**official Mma Thread**

[Franchise632 0]

The UFC doesn't make that much money on the venue itself. It all comes down to PPV sales.

When the are generating between 1.5 and 2.0 million at the gate how is that not alot of money?

In truth, the UFC has a ridiculous amount of talent to choose from. Cote vs Silva is a main event. And that is not going to be an exciting fight to watch once Silva connects. In fact it should be very short like all of Silvas fight. Yes, there is always the chance that Cote gets a KO, but I can't see that happening. Anything is possible.Fights like Stout vs Fisher, Griffin vs Edgar, etc make for exciting fights. They just need to find someone, shouldn't be that hard really.

This statement contradicts your previous one about PPV sales...Cote vs Silva is not a PPV draw. There is a huge difference between people like us that are hardcore MMA fans and appreciate great fights and the skill and the casual viewer buys that UFC counts on to draw huge numbers. Which is the very reason why you put Brock vs Randy in this spot. Because if you put that fight in November than you will likely generate an extra 300 to 400K more ppv buys than that show would have likely drawn. Then you go into the huge shows of Dec and Feb. They are trying like hell to make Anderson a PPV draw but he hasn't proven to be that yet. Stout vs Fisher and Griffin vs Edgar adds nothing in the way of noticible buys to a show. They appeal to hardcore fans but dont equate to money. Which is why, deserving or not, Brock is gonna get the spot to fight Randy. Don't be suprised if it is a non-title fight though.

[jdrury12 0]

When the are generating between 1.5 and 2.0 million at the gate how is that not alot of money? This statement contradicts your previous one about PPV sales...Cote vs Silva is not a PPV draw. There is a huge difference between people like us that are hardcore MMA fans and appreciate great fights and the skill and the casual viewer buys that UFC counts on to draw huge numbers. Which is the very reason why you put Brock vs Randy in this spot. Because if you put that fight in November than you will likely generate an extra 300 to 400K more ppv buys than that show would have likely drawn. Then you go into the huge shows of Dec and Feb. They are trying like hell to make Anderson a PPV draw but he hasn't proven to be that yet. Stout vs Fisher and Griffin vs Edgar adds nothing in the way of noticible buys to a show. They appeal to hardcore fans but dont equate to money. Which is why, deserving or not, Brock is gonna get the spot to fight Randy. Don't be suprised if it is a non-title fight though.

The UFC made 21.375M on the UFC 84 buys, and 3.72M on gate, the buys are a lot higher on the food chain for obvious reasons

[grocery_mony 8]

The UFC made 21.375M on the UFC 84 buys, and 3.72M on gate, the buys are a lot higher on the food chain for obvious reasons

Is that gross or what the UFC netted after giving up half to the cable companies and ppv providers?

[Franchise632 0]

The UFC made 21.375M on the UFC 84 buys, and 3.72M on gate, the buys are a lot higher on the food chain for obvious reasons

I agree but when you are get 3.7 million at the gate that pays for everything that it takes to put on that show and then some...thus you are able to hold your PPV money as profit. There is no doubt that PPV buys are the top priority which is why they need Brock vs Randy on the Nov show.

[steve7stud 0]

When the are generating between 1.5 and 2.0 million at the gate how is that not alot of money? This statement contradicts your previous one about PPV sales...Cote vs Silva is not a PPV draw. There is a huge difference between people like us that are hardcore MMA fans and appreciate great fights and the skill and the casual viewer buys that UFC counts on to draw huge numbers. Which is the very reason why you put Brock vs Randy in this spot. Because if you put that fight in November than you will likely generate an extra 300 to 400K more ppv buys than that show would have likely drawn. Then you go into the huge shows of Dec and Feb. They are trying like hell to make Anderson a PPV draw but he hasn't proven to be that yet. Stout vs Fisher and Griffin vs Edgar adds nothing in the way of noticible buys to a show. They appeal to hardcore fans but dont equate to money. Which is why, deserving or not, Brock is gonna get the spot to fight Randy. Don't be suprised if it is a non-title fight though.

