Six Stories That Will Steal UFC 100's Media Thunder
by Kid Nate on Jul 6, 2009 3:55 PM EDT
in News
50 comments
Zak Woods breaks it down:
Steve McNair - The tragic, and still unclear, death of former NFL quarterback, Steve McNair, will be the story for the foreseeable future. I am sure many of you are familiar with the basic details surrounding his untimely death but for those that don't like nor follow American football here is a brief summary of the story. Steve McNair was found dead with his twenty year old girlfriend (McNair is married). ...
Manny Ramirez - If the "Manny being Manny" phrase was beaten to death before he was suspended for steroids prepare yourself for a whole new circus. ...
Tennis - With Wimbledon ending on Sunday there are multiple story-lines that will eat up the mainstream media's attention for several days. ...MLB All-Star Game - The game is set for the 13th and the rosters have been announced but that doesn't mean there won't be plenty to talk about. ...
Free Agency - The NBA and NHL free agency period began several weeks ago and the major moves should be winding down. However there is always the possibility of a monkey wrench being thrown into the machinery. ...
Brett Farve [sic] - This is the wild card story of the week. ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio thinks that an announcement is coming one way or the other by July 13th, a deadline that is two days before [sic] UFC 100. ...
He's got more analysis on each topic at Watch Kalib Run.
As Zach Krantz wrote last week:
People forget that the UFC is only 16 years old and the unified rules were codified in 2000. Stars that can cross over such as Lesnar, St. Pierre, and Carano will help gain notoriety, but there will be more of them to come. We are currently in the infancy of Mixed Martial Arts and have a long road ahead of us before we can achieve mainstream success.
The enormous success of Mixed Martial Arts and more importantly the continued growth of the UFC have happened at such a rapid pace that we the fans expect instant acceptance. Despite what baseball purists might say the NFL has become THE sport in the United States. Professional football was established in 1920 and the merger happened in the late 60s (started in1966 and fully merged in 1970). It was not until baseball's strike in the early 90s when football began to take over mainstream media with the Cowboy teams becoming celebrities. These things take time and MMA is moving at an incredible pace. The fact that we receive any mainstream attention after nine years is remarkable.
We might have to wait a generation before we become a major player. A major reason baseball has its storied history and tradition is because so many grew up on the game. Their dad, their dad's dad, and generations before always went to the ballpark. It will be the next generation who grows up during the growth of MMA that can push it to the next level. We will obviously be farther along by then, but that is how we establish long term significance. Passing along our passion and knowledge through generations can keep MMA around for the long run. In the mean time we need to relax and appreciate the immeasurable growth we have achieved in such a short period of time. I am anxious to see the attention received over the next week and leading up to August 15th, but if we receive any at all that will be outstanding. It may take time, but MMA can become part of people sport conscious in time. We the fans just need to be patient.
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Goldberg on Zak Woods: “His analysis is so analytical.”
:P
Fans: FEDOR! FEDOR! FEDOR!
Goldie: The crowd seems to be chanting "Kongo" here, Joe.
by xFenixKnightx on Jul 6, 2009 3:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Travis Lutter is the Michael Jordan of BJJ.
Andy Reid is the only coach in NFL history that uses the pass to set up the pass.
by SSreporters on Jul 6, 2009 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not into any sport other than MMA, so I don’t know anything about those 6 points…. but I’m sure I’m a minority. =)
by Nick Thomas on Jul 6, 2009 3:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m in Nashville, so there is no mention of anything except Steve’s untimely death.
by mjw2e on Jul 6, 2009 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So things that happened before UFC 100 & after
are going to affect viewership? This is fucking retarded & really not even worth commenting on. There will be no shortage of viewers for this PPV & none of these items are going to stop anyone who was thinking of purchasing the event from doing so.
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
by dnevil001 on Jul 6, 2009 4:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
no
he’s not talking about viewership of the PPV. He’s talking about coverage of the event by the mainstream sports media.
