Rumor: WEC / UFC Merger In Early 2010
by Brent Brookhouse on Nov 15, 2009 4:44 PM EST
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Tatame is reporting that they have been told that the WEC will be merging with the UFC early in 2010:
Biggest MMA event of the planet, UFC has plans even bigger to 2010. Sources close to WEC informed TATAME.com that the UFC will add new weights categories on the next year, bringing athletes with contract with WEC, that was bought by Zuffa – same organization that commands the UFC – in 2006.
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On the next Wednesday, WEC 44 will define the featherweight champion on the fight between Mike Brown and José Aldo, what could, joining the events, define who would become the first UFC featherweight champion. Besides that, WEC has two more shows scheduled until January 2010.
We've been hearing rumors of the pending merger for months now. Clearly at this point it is still a rumor but it is entirely possible that all the trouble with injuries has forced the UFC's hand. Knowing that you'll have entire weight classes full of potential fights is likely very appealing when the promotion seems to lose another bout every other day.
We'll continue to monitor the situation and will try to get confirmation of the story.
Update: Heavy.com spoke to the WEC's PR Director who said that there is no truth to the rumors of a merger. I would say it could remain a possibility for the UFC to bring in fighters from the WEC to start two new divisions in the promotion while keeping the WEC around but at this point that is mere speculation on my part.
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And fights on TV that everyone can actually see
Thanks for NOTHING, Comcast.
"I would approve signing a pitcher that ate kitten tacos if he won 20 games a year." -BPinOK
God I hope this happens
my heart jumped a little when I read the headline
by Shaun32887 on Nov 15, 2009 4:51 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Please be true
These dudes are not getting paid NEARLY enough. Manny Gamburyan earned more at WEC 41 than Brown, Faber, Aldo or Cerrone, just for retaining the pay from his UFC days.
That is MESSED, and hopefully we see a merger and pay for these athletes commesurate with the show they put on.
That’s just Manny being Manny.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
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by Mike Fagan on Nov 15, 2009 4:55 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
great Yahoo headline last night!
A true MMA fan from the great state of Arkansas.
by MMArazorback on Nov 15, 2009 5:00 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t get this argument- they are paid equal to the amount their promotion earns. If there were hundreds of thousands of people willing to buy WEC PPV’s then these guys would be earning a lot more but there isn’t. That isn’t Zuffa’s fault and they aren’t running the WEC to lose money on it.
by ufc4 on Nov 15, 2009 5:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The standard WEC card is usually more fun than the ones we pay 55 bucks for. It’s a question of exposure and marketing, not the quality of the fighters.
"an excellent example of why most MMA "journalism" is a joke. Pseudonyms like "toxic" and shitty writing like that dopey article"--- Joe Rogan.
I’m not arguing that, but again, that’s not Zuffa’s fault. I’m sure they’d love to get 5 million people to watch them on NBC but that’s just not gonna happen.
by ufc4 on Nov 15, 2009 6:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Ya Zuffa should pay them even less maybe they could even get the fighters to pay them money for the privilege of being in there show.
Nobody made these guys be pro fighters. I’m glad that they are but they should have known going into it that it wasn’t going to make them multi-millionaires overnight.
by ufc4 on Nov 16, 2009 2:36 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Titles
Let’s say this happens. Do Brown and Bowles (assuming no title changes) come over as UFC Champions, or do you think they’ll have to fight for newly created title belts?
I would THINK...
that they’d just bring them in as champs. With the other weight classes they couldn’t do it since there were already promotional champions. It would be unnecessary to make them fight to earn a title they’ve already earned. But whatever
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by Brent Brookhouse on Nov 15, 2009 5:16 PM EST up reply actions
Why did that rumor excite you so much?
by ufc4 on Nov 16, 2009 2:38 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
C’mon, the UFC and WEC coming together, if that’s not exciting to you then you’re on the wrong new site.
by casey manrique on Nov 16, 2009 9:08 AM EST up reply actions
“news site”. Agghh—I ruined the misdirect.
by casey manrique on Nov 16, 2009 9:14 AM EST up reply actions
If true I think it was probably influenced more by Vs not being on Directv than UFC headliners getting sick
I thin it would be influenced
by the streamlining of two organizations into one, with the UFC simply absorbing two more weight classes. They’d be able to shed office payroll, they wouldn’t carry as many fighters at those weights, an simply using their own infrastructure would save $$$. They’d basically still be able to do what they’re doing, just taking fewer people to do it.
"I would approve signing a pitcher that ate kitten tacos if he won 20 games a year." -BPinOK
this is great news for the headliners but i got to expect not everybody will make the cut. Lot of jobs lost here.
