That old line is getting more played out by the day, though. Cotto-Pac, Williams-Martinez, Mayweather-Marquez, Mosley-Margerito, not to mention Pac vs Oscar and Hatton have all been fantastic recent fights, with two more huge ones coming up. UFC better be careful...I've noticed their quality slipping a bit as of late too.
Boxing has been coming up with some good headline fights (can't wait for PBF v Mosley!) but MMA still feels better value for money with their generally stacked under cards, UFC 110 was a prime example, would have been even better if Rothwell had fought Cro Cop as originally planned.
Better value for the money, yeah I could agree with that forsure. but, I think I've definitely noticed a shift towards apathy in the general public though..I think maybe they're just saturating it too much. it seems like there's a UFC PPV every three days for gods sakes And in terms of big fight anticipation, the kind that give you butterflies thinkin about it for the whole week leading leading up, (example Mayweather vs Mosley) I still don't think UFC can match boxing yet.
As someone who attended 110 - Here's the thing from a NON-Us fight fans persepctive - The whole card was slicker than a gravy sandwich, with a rock show like presentation - I saw Iron Maiden and Judas Priest in the same arena last year, UFC was considerably louder - There were no long gaps waiting for the fights and the UFC brand was highly visible both during fight week leading up to the event as well as representation by all who came out with the fans. I saw in the crowd: Royce Gracie, Randy Coture, Rashad Evans, Jason Miller, Rampage Jackson - The highlight of which was Rampage walking to his seat past many of the crew high 5-ing etc, then putting his middle finger in Rashads' face as he walked past - Amusing. I guess with a boxing fight you won't see that many fighters at a fight unless you're in the states, I was impressed that whilst the UFC COULD have sent a half assed promotion over here - They bought the brand out and sold it well and gave the fans access to all the notables - Rogan, Buffer, Arielle, Stitches, Herb Dean etc etc all gave fans a LOT of time and photo's smiling all the while. They outsold Maiden in merch, set the record for sports event in revenue in the ten years since the Olympics and White announced they will be back again next year and try to do it annually. The REAL boon for the sport - Was that the whole fight was televised free in glorious HD on one of the big commercial networks. By contrast, the last world class boxing match we had here was Tszyu V Leija - I do not count the Roy Jones Jnr fight. On any TV in Australia - You either get sub par "classic fights" - The last of which being a late 90's Hearns fight or Anthony Mundine charging 50 bucks to watch him fight a welterweight like his last fight. Any promoters wana do a Katsidis fight out here, please take note. Also of interest, in the crowd half way through strode Australia's richest man, James Packer. He was soon moved from front row to a set next to Dana on the Octagon and was looking around in awe at the crowd and response on many occasions. As the head of one of the three main commerical free to air networks - it was no wonder Dana was slapping him on the back and talking to him at length throughout. Boxing is still my favourite, but wow. UFC take a bow - That's how to grow a brand and win fans in new places.
I can appreciate your frustration Jimmie mate, but sometimes people can't be educated!! Why was he watching it? Well, he was (By his own admission) pissed!! Barfly??. I look forward to seeing the ESB logo!! All the best!!!
:thumbsup Great post!! I went to the first UFC event held in the MEN Arena, the atmosphere was incredible!! I also went to the UFC event held in my home town, Newcastle. That was fantastic (Though us "Geordies" are known for making a noise"). I'm sure the UFC earned 1000s of new fans, with it's recent "Aussie" gig (Which was always going to be a success). We all know the Aussie's love their sport (And a good fight) so I guess it makes sense to take the show "Down under"!!
CARDS, my friend. Not FIGHTS. Oscar/Pac, You must be joking. That card was as weak as Oscars fluid-drained body. For the record I think UFC 110 had a pretty strong card! I mean FFS, they're not gonna GSP and BJ to Australia for their first promotion here. For what it was (Basically a bunch of eliminations) it was a solid effort... Bader vs Jardine, Bisping vs Silva, Noguiera vs Velasquez , Sotiropoulos vs Stevenson all delivered as fights. I'd pick any of those match-ups over Victor Ortiz vs (Insert name here) on Pac/Oscar or JCC jr vs (Insert name here) on Pac/Cotto.
Me and you both, friendo. atsch And simply couldn't afford the ebay mark up. :twisted: The first shot of the sold-out arena made me sick that I wasn't there... Maybe Dana will bring a couple of champions here next time! :yep
I dont like mma, but i dont find it boring eather. I just think its a lesser of two gladiator sports.... and simply dont bother with it much. But i can watch a few mma fights here or there and appreciate what im watching. Thats about it though.