Different things.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Kid Nate on Jul 6, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even still,
the events listed in this post are not going to change the coverage my mainstream media either. The same media outlets that were going to cover UFC 100 will still do so with the same amount of coverage. Sure there will still be some people talking about the death of McNair and some of the others listed here, but that is not going to take away from the event coverage itself. ESPN or whoever, is still going to give the same amount of coverage (granted probably not a lot) but it will definitely not be less because of the All Star game or Manny who will have already been back for more than a week.
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
by dnevil001 on Jul 7, 2009 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
woo I didn’t say viewership.
I am talking about how much play UFC 100 gets in the MSM
watchkalibrun.com
by Zak Woods on Jul 6, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Try again. McNair is the only story listed here that deserves mention.
Manny is already back. That was last weekend’s story.
Wimbledon will be off the radar by tomorrow.
MLB All-Stars were announced. There’s nothing left to say about the All-Star game again until the break starts, which is after UFC 100.
Free agency and Favre will only be a big deal if there is absolute blockbuster news.
by andherewego on Jul 6, 2009 4:08 PM EDT reply actions 5 recs
Agree with all.
Fans: FEDOR! FEDOR! FEDOR!
Goldie: The crowd seems to be chanting "Kongo" here, Joe.
by xFenixKnightx on Jul 6, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed...
…McNair is the only timely story that will steal “media thunder”, but it sure is a huge story which is only going to grow as more information is discovered and revealed……listing Wimbledon is laughable, and this is from someone who watched nearly every point of the Final (I know, I know)……
by NeilLomaxFan on Jul 6, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not a huge Tennis fan but damn I wanted to see both Women and Mens Finals. Didn’t realize they were on that early. :( By the time my hungover ass woke up Sat and Sun morning they were both over.
Fans: FEDOR! FEDOR! FEDOR!
Goldie: The crowd seems to be chanting "Kongo" here, Joe.
by xFenixKnightx on Jul 6, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I categorically disagree.
Think of it as opportunity costs. Every minute that the MSM can spend talking about some other than MMA they usually do. It is only with a concerted push by Zuffa or the lack of fodder do they begin to mention us. Usually these things coincide
But the MLB All-Star storylines are advanced each day we draw closer to the All-Star gam
watchkalibrun.com
by Zak Woods on Jul 6, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is always more than one thing going on in sports at any given time. Simply listing other things happening is grasping at straws. Especially when most of them are old news and about to drop off the map. You swung and you missed, dude. Move on.
by andherewego on Jul 6, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to wonder how much public relations or press experience you have
Anyone who’s ever pitched stories to the press knows that there are news windows and sometimes they’re full and sometimes they’re empty.
The more crowded a news window the less likely a random story - like UFC 100 — is to break through in a big way.
For all the bitching and whining of MMA fans when ever the topic is raised, I’m more convinced than ever that Gina vs Cyborg will get much more press attention in the MSM than UFC 100.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Kid Nate on Jul 6, 2009 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yup, there are news windows, and with NBA, NHL, NFL, and college sports all out of season, and most of the marquee free agents signed, UFC actually has more space in that window than it does at any other time of the year. So even by that definition, Zak’s post fails. But you’ll no doubt attempt to move the goalposts again …
by andherewego on Jul 6, 2009 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Zak's post acknowledges what a great time UFC 100 is happening
I think I cut that part out, he’s just pointing out that its not a 100% clear window.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Kid Nate on Jul 6, 2009 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is a serious difference between what goes on in traditional media outlets (which is what my post was about) and what happens within the MMA online community
watchkalibrun.com
by Zak Woods on Jul 6, 2009 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow a manny story on the main page of ESPN http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4312365
watchkalibrun.com
by Zak Woods on Jul 7, 2009 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So I can tell you that Wimbledon (Roddick vs Federer and Serena vs Venus [two of the best tennis matches EVER]), Manny Ramirez Back With the Dodgers, Ron Artest Signed To Lakers, Shaq Signs With Cavs and Joins LeBron, Air McNair’s death, and Pretty Boy and Pac Man have been getting all the headlines for the past month up until now. Haven’t heard anything about UFC 100 yet and it is only a few days away. It seriously feels like it is still a few weeks away, if not more.
Those things have already happened. What will still be on going is the NBA free agency, McNairs death, boxing, and the MLB All Star game around UFC 100.
by MMASuPreMaCy on Jul 6, 2009 4:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
also...
…two errors in WKR article…MLB all-star game is July 14, and the supposed Favre deadline is two days after UFC 100, not before….
by NeilLomaxFan on Jul 6, 2009 4:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
mi culpa on the All-Star date got in confused with the Home Run Derby date.
watchkalibrun.com
by Zak Woods on Jul 6, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This card will probably be the most purchased MMA card in history, smack dab in the middle of a horrific recession.
by subo on Jul 6, 2009 5:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
this is true but not relevant
there’s no evidence that MSM coverage sells UFC PPVs or that the lack of it hurts UFC PPV sales. We’re trying to analyze the media’s coverage of MMA and the UFC, not predict sales figures for the PPV.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Kid Nate on Jul 6, 2009 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed Subo, but that’s not what I was trying to get at.
On WKR I have been trying to break down how successful UFC 100 will be with regards to MSM coverage. Not how many of us will buy the card
watchkalibrun.com
by Zak Woods on Jul 6, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only
other sport I follow is baseball. I can watch 400 games a year. The only thing I would miss a UFC event for is the World Series and that is only if my team is playing. Baseball is a daily game, the UFC are monthly events. Events > daily game.
MMA and tennis fans are not the same demographic. Period.
McNair while tragic, it will not cause people to tune out UFC 100.
Mike and Mike this morning mentioned McNairs death but then interview Randy for several minutes. ESPN is king of “what is happening now”.
PS People in baseball could care a less about Manny.
by Riney on Jul 6, 2009 5:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
again
missing the point.
This isn’t about how many PPVs UFC 100 sells. MSM coverage has almost nothing to do with that. Look at all the coverage Chuck vs Rampage got at UFC 71 — they were expecting to break the record of Chuck vs Tito II based on that but they didn’t even come close.
That’s not what Zak’s talking about.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Kid Nate on Jul 6, 2009 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks for the assist Nate.
I would suggest that everyone reads some of the stories on WKR dealing with this.
watchkalibrun.com
by Zak Woods on Jul 6, 2009 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
provide links
& headlines.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Kid Nate on Jul 6, 2009 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Vancouver Canucks signed Raycroft…
HAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The improved communication technologies of today are driving MMA growth.
Keep firing Assholes!
Out out, you demons of stupidity!
by Ubernoober on Jul 6, 2009 5:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
and Talbot has to have surgery! NO PENS!!!!!!!!!
watchkalibrun.com
by Zak Woods on Jul 6, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think I should of made some distinctions based on everyone’s comments.
There are leading and trailing coverage. When it comes to leading coverage the way to tell how significant an event is is to observe the coverage at least one week leading into the event. The second part is to pay attention to the legs of an event after it ends. The list I made deals with both the leading and the trailing stories.
watchkalibrun.com
by Zak Woods on Jul 6, 2009 6:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree with Zak to an extent, though I’m not sure these stories in particular will be a problem (Steve McNair excluded). Outside of certain spurts (Rampage/Liddell and Couture/Lesnar come to mind), the MSM hasn’t really done anything to cover MMA or the UFC. Granted I’m slightly surprised that we haven’t seen much about UFC 100 (or at least I think we haven’t, I haven’t been watching much television the past week).
In other words, if it wasn’t the stories above, there would be other stories. One that Zak missed is Lance Armstrong and the Tour de France, for instance.
