EliteXC Ratings Data

by Brent Brookhouse on Jun 1, 2008 2:46 PM EDT in MMA News

Dave Meltzer reports at Wrestling Observer:

The half-hours in the 18-49 demo were 1.4, 1.6, 2.1 and 2.4. The first hour was nothing impressive but the second hour was the highest rated in the demo on television for any show. The level of growth was spectacular. This is only from 9-11 p.m. so we don't know how the last 50 minutes did but at least in the demo it handily beat the NHL playoffs.

So of course the two bad finishes were seen by a fairly large number of people. I don't know how encouraging the numbers are as the true impact of the event would be felt by a second airing on CBS. Were the large volume of viewers turned off by what they saw? Or did they find it compelling enough to tune in again?

I had several people who have never watched MMA tune in to see what "my sport" is all about. After talking to a couple of them about what they thought they have all commented that the dancers and the finishes make them "iffy" about ever watching again. Also they commented that the commentary came across very badly and that only Gus Johnson seemed "television ready."

Some other notes from the WO site:

--The original plan for a second CBS show on 7/26 appears to be off. There was a realization they simply don't have the star power to come back that fast. It really is a major key for this group's success, provided ratings come in at least decently for this first show, to sign Tito Ortiz, particularly after Kimbo Slice's value fell so greatly

--There was a backstage deal last night in the press room where Brett Rogers made some comments about Kimbo Slice's performance, claiming Kimbo tapped out and it led to some yelling and challenges. I guess if that's the next main event, you'll know that it was a pro wrestling angle. If it's not, then who knows, but it sure looked liked a worked K-1 style angle to me.

If anyone knows what looks like a pro-wrestling angle it would be Dave.

As for the decision to cancel the 7/26 show. That makes as much sense as anything. But seriously, how do you not realize until now that the star-power isn't there?

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Gus Johnson only one "tv ready"

I totally agree. Mauro Ranallo was horrible…Has been commenting for 10 years? And doesn’t know a gogoplata when he sees one? And what’s up with those backstage interviews? This is not the NFL.

by IHateMMA on Jun 1, 2008 3:05 PM EDT reply actions

Tito’s value skyrocketed last night.

I suspect the ratings are going to come in good. Nearly every bar I walked by had it on.

by Michael Rome on Jun 1, 2008 3:31 PM EDT reply actions

Despite my misgivings about last night, I hope the ratings are good. It would only bode better for the UFC getting a good network deal.

by pud333 on Jun 1, 2008 4:05 PM EDT reply actions

Too lazy to look it up

Isn’t Tito’s medical suspension for 6 months? He can’t save them any time soon.

Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ.

by jemaleddin on Jun 1, 2008 5:02 PM EDT reply actions

He also...

can’t negotiate for 6 months from his last fight. So it’ll be 6 months before EXC can even TALK to him about coming in. If they talk to him any sooner the UFC can sue them easily.

Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.

"The reason a lot of people do not recognize opportunity is because it usually goes around wearing overalls and looking like hard work." -- Thomas Edison

by Brent Brookhouse on Jun 1, 2008 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions

that's a bullshit clause

I really hate the way the UFC screws their fighters with the clauses and options at the end.

by Nate Wilcox on Jun 1, 2008 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions

oh come on… Cut it with the whole evil Dana act. Non compete clauses like that are standard operating procedure in many contracts in many type of fields.

by dt3 on Jun 1, 2008 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Maybe

But asking them to sign away their ancillary is totally against standard practice. Yes, their product kills EXC’s and Dana White knows better than just about anyone when it comes to promoting MMA, but bullshit clauses are bullshit clauses.

by Luke Thomas on Jun 1, 2008 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ve never understood complaining about contracts other parties have agreed to. If somebody wants to sign away all their rights, that’s on them. They made that decision and I don’t see the point in getting worked up about it on their behalf. If you don’t want to sign a contract, you don’t have to. One might argue that they don’t have a choice because it’s the best deal available to them, but that’s not the fault of the other party involved. That’s their own fault for not having a skill set (or what-have-you) to negotiate a better deal.

Intentional Blog on Balls

by Richard Wade on Jun 2, 2008 1:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Or

One could argue that they aren’t signing away their rights: they’re being paid for them by the terms of the contract: “You don’t get direct compensation for likeness rights, but your fight pay is X% more because we keep that cash.” Besides, for almost everyone in MMA, there’s hardly any money to be made that way. And those few guys who can make a sizable amount off of such things are already making pretty good money.

Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ.

by jemaleddin on Jun 2, 2008 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions