The Logic Behind Bringing Randy Couture to Spike TV

by Michael Rome on Sep 14, 2009 12:50 PM EDT in News Comment 50 comments

Spiketv_01_medium Lost in the discussion of Randy Couture's fight with Brandon Vera is the fact that it will be free on Spike TV. Back in 2007, Dana White talked a big game about giving away big name fights on free television. He backed it up with Quinton Jackson vs. Dan Henderson, a fight that brought in the biggest free TV rating in UFC history. Since then, the UFC's marquee stars have been exclusively on pay per view.

Randy Couture vs. Brandon Vera blows away most Spike TV main events in terms of star power. They used a Spike TV show to promote Anderson Silva in 2008 back when nobody was paying to see him, putting Couture on Spike is a whole different story. If Spike TV really gets behind an advertising campaign that highlights how special it is to see Randy fight for free, the show could do a great rating opposite Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto.

Randy Couture benefits from free TV exposure because the advertisement industry pays far more attention to free television shows and television ratings than anything that happens on pay per view. Millions of people will see him fight, and he has a good chance to win a fight with Brandon Vera in front of a massive audience. If he does come away with a strong win on a highly rated Spike special, the UFC will be hard-pressed not to grant him a title shot with Rampage vs. Rashad delayed and with Machida in need of a defense early next year. A big rating could also open up doors in Hollywood.

Brandon Vera benefits in all sorts of ways that should be obvious to everyone. After taking a substantial pay increase and turning in a boring performance at UFC 102, the idea that Brandon Vera would be given such a huge opportunity would have seemed absurd just a week ago. Now he has a chance to dethrone a legend on national television. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for Vera, who can make up for all his failings with a spectacular finish. He's also guaranteed a dramatic fight, because there's no other kind of Randy Couture fight.

Finally, the UFC benefits from putting Randy on Spike. They further strengthen their relationship with Spike by giving them such a big name, and more importantly, they will keep themselves relevant by delivering a big number on free television for networks to look at. It's one thing to bring in PPV buyrates to network meetings, it's another to bring in a huge, current television rating. Dave Meltzer always rightly points out that it was the rating for Tito vs. Ken III that really made the media pay attention to the UFC, not the increasing buyrates. The television universe speaks the ratings language, not the buyrate language.

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This is the opportunity of a lifetime for Vera, who can make up for all his failings with a spectacular finish.

truth..

weoweoweo .deviantart .com -- @antontabuena

by Anton Tabuena on Sep 14, 2009 12:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately

I predict a vera win will be perceived more as a disgrace to randy and a sign he should retire immediately than as a major victory for vera.

See: Shogun VS chuck.

I hope I’m wrong.

by Fibbus on Sep 14, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you are. Chuck got KO’d in exactly the same way just before, and was 1-4 in his last 5. Randys record isn’t much better, but he has been putting on much better fights. It’s hard to argue the guy who just had that fight with Nog needs to retire.

by toxic on Sep 14, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

that, plus,

While he may be boring for some people, Vera’s performances were much much better than Shogun’s, especially against Coleman. That was already supposed to be Shogun’s coming out party and he still looked real bad..

weoweoweo .deviantart .com -- @antontabuena

by Anton Tabuena on Sep 14, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That fight was terrible.

If Coleman had been half as fit as he was for the Bonner fight, he would have beaten Shogun pretty easily.

That would have been an interesting problem.

I like using semi-colons; they make me feel smart.

by Llewdor on Sep 14, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yup,

and it would’ve been Coleman vs Liddell.. If Liddell won that, he would’ve gotten a title shot for sure.

weoweoweo .deviantart .com -- @antontabuena

by Anton Tabuena on Sep 14, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I predict a vera win will be perceived more as a disgrace to randy and a sign he should retire immediately than as a major victory for vera.

I have to agree, and can you really blame anyone for that? I mean, unless Vera winds up looking spectacular in a potential victory over Couture and looks like he has in most recent fights, all a win over Randy would mean is that he really is too old to keep doing this.

I hope I’m wrong.

I think you are. While I think Randy has certainly decreased in quality as a fighter, I still think he’s a better one than Vera.

by Hardcase on Sep 14, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i hate it when people discredit wins... and now, even before it happens.

a win is a win and people should stop discrediting shit, cause you can do that for every single fight out there.. Even if Roger’s beat Fedor, some one can still do the same argument as Fedor being over the hill and was just protected after PRIDE. Pathetic.

