UFC 107: Penn vs Sanchez Fan Buzz

by GregS123 on Dec 8, 2009 12:01 PM EST

Original version:

http://www.tapology.com/2009/12/ufc-107-penn-vs-sanchez-fan-buzz/

UFC lightweight champion BJ Penn takes on season 1 winner of The Ultimate Fighter reality show, Diego Sanchez, in the main event of Saturday night’s UFC 107 show. While the bout is highly compelling in its clash of styles and big personalities, the fan buzz rankings show that most casual viewers of the sport do not yet know of BJ Penn as a household name. Though Penn is one of the top pound-for-pound MMA fighters in the world he is currently only 31st in the buzz rankings. Diego Sanchez is ranked slightly higher, likely due to the lasting appeal and recognition generated from his days on Spike TV. While the card may deliver an excellent night of action for the fans, the UFC may need to temper any expectations for a blockbuster night along the lines of UFC 101 when Penn last fought.

The buzz rankings take into account the level of activity for people searching and reading about each MMA fighter online. The more online buzz, the greater the ranking.

Interestingly, UFC 107 participants BJ Penn, Diego Sanchez, and Frank Mir all peaked at one point in the past year at 5th in the buzz rankings. Penn’s peak came in January during the lead-up to his bout against Georges St. Pierre, Mir’s was in July surrounding his mega-bout with Brock Lesnar, and Sanchez reached 5th when he competed against Joe Stevenson in London, England.

The average peak rank for the main and co-main event fighters is 11, which is a respectable if not stunning level of star power. The current average rankings, now that these fighters have each been inactive for several months, is 40.

Fighter	Latest Buzz Rank	Peak Buzz Rank	Peak Month
Diego Sanchez	29	5	Feb 2009
BJ Penn	31	5	Jan 2009
Frank Mir	33	5	Jul 2009
Cheick Kongo	66	29	Apr 2009
Average	40	11

Tapology’s buzz rankings are a measure of fan interest and activity. Tapology uses data from Compete Inc to measure the level of internet users checking out over 800 of the biggest names in MMA. Activity is aggregated across multiple websites and represents United States fans only.

The FanPosts are solely the subjective opinions of Bloody Elbow readers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bloody Elbow editors or staff.

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Comments

I think this card will say a lot about BJ Penn’s ability to sell a card all on his own. He’s had the advantage of being paired against GSP or riding the surge of UFC 100 in the past.

I’m curious to see how he does as the main event without a proven draw helping him out.

by Andy R on Dec 8, 2009 7:13 PM EST reply actions