1-2million is about 10% of what they would hope to make on an event, I would assume. So in the grand scheme of things it's not that big of a deal. You also have to consider the cost of promotion, renting the space, etc. The venue itself is really just a means to broadcast the event. I could be wrong, but I don't think so.One of the reasons that Silva is not a PPV draw is because there is nobody that can give him a good fight. It's not a contradiction. People would rather see to guys going to war, as opposed to two well known fighters dueling it out in a boring fashion. Or a fight that ends quickly.I think you're underestimating the marketing machine that is the UFC. They can take any fighter and turn him into a star and have him headline a fight. The UFC fights are aired several times during a week. Word will get out if good fights are on the card and people will buy the ppv to watch. Lesnar vs Couture is a great draw, no doubt about it. However, it doesn't mean that it will be an exciting fight.

[jdrury12 0]

The UFC will hold a media conference call today at 3 p.m. ET (noon P.T.), and according to our content partners at Yahoo! Sports, the organization will officially announce the return of formerly estranged UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture (16-8 MMA, 8-5 UFC) to the organization.As part of his return to the UFC, Couture is expected to fight Brock Lesnar in the main event of UFC 91 on Nov. 15.MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) first reported the possibility of Couture's return last week.Since then, negotiations have quickly progressed, and the 45-year-old UFC hall-of-famer has reportedly agreed to a new three-fight deal.A long-term contract likely means Couture and the UFC will give up on their long-running legal battle regarding his former contract.Couture hasn't fought since a TKO victory over Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 74 in August 2007. http://mmajunkie.com/news/5187/ufc-holding...rn-expected.mma

So what happens if Brock wins? Anyone interested in betting Randy? Also, will this be 5 rounds since they still call Randy their Heavyweight Champion?

[Franchise632 0]

1-2million is about 10% of what they would hope to make on an event, I would assume. So in the grand scheme of things it's not that big of a deal. You also have to consider the cost of promotion, renting the space, etc. The venue itself is really just a means to broadcast the event. I could be wrong, but I don't think so.One of the reasons that Silva is not a PPV draw is because there is nobody that can give him a good fight. It's not a contradiction. People would rather see to guys going to war, as opposed to two well known fighters dueling it out in a boring fashion. Or a fight that ends quickly.I think you're underestimating the marketing machine that is the UFC. They can take any fighter and turn him into a star and have him headline a fight. The UFC fights are aired several times during a week. Word will get out if good fights are on the card and people will buy the ppv to watch. Lesnar vs Couture is a great draw, no doubt about it. However, it doesn't mean that it will be an exciting fight.

UFC can indeed take anyone and try to make them a star and have him healine a fight, but that doesnt always generate alot of PPV buys. Look at last year with Bisping vs Evans...it didn't draw very well. Non-hardcore MMA fans buy PPV's for start power not for great fights. There are alot of name guys that if you put on top that aren't gonna draw above the average on PPV. I do agree with you that finding a suitable fight for Silva plays a part in the fight drawing but you also have to consider who have been the biggest money movers in UFC for PPV. They are all guys with tremendous charisma and if you pair them up in a great fight that is when you generate those big numbers. But you can put a draw like Chuck Liddell and put him with Evasn and this weekend they are probably gonna do okay in buys because of Chuck but it wont be great.

So what happens if Brock wins? Anyone interested in betting Randy? Also, will this be 5 rounds since they still call Randy their Heavyweight Champion?

That has to be worked out...I'm sure Randy will want it to be 5 rounds cause then its 10 more minutes in which Brock can leave something open or gas out and Randy can catch him. I head a few ppl talk about how Brock would get a shot at the champ after going 1-1. But really who else is there right now? Mir and Nogueria are tied up...Kongo has a shoulder thing and wont be ready to fight in Nov most likely...Brandon Vera isnt gonna draw anything and looked like crap at 205...Werdum beat Vera at UFC 85 but isnt a draw either. So really who would you rather see Randy fight? A big draw with potential like Brock or Fabricio Werdum? Cause those are about the only options.