Couture is a 5 time champ and is still a top 10 HW, maybe even top 5 for some.. Couture will probably be the favorite in this fight, and if Vera defies the odds and beats Randy, why would they suddenly discredit everything?

weoweoweo .deviantart .com -- @antontabuena

by Anton Tabuena on Sep 14, 2009 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

weoweoweo,
fans and sports writers alike LOVE, absolutely LOVE to re-write history. In Randy Couture’s case, not so much. Dan Henderson has nearly more wins than Couture have victories. Not to mention the amount of rematches that Couture has but yet still Couture will be ranked high . . . even after a year off between fights.

At this point, I just accept it because if everybody places Couture in the top 10 despite recent performances, and most people follow the UFC company meme concerning who’s on top and who deserves a title shot, then I just fall back.

Excellent point, people will continue to discredit wins.

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by VeeisAnimated on Sep 14, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm actually not discrediting any wins ahead of time

I’m predicting some win-discrediting.

by Fibbus on Sep 14, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yep. i know that.. wasn't accusing you either. :)

i said They, and People, not You..

weoweoweo .deviantart .com -- @antontabuena

by Anton Tabuena on Sep 14, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought so

Just wanted to make it clear.

by Fibbus on Sep 14, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’d say it depends mainly on performance. If Vera looks like has in his most recent fights, like he did against Jardine, against Reese Andy, against Soszynski…if he looks like that and still wins the fight, then yes, I think that matters of age and health on Couture’s part has to be taken into account because we’ve seen Randy compete at a higher level than that. Even in his recent losses, he’s looked more impressive than Vera has in some of his recent victories.

Now if we see the Vera who beat Mir, Assuerio Silva, Eilers defeating a Rndy fighting at the best of his ability…there’s nothing to discredit there.

by Hardcase on Sep 14, 2009 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rome, do you think the Pacquiao PPV plays a big factor in them wanting to put Randy on free TV or is it something else?

by Zack Gobie on Sep 14, 2009 12:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

im not rome, but im guessing the pacman fight couldve also been a factor for the UFC to want a big name for the spike show.

not randy initially, as they were trying to put several big fights with ‘names’ for 105… then they somehow ended up with couture.

weoweoweo .deviantart .com -- @antontabuena

by Anton Tabuena on Sep 14, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good points

But you’re not Rome, so I must disqualify you. Thank you and good day sir.

by Zack Gobie on Sep 14, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hate when people say

I told ya so, but I knew this was a win-win match-up for both parties, particularly Vera. I think a victory for him is really going to move him up the food chain in the LHW division, maybe one more win away from a title shot. I have faith Vera will keep striking distance and earn the win pretty easily here.

by rzor on Sep 14, 2009 12:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Throwing Shogun under the bus

. . . and with Machida in need of a defense early next year. A big rating could also open up doors in Hollywood.

WOW!!! We’re really not giving Shogun a shot at all?!? Wassup with that, is he a serious underdog??? Oh well, while I think Machida will win, I’m just not sure he will completely dominate Rua. I don’t think it is completely far-fetched for Mauricio Rua to pull off a victory.

Otherwise I agree with this article.

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by VeeisAnimated on Sep 14, 2009 12:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes, yes he is.

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 Sep 14, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

machida is -500 in some books

weoweoweo .deviantart .com -- @antontabuena

by Anton Tabuena on Sep 14, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ya i agree i think rua might surprise a lot of people

by brazary on Sep 14, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rua will be outclassed in every aspect of the fight, guaranteed. People put too much emphasis on Rua’s PRIDE run, when he actually wasn’t technical at all in any way besides the ground game. The only area he remotely beats Machida is on the ground.

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 Sep 14, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

Plus all the steroid rumors as well…

by Chadsac on Sep 14, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even if you leave that out, he wasn’t overly technical in the striking department… ever. A lot of fans were tooting the “technical” aspects to his striking after Chuck, but he’s never been that way. He’s just super aggressive and overwhelms people.

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 Sep 14, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He’s also screwed there’s no ring corners to push Machida into so he can force a slugfest. With Machida circling from him he should be able to pick Rua apart.

Shogun 2005 in a ring. I give him a shot.

by nottheface on Sep 14, 2009 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Too much emphasis on Rua’s PRIDE run

Ok. But did you ever factor in Machida’s current UFC run. Prior to his last 3 fights many pundits questioned his opponents including Nakamura and Soukoudjou – I believe the first fighter he stopped in the Octagon.
Then there’s Tito Ortiz, who he clearly dominated but was very close to losing. That was the first time we really saw Machida face adversity. A great victory for Machida in many ways. He then knocked off two undefeated fighters back to back.
I’m a huge Machida fan but I don’t think we really know the full extent of his abilities . . . like his ability to take a punch.

What will happen if Rua is able to connect?
Sorry, I don’t see how anybody can really dismiss his victories in Pride.