"Frank Mir had a horseshoe up his ass. I told him a year ago. I pulled it out of him and I beat him over the head with it." Brock Lesnar
so a feeder league then? would be nice, if they have enough talent in those divisions to pull it off. would they add the heavier weights back in then?
This is what I want and expect
They wouldn’t have to release fighters; they could add an additional provision in the contracts that say they could be demoted to the WEC to regain equity. Guys like Jason McDonald, Leites, McCrory, Indio..
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
I have no clue what will ultimately happen… The “WEC” brand might even be changed to a UFC derivative.
The main thing left to iron out is comcast. Comcast needs a viable property on versus to remain happy. (comcast is taking over NBC i believe starting next week or so and their busy bee’s).
So brand name, fighters, concept are all on the table.
If I had my way, I only see another league being successful in this space is one based on format… namely tournaments. If you can get the consumer to buy into the format then the fighters dont matter as much (people dont watch football, NBA, etc… because of a certain player but because they’ve bought into the format) I believe this can work in MMA as a TV product (weekday product ala tuesday night fights).
Tournaments with named fighters who couldnt make it in the UFC mixed with hot new prospects is key… This way Zuffa can recycle the equity created promoting those fighters who couldn’t make it into creating new ones with more equity.
The name could be “The UFC Gauntlet” or whatever. I dont see any need to keep the wec name. UFC is not exclusive with Spike regarding live shows.
The only problem with the tournament format I see is timing and keeping the viewer caught up and engaged all the way to the finals. Tournaments work on TUF because they are taped and then aired every week and still people forget about the participants so there needs to be lots of “engagement” tools. Lots of new media web 2.0 type of shit. Fantasy games, etc…
I was working on a fanpost to suggest a tournament format series to replace TUF this very minute, incorporating newcomers, WEC fighter, and name fighters on a downward slope. Hmm…
by John Nash on Nov 15, 2009 6:49 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I don’t really imagine it would. But Personally, I am just tired of it.
by John Nash on Nov 15, 2009 7:05 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I don’t really imagine it would. Personally, I am just tired of it.
by John Nash on Nov 15, 2009 7:05 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Why?
Why merge if not a consolidation of offices, operations, etc? All they need are the belts, the logo and the stationery. UFC has the personnel they need to operate WEC, maybe a few more on staff, but I can’t imagine they can’t handle the workload without absobirng all the headcount in the offices and crews of WEC.
Otherwise, what purpose does a merger serve? Not to sound cold-blooded about peoples’ jobs, but this is a perfect opportunity to streamline Zuffa’s operations.
"I would approve signing a pitcher that ate kitten tacos if he won 20 games a year." -BPinOK
I hope this happens, it is about time the lower weight division got their big spotlight.
It just seems the higher in weight you go, the more boring it is. Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely exciting heavyweights and light heavies, etc. but featherweights are almost always moving, moving, moving and keeping things interesting.
frank mir is gonna be one sad panda...
if torres moves to the ufc.
by woooburn on Nov 15, 2009 5:48 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Tis inevitable…
UFC needed at least 2 more weight classes months ago… There’s shit happening and opportunities on the table where it’s logistically impossible at the moment to implement.
Different permutations of the WEC (promises that were made to Harris):
First:
“You will be the new pride going head to head with the UFC and there will be mega cards put together champ vs champ, yada, yada, yada… major ppv’s… yada, yada, yada”
Then:
“You will be the premiere league for the lightweights”
And Finally:
“oh fuck it… It’s about time you realize you’re the red headed step child so get with the damn program”.
It's not true
I love this story. It’s the story that never goes away, despite being denied time and time again. The WEC doesn’t have cards planned through January, they have cards planned through August. There is zero truth to the merger rumors (again), and we have confirmation from the WEC.
http://heavy.com/post/wec-no-truth-to-ufcwec-merger-reports-1638
It also wouldn’t be the first time this story has cropped up, only to be shot down as rumor. I can literally count six times off the top of my head over the past year that the merger story has come up.
Them denying it won't guarantee it isn't true..
And “planned” shows doesn’t make it untrue either.. They’d still be putting on shows if their top guys go to the WEC right?
And don’t get me wrong, the rumor may turn out to be untrue, but them denying it or planning other shows does automatically mean there is “zero truth to the rumor”
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by Anton Tabuena on Nov 15, 2009 6:28 PM EST up reply actions
The rumor is untrue.
I mean, people will believe what they want. But this is the very same story that hit the rumor circuit in September. It all stems from a comment Dana White made where he said that they were “looking into” a merger of the UFC and WEC, but people seem to forget that Dana came out afterwards and clarified, saying that he was talking about business and marketing aspects of the company and not the rosters.
It’s definitely fun to speculate on what could potentially happen with a merger. I get it. I just can’t believe that everyone is so quick to grant any semblance of credibility to this story, especially when it’s been confirmed as nothing more than a rumor many times in the past.
