Bloody Elbow Exclusive: MMA Live Will Be at UFC 94
by Michael Rome on Jan 15, 2009 6:32 PM EST
in MMA News
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Jon Anik confirmed to Bloody Elbow this afternoon that MMA Live will be live at UFC 94. It's safe to say that this show will get a lot of ESPN coverage the week of the fight, which is a very big deal for the sport.
In the past, only Chuck Liddell, Brock Lesnar, and Kimbo Slice have received major ESPN coverage for their fights. As a result, many questioned whether ESPN was interested in the sport or just interested in big names. The fact that they are going to give big coverage to BJ Penn vs. Georges St. Pierre is a very big deal.
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I don’t think this really changes anything so far as ESPN being interested in the sport vs them being interested only in big names. When they are live at Kang vs Hendo or something like that it will be news.
Gimme 1 Round!
It’s a big deal. Neither of these guys has ever been covered on ESPN before. They’re still only going to cover the big fights, but this isn’t Kimbo Slice.
by Michael Rome on Jan 15, 2009 6:58 PM EST up reply actions
Thats great
As long as they don’t spend 25-30 minutes with their huge spotlights on while the under card fights are going on.
Awesome!
Just wish ESPN would WAKE UP ALREADY and put this on TV! Kick it off with UFC 94!
“Do it, Do it.”
I see
So what your saying is….when they replace Franklin? :P
by xFenixKnightx on Jan 15, 2009 7:56 PM EST up reply actions
If ESPN does cover 94, it will be the first time they cover true well-rounded mixed martial artists.
Randy Couture was in the main event at 91.
Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken
by Richard Wade on Jan 15, 2009 10:27 PM EST up reply actions
Fair enough.
Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken
by Richard Wade on Jan 15, 2009 10:45 PM EST up reply actions
In the past, only Chuck Liddell, Brock Lesnar, and Kimbo Slice have received major ESPN coverage for their fights. As a result, many questioned whether ESPN was interested in the sport or just interested in big names. The fact that they are going to give big coverage to BJ Penn vs. Georges St. Pierre is a very big deal.
Look, I know St. Pierre and Penn aren’t of the caliber of a Lesnar or a Kimbo as far as name recognition, but to imply that they aren’t big names seems like it’s going to far in the opposite direction. It’s not like this is a fight between Bobby Southworth and Anthony Ruiz.
There’s a reason Dana White has said this will be the biggest UFC event of all time from day one, and it’s not just because of UFC Primetime, and it’s not just because he’s a promoter. These two, St. Pierre in particular, are among the bigger draws in the sport. It seems natural for a match between the two with as much on the line would get more mainstream notice, but the fact that St. Pierre, a star in his own right, is in there with Penn, a guy who can do a little self promotion himself, doesn’t necessarily indicate that ESPN or anyone else is fascinated by the sporting aspect of MMA just yet.
Now, if they go to Montreal to cover Anderson Silva against Thales Leites, well, that will be a pretty big deal in terms of how MMA (or, more accurately, UFC) is covered by ESPN.
"BJ on the BE" - Kierkegaard
ESPN completely ignored UFC 92. As well as basically every other show with star power last year besides UFC 91. Just last year this same fight would have been ignored.
by Michael Rome on Jan 15, 2009 10:00 PM EST up reply actions
It blows my mind how ESPN could ignore 92 but cover Couture/Lesnar like there is no tomorrow. I actually find it insulting. I think the only reason they covered Couture/Lesnar was because of Lesnar.
Partially, but also Couture. Don’t forget that there was a some ESPN hype to UFC 74, principally because of Couture/Gonzaga.
by Rundownloser on Jan 15, 2009 10:18 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, ESPN talked about it. They also put Chuck in a magazine. They also covered when Randy retired and threw the UFC under the bus for the way it treats and pays their fighters. But did they ever show up to an actual event outside of 91?
I was only disputing the notion that the only reason that they covered UFC 91 was Lesnar.
by Rundownloser on Jan 15, 2009 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
I Think...
“completely” ignored is a bit strong. They did have the results on the ESPN ticker at the bottom of the screen for the last 4 or 5 UFC events. Let’s be honest. If ESPN bought into the UFC hype machine, they would be covering every event like it was the Super Bowl. They should pick and choose their battles, and I think ESPN is doing a fine job of gradually bringing along new fans.
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