fighters on the screen. They should have their favorites that they’re rooting for, […]
Starz Hires ex-HBO Chief Chris Albrecht
Liberty Media, parent company of Starz Entertainment, has hired former HBO CEO Chris Albrecht to be the new President & CEO of Starz. The premium movie service provider is similar to HBO and Showtime; and, its main brands include Starz and Encore, which own 17 and 30 million subscribers, respectively. Payout Perspective: The news is […]
More on UFC Television Distribution
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer goes into further detail regarding the UFC’s television distribution, including the signed deal with Versus and how talks have ostensibly broken down with ESPN. The UFC insisted on the non-exclusivity aspect in its new Spike contract, largely to be able to negotiate with ESPN. Talks with ESPN heated up after […]