[grocery_mony 8]

Its official!!!!And the venue has changed to Nov. 15 at the MGM grand not Portland. Expext a showcase like card because this might set the ppv record.

[Franchise632 0]

Listening to a recording of the Dana White Conference call this afternoon. Dana said it wasnt a change from Portland to Vegas and that they never announced it was Portland and that they still plan on running there. Dana said they plan on going to Portland in future but it was never official. It will also be officially for the World Heavyweight Title and the winner of Randy vs Brock will be the world champion and will fight the winner of Mir/Nog. So 5 rounds is the deal. It should be awesome.with the right hype and build this fight could do 800,000+ buys. (Dana says more than 1 million buys)He also says that the Fedor fight is something they will work out when he isn't under contract somewhere else. Dana doesn't think Affliction will be around in January and then they will figure something out.

[Franchise632 0]

If you want to hear the conference call you can go hereDana White Conference Call for Couture vs LesnarI think it may be memebers only content so i applogize if you can get it...its not a shill for another site

[outsider13 0]

Its official!!!!And the venue has changed to Nov. 15 at the MGM grand not Portland. Expext a showcase like card because this might set the ppv record.

The best news I've heard in a long while. Should be a great live show!!!!! WEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

[ol'number7 0]

Sportsbook.com has the line up:UFC - UFC 91 - Heavyweight Matchup 11/15/08 1005 Randy Couture -140 OFF OFF 23:45 ET Brock Lesnar +110 OFF OFF I took Lesnar, we'll see how this line plays out -- I could be way off, but at age 45 I don't see how Randy is favored here imho

[grocery_mony 8]

Sportsbook.com has the line up:UFC - UFC 91 - Heavyweight Matchup 11/15/08 1005 Randy Couture -140 OFF OFF 23:45 ET Brock Lesnar +110 OFF OFF I took Lesnar, we'll see how this line plays out -- I could be way off, but at age 45 I don't see how Randy is favored here imho

Wow that line is shocking to me. I deffinatly need some time to think about that one.Full props to Lesnar for taking this fight. Mir, Herring and Couture to start your UFC career is very ballsy.

[ol'number7 0]

chime in people -- I won $$ with Mir against Lesnar because of submission ability from his back, but this is different -- if Randy loses the takedown (obv very likely) how does he win? His big wins against Ortiz and Lidell were largely via better wrestling at 205, Sylvia doesn't count because he flat-out sucks (Fedor proved that), I know Lesnar is a noob but... very much looking forward to this and will buy for sure

[grocery_mony 8]

chime in people -- I won $$ with Mir against Lesnar because of submission ability from his back, but this is different -- if Randy loses the takedown (obv very likely) how does he win? His big wins against Ortiz and Lidell were largely via better wrestling at 205, Sylvia doesn't count because he flat-out sucks (Fedor proved that), I know Lesnar is a noob but... very much looking forward to this and will buy for sure

Randy deffinatly has to keep it standing, at least for the first couple rounds. I think what he has to do is wear down Brock who's cardio is still unproven.I think Randy will be able to stuff takedowns better than Mir and Herring but it still a HUGE task. Take a page out of Forrest vs Rampage and Jardine vs Chuck and attack the legs and keep moving. The fact that this is a 5 rounder deffinatly favors Randy and the patient fight he needs to fight. A guy that big who cuts big time weight will eventually wear down if he doesnt finsh it in the first 3.

