I agree with Brent’s comments for the most part, but you also have to factor in their audience. Based on the late EXC show, a lot of new people were watching the sport – people who considered Kimbo Slice a star.

In that sense, I don’t think that its relevant criticism (though it might be fair) to say this fell flat compared to UFN or Affliction.

The CYBORG fight was incredible and had everyone in the room (2 males MMA fans and 2 females annoyed that what we watching MMA again) wondering what she’d do to Gina Carano’s pretty face. That match is already sold of they can book it.

I thought it was a great showing by EXC – a lot of an action for 2 hours.

I wonder if they were depending on the internet and press to advertise for them, ie Affliction.

I would imagine they spent a lot of money on advertising the first show.

Other than the gate, and sponsorship, how does an org get paid if it is on regular cable. Is there a fixed amount the CBS coughs up for it? If so, wouldn’t CBS want to pump the show more to get more viewership, therefore higher prices on commercials?

Fourth best in the US or overall?

I thought it was a great show. And I’m the one who bashes everyone except the UFC. Jake Shields is a top 3 welterweight, Lawler a top 5 middleweigt, Nick Diaz who always entertains, and a ruthless female fight. I thought it was 100x better than the last.

hmmm

-no having to look at repulsive gary shaw
-no boring fights
-no fights going to decision
-no eye pokes or anything of that sort ruining a fight
-no early stoppages or fighters complaining of early stoppage
-no kimbo and having to hear about how hes the greatest heavyweight ever
-3 exciting fights plus one cool one minute clinic by shields

What is there to complain about again? Their last event seemed like it was making a spectacle of my favorite sport and i found it annoying. This one seemed like 4 straight up mma fights. I would much prefer the latter. Although it did help that this time i used dvr and tuned in late so i could fastforward through all the crap besides the fights.

And on an unrelated note, that was my first time seeing Cris Cyborg and i am now a big fan.

The show was B-level, but it was also pretty entertaining, and a big improvement over the first one.

I hate the spectacle aspect that Gary Shaw brings. Last night was a good show. What Gary Shaw did provide, that last night’s event lacked, was buzz. Every promotion has to have decent marketing. Most people aren’t going to seek out an MMA event on TV. EXC needs more than just the people frequenting MMA blogs to survive.

I’m not advocating changing the sport for the general public. That would be a travesty, but the promotion should try to get people excited. They seemed to throw in the towel without Gina and Kimbo available. EXC really needs to build up some of their other fighters – i.e. Jake Shields and Robbie Lawler.

Early reports have the ratings being about half the first show.

Around 2.6 million.