At the same time, I went out following UFC 99 and ESPN had the results (and not just the main event) on the ticker. Things are progressing, if at a snail’s pace.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Jul 6, 2009 6:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This is the first time I have seen the PPV advertised in the mail where I live.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on Jul 6, 2009 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ahem.
“Outside of certain spurts (Rampage/Liddell and Couture/Lesnar come to mind), the MSM hasn’t really done anything to cover MMA or the UFC.”
sighs
Sergio Non,
MMA writer, USA TODAY
http://mma.usatoday.com
by Sergio Non on Jul 6, 2009 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don’t count as MSM, you are hardcore enough to post on blogs about MMA. Which makes you better than MSM =)
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on Jul 7, 2009 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m hardcore, too. I’ve even been training. I’ve been advised to start by practicing my tapouts.
by Beau Dure on Jul 7, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't forget the Tour de France
Friday’s Stage 7 is this year’s first mountain stage with a summit finish — one of Lance Armstrong’s specialties. If he’s in yellow at the end of the day, or close to it, that’s the top story of the weekend in the minds of many sports editors.
Sergio Non,
MMA writer, USA TODAY
http://mma.usatoday.com
by Sergio Non on Jul 6, 2009 7:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
yeah Lance is #3 right now and that will get play too
watchkalibrun.com
by Zak Woods on Jul 6, 2009 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sadly, I don’t think he can hang with Contador in the mountains. :(
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 Jul 7, 2009 2:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not out of the question.
Contador deserves to be favored, but on the other hand, we haven’t really seen what Lance can do either. Because of the March crash, he was still out of shape at the Giro. I suppose the ideal for Astana would be a LeMond-Hinault-over-Alpe-D’Huez type of thing.
Sergio Non,
MMA writer, USA TODAY
http://mma.usatoday.com
by Sergio Non on Jul 7, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s a fair point about Armstrong being out of shape at the Giro, but I’m going to go ahead and refrain from getting my hopes up anyway.
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 Jul 7, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It probably helps that I actually am a road cycling fan
If UFC 100 weren’t happening this weekend, I’d be all about the TdF. What other sport combines extreme cardio and architectural history?
Sergio Non,
MMA writer, USA TODAY
http://mma.usatoday.com
by Sergio Non on Jul 6, 2009 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why not throw in Michael Jackson?
Obviously there is never going to be a time when nothing else is going on in the whole world. Even if this was the only sporting event this entire month it still wouldn’t get that much MSM coverage just due to the fact that it is MMA. IMO there really couldn’t be a better time, it’s the middle of the summer with no NFL, no NBA, and no NHL. The only thing going on Saturday evening is a few mid-season baseball games that don’t mean a whole lot right now. In the sports world this weekend is a perfect time for the UFC to have its biggest card ever. Also, I’m confused:
Brett Farve [sic] – This is the wild card story of the week. ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio thinks that an announcement is coming one way or the other by July 13th, a deadline that is two days before UFC 100. …
July 13th is two days AFTER UFC 100, not before.
Due to Cheick Kongo's atrocious takedown defense....
Walla walla walla, I’m an idiot
Some people might say that winning a fight makes you a better fighter but I don’t agree with that.- BlueberryMuffin
by ufc4 on Jul 6, 2009 9:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
yeah I made a dumb mistake on that one and is fixed at WKR. My point was simply that there is a potential tabloid story that could derail normal plans of media coverage
watchkalibrun.com
by Zak Woods on Jul 7, 2009 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, what do you know, UFC 100 is leading the entire ESPN.com site right now, five days before the fight. Yeah, Wimbledon and Manny are really killing UFC 100’s buzz …
by andherewego on Jul 7, 2009 3:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
and they were off of it later to be followed by Lance Armstrong something I didnt pick.
watchkalibrun.com
by Zak Woods on Jul 7, 2009 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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