Newsflash:
WEC operations wont cease until all the plans are finalized.
by mmalogic on Nov 15, 2009 6:34 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I hope you're wrong. :)
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Due to the Questionable decision: "The only thing Fishbob does consistently is dissapoint."
by Anton Tabuena on Nov 15, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Believe me, I’d love to see the UFC and WEC merge. I think it makes sense on a lot of levels, most notably that it would be easier to get out of situations like they one they currently find themselves in with the injury plague.
But I’ve talked to people who actually work for both companies, and it’s not something that is in the works.
Jeremy Botter
Heavy.com
Lead Staff Writer
It doesn’t matter who you talked to… that merger… it’s happening.
It makes so much sense on so many different levels. They’ll deny it until they sort everything out, but it’s happening. There are so many sources throwing out their two cents, but none of that really matters. It really comes down to what’s the best thing for the 135 and 145 lb. divisions, and merging is the best idea. It really is a question of how and when.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Nov 16, 2009 9:37 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, because the fact that it makes sense means that we can throw out confirmations that it isn’t happening from Reed Harris, Dave Sholler and Dana White. Also means that we can overlook the competing television contracts, right?
Like I said, people can believe what they want. But I’ve heard directly from both Dana White AND Reed Harris (multiple times) that there is no merger happening.
Heavy.com -- Lead Staff Writer
Why would Reed Harris, Dana White, or Dave Sholler confirm anything at this point when it’s probably in the very early stages of planning or might not even have been meticulously talked about? Why is there this idea that people have to confirm it for it to have legs?
If you are trying to deny the rumor that IT IS FOR SURE happening, okay. Understandable.
The television deal isn’t concrete either. For all we know, there are loopholes for Zuffa to exploit.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Nov 16, 2009 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, we were trying to shoot down the Tatame story. Not saying it will never, ever happen, because nobody can say that for sure. But I am also saying that it’s not in the planning or discussion stages and that WEC is still actively planning shows for 2010 and beyond right now.
Heavy.com -- Lead Staff Writer
UFC housing the best 135lbers and 145lbers is dun datta… it’s only a question of how and when.
by mmalogic on Nov 15, 2009 6:42 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
How do you know?
Please tell me which front office you work in? WEC or UFC? Those are the only people who know.
Well, the people who work in both front offices (UFC and WEC) have told me directly and repeatedly that there is no merger deal even in the planning stages at this point. I find it funny that all parties involved can deny the story every single yet, but there are STILL people who say they are wrong and the deal is happening.
Heavy.com -- Lead Staff Writer
Thank you.
Your comment now carries a lot more weight. Hard to determine who is informed vs people spewwing crap.
http://www.heavy.com/post/wec-no-truth-to-ufcwec-merger-reports-1638
Not happening. They aren’t “merging” while both have competing deals with rival TV networks.
by Jonathan Snowden on Nov 15, 2009 6:55 PM EST reply actions
Updated with the news from Heavy...
but as I pointed out it doesn’t prevent Zuffa from moving over WEC fighters to establish new weight classes while keeping the WEC around.
but…that’s just me speculating on how the Tatame thing could be legitimate while also meshing with the statement Heavy got
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by Brent Brookhouse on Nov 15, 2009 7:02 PM EST up reply actions
this is pure speculation….
i wonder if versus’ deal with the wec specifically mentions that that can’t happen. i wouldn’t be surprised to see specific names like faber and torres in a contract that says that they couldn’t automatically be tranfered to the ufc
all the ww’s, mw’s and lhw’s were transferred over… anything can be done as long as comcast is happy. They have a vested interest in UFC’s success.
The world would be such a better place
is we all collectively could tell Comcast to go screw themselves.
"I would approve signing a pitcher that ate kitten tacos if he won 20 games a year." -BPinOK
google: “ufc wec merger” you’ll see heavy.com is nowhere to be found on the first page (money spots are 1-3 as they get 80% of the clicks)
Now search for “wec’s pr director” heavy.com is at number 2 or 3 (that’s the anchor Brent used in linking out to the story).
The difference? people are more likely to search for one term than the other.
This heavy.com piece has unique, original and quality content that deserves to be in the 1-3 spot for the most relevant search term… but it’s not because you guys are still fucking up the anchor text. Yeah you’ll still get blog readers and forum surfers but they dont make money. They dont click on ads and banners – they just read content.
Search traffic is over 10 times more valuable. Google wants relevant results… anchor properly and you’ll make more money and improve google’s results. Everyone’s happy.
Do this enough and you’ll have topical authority where every new piece will automatically rank high for relevant terms regardless of the anchors used (once you have topical authority google will place more weight on the page text of the article and internal site links to rank it appropriately then you dont have to worry about it).
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