CBS + EliteXC = a Good Show

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After watching the latest edition of Saturday Night Fights one thing really stuck out to me. CBS and EliteXC are really improving the quality of their telecast specifically with the announcing.

We got word when Gary Shaw was demoted that CBS would exert greater control in EliteXC. This control manifests itself directly in the announcing staff. In the former CBS announcer Gus Johnson, they have the best play-by-play announcer right now in MMA, sorry Mike Goldberg. Former Pride announcer, Mauro Ranallo creates a nice fusion with Johnson spicing up the play-by-play, for instance last night he threw in a funny Brett Farve metaphor. Johnson and Ranallo compliment each other very well making a quality announcing duo.

Frank Shamrock fills the jock color commentator role nicely. While Frank looks like a beat-to-hell fighter he does give some real tactical insight. Compare his tactical analysis to Joe Rogan’s “He has crazy power” or “he throws from crazy angles” and my personal favorite “he has world class Jiu Jitsu” or “wrestling” or “stand up” or “sexual prowress”. A ton of credit should be given to EliteXC and CBS on having Shamrock explain and teach aspects of Mixed Martial Arts in its own segment. Extremely appropriate for free television fight cards (has any other promotion done this?).

The introduction of the ‘sideline’ reporter Karyn Bryant (really she is backstage reporter) gives the feeling of a traditional sporting event. Since she has done some boxing reporting she really understands the fight game and asks appropriate questions. Plus Bryant looks good on the job, get ready to move over Erin Andrews. 

CBS also gave their announcing team clear talking points in order to legitimize MMA. Several times they talked about respect between fighters, how classy fighters are, as well as debunking brawling or bar fighting myths surrounding MMA. CBS’ promos and interludes were much fresher than the standard guy in the water spray shadow boxing. Also did you notice that they didn’t show the dance/ring girls that often.

While these improvements really gave a clean feeling to the presentation there were several areas they came up short. The ramp entrances just looked tacky and cheap. Either go all out and have pyrotechnics and WWE style entrances or go the boxing/UFC route. Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano being mentioned often. While not as bad as Brady Quinn’s sister back when Notre Dame played Ohio State, they did mention these fighters once too often. Their interviews went well though (props to Kimbo he got some interview coaching) and set up the Cyborg-Carano fight.

Overall CBS should be proud of the product put on last night. The UFC and Zuffa should take notice to the overall approach of introducing the networks media teams. Clearly these are the best in the industry and it comes through in the production. Perhaps the UFC should not be so insistent on complete control.