Channel 5 signs TV deal with UFC

This has kicked boxing in the teeth.

In the UFC, channels like FIVE know they can get the best of MMA. You can't get that with boxing because there are too many promoters out there.

UFC won't face boxing like problems until orgs like Strikeforce become serious competition. Orgs in MMA represent what promoters are in boxing.

 

Or maybe it has closed the door on boxing.

I hope that your right though.

 

i see they are showing it at midnight, which means they are taking it slightly more seriosuly then the rerun FNFs broadcast at 3am.

 

This is another kick in the teeth for boxing in the UK . No doubt about it. Thats ESPN and channel 5 now who have decided to get UFC contracts sorted before Boxing ones

 

i still have fingers crossed over espn tho......

 

depressing

 

It's a joke that they ain't sorted a boxing contract yet!! :fire:fire:fire

 

This deal will be a flop. UFC hasn't been able to expand and it never will.

 

how much do you think that joke journo is being payed to put gay porn ahead of the sweet science

 

Yeah the UFC hasn't grown AT ALL in years! :roll:

 

:huh

 

I can see this only being a good thing for all concerned. By putting the main PPV matches on free to air terrestrial TV I can see it only helping casual fan interest.

Getting to see current top fights is something I can see grabbing the attention of some people who might otherwise not be exposed to the sport. The fights will be on a few week delay, I assume anyway, so you can hype the upcoming ESPN shows on the Channel five shows.

Some people of the people exposed to the sport, and the current top guys, on free TV will end up becoming fans. Some of those new fans will then want to see the upcoming fights live (or at least the day after they take place) and will end up subscribing to ESPN in order to do so. Live (or as live the next day) is a big draw.

It seems like a win-win for both ESPN and the UFC.

 

What a kick in the nads.