[ol'number7 0]

Randy deffinatly has to keep it standing, at least for the first couple rounds. I think what he has to do is wear down Brock who's cardio is still unproven.I think Randy will be able to stuff takedowns better than Mir and Herring but it still a HUGE task. Take a page out of Forrest vs Rampage and Jardine vs Chuck and attack the legs and keep moving. The fact that this is a 5 rounder deffinatly favors Randy and the patient fight he needs to fight. A guy that big who cuts big time weight will eventually wear down if he doesnt finsh it in the first 3.

all makes sense GM, will be interesting -- how much does the angle come in that Dana would want Brock to win for marketing reasons, can you trust this sport anymore after all the contract arguing (and apparent appeasement by Randy), well am looking forward to this weekend even though this card is weak on depthI am #7 and I approve this message (I hate politics)

[grocery_mony 8]

all makes sense GM, will be interesting -- how much does the angle come in that Dana would want Brock to win for marketing reasons, can you trust this sport anymore after all the contract arguing (and apparent appeasement by Randy), well am looking forward to this weekend even though this card is weak on depthI am #7 and I approve this message (I hate politics)

If you are picking Lesnar for the fight I think you were smart getting in early. The ratio of people picking Lesnar is running about70/30 from what I have seen so far and as it draws near most of the casual money will go to the Lesnar side imo. I think that line willmove so far that an arbitrage may be possible.

[Actuary 3]

I'm glad Randy is back; but he swallowed just a bit of Pride. Will be interesting to see the Payouts, and rumors of additional monies being paid now

[Yoda 1]

Both Lesnar & Couture live and in person on Sportscenter today, about 15 minutes in. Good exposure.

[Franchise632 0]

This fight should get way more mainstream media coverage than any other UFC event. The fact that the hype is starting now shows that Dana is determined see this draw 1 to 1.5 million...it should be a fun 10 weeks.

[outsider13 0]

I'm glad Randy is back; but he swallowed just a bit of Pride. Will be interesting to see the Payouts, and rumors of additional monies being paid now

I'm sure they both compromised as was said in the conference, but I bet he's getting a ton of cash and PPV % with this last deal. If you look at what he could possibly do to end his career, should he beat Brock, he gets probably Nog, then possibly Fedor???? If that's how things were to happen (I doubt it but certainly possible), both he and Dana White will be laughing all the way to the bank.

[steve7stud 0]

I think I'm one of the few people that is not terrribly excited about this fight. I like Randy but I don't love him. The fight itself could be pretty boring, hopefully not. Randy's record in the UFC has never been spectacular. You can't compare Randy to a guy like Fedor. I think the type of money that this fight will generate sets Randy up for life/retirement. And yes I know he probably will have a couple more in the UFC. But it's a win-win situation for Randy. This makes betting the fight much more difficult......

[Actuary 3]

I think the type of money that this fight will generate sets Randy up for life/retirement. And yes I know he probably will have a couple more in the UFC. But it's a win-win situation for Randy. This makes betting the fight much more difficult......

I think it's even more Win Win for Danaimo, Lesnar vs Randy is so risky for Randy as to put the chance of a Fedor fight in huge jeopardy.Dana wouldn't mind seeing Randy lose to Lesnar and pay the price for leaving the UFC hanging over bs.Imagine, if Lesnar beats Randy, Nog beats Lesnar, and then after the fall of Afflcition - here comes Fedor.Would Dana waste that fight on Couture?Randy's getting paid and to the extent he has to realize he has no chance against Fedor, then maybe that is his motive now - and not his legacy

[reyho 0]

Randy's time is running out. Spending money on lawyers and hoping to win a court battle with the UFC is -ev. Too bad he didn't figure this out sooner. He signed the contract and imho got really bad managerial advice. Randy beats Lesnar in a snooze fest but still it's a must see for me.

[CodyHartman 0]

I'm sooooo pissed that this isnt in Portland now. I was so exctied to see my first MMA event. Guess I'll have to wait for randy's next match, which they will prolly make it be in Portland b/c of his drawing power. was excited to see this live, but oh well.