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by VeeisAnimated on Sep 14, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i understand Machida is a deserved favorite, but...

i won’t count out Shogun, not with that hit list he’s racked up. Machida may or may not be the Highlander, but i think if Shogun can somehow get it to the ground (that’s a big “if”) he can do serious damage to Machida, and maybe work some submissions.

he is a serious underdog and i still have doubts if he is back to PRIDE 2005 form, but i love me some Shogun.

We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.

by Robert Downey Sr. on Sep 14, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not dismissing anything really just stating that he is not a techinical as Lyoto and is no where close to that level of striking. Shogn was known for stomps for finishing but now cannot do it

by Riley_96 on Sep 14, 2009 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rec'd

Rua isn’t going to be able to stomp on Machida’s head in the UFC, not that he could get him down in the first place. If this fight goes longer than 8 minutes I will be completely amazed.

Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.

by ufc4 on Sep 14, 2009 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Machida with stomps and soccer kicks would be brutal I think.

A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.

by iiowyn on Sep 15, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rua has a punchers chance, I guess. But can anyone really argue that Rua is actually a contender? He beat two guys with a combined age of 83. He got this shot purely because he was available and since he KO’d Chuck he’d look halfway believable as a challenger.

by toxic on Sep 14, 2009 12:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Rua got his title shot

because of his favorable name/threat ratio.

Smart matchup. Not one I really am excited about, but a smart one.

by Fibbus on Sep 14, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Randy on Spike TV = gold nuggets of fun

for all intents and purposes, just consider all my posts as works of satire.

by Bandaka on Sep 14, 2009 12:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I’d love to know who Vera has the goods on. Pogi or not, this guy gets more breaks than a cardboard door being hit by Rampage.

weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.

by mythbuster on Sep 14, 2009 12:50 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs

ha! :)

while you do have a point, and he does get favors, like not getting cut with those string of loses, I don’t think this is one of those instances..

everyone else has a fight scheduled already.. Lyoto, Rampage, Rashad, Shogun, Rogerio, Rich, Cane, Jones, Hamill, Matyushenko, Ortiz, Coleman…

Forrest and Jardine are coming off KO loses.. so that only leaves Vera and Thiago Silva.. They could’ve picked either, but there could be a few reasons for them to choose Vera over him..

maybe they feel that Thiago was too dangerous? or harder to market if he wins since he lost to Lyoto already? or maybe Randy wants Vera? I don’t know.. but whatever the reason is, Vera got the nod over one guy..

It’s still a huge break for him, and maybe the UFC likes him, but it’s not like Vera leaped frogged a ton of bodies to get his shot at Randy..

weoweoweo .deviantart .com -- @antontabuena

by Anton Tabuena on Sep 14, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isn’t Vera huge in the Philippines or something? I thought he got a bit of special treatment because the UFC wants to have some Philipino stars ready for expansion in that market.

by toxic on Sep 14, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

that too..

but Dana has said that plans to the Philippines are on hold… A win over Couture could change their minds though.. (that’s what i’m hoping for actually haha, but i’m not sure if it will since sponsorships and money are the issues Dana brought up)

that could be a reason, but my earlier point was really that he just got the nod over one guy..

weoweoweo .deviantart .com -- @antontabuena

by Anton Tabuena on Sep 14, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would’ve put Randy against Lil’ Nog and then had Vera fight Cane.

But whatevs

watchkalibrun.com

by Nick Becker on Sep 14, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

sup dudes. i’ve been lurking for a while but i finally got a favorable class/work schedule to finally allow me to comment.

with that said, randy mauling vera against the cage on national TV is going to do great numbers. it’s a ballsy match-up to make, but i like it—kudos joe silva.

We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.

by Robert Downey Sr. on Sep 14, 2009 1:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I really liked “Putney Swope”

by nottheface on Sep 14, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

“Mr. Swope, did you ever sleep with your wife before marriage?”

“Not a wink.”

We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.

by Robert Downey Sr. on Sep 14, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

" I’m gonna bend your johnson, Swope! "
" I’m ready! "

You are the real Robert Downey Sr.!

by nottheface on Sep 14, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i wish...

We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.

by Robert Downey Sr. on Sep 14, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

welcome to BE! :)

weoweoweo .deviantart .com -- @antontabuena

by Anton Tabuena on Sep 14, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I loved your son in "Iron Man"

Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.

by ufc4 on Sep 14, 2009 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah this fight really is the final test for Vera it’s time that he either puts up or gets released. A win over Couture would make his career again but if he loses to Randy than Couture is the one that gets the bump up the rankings win/win either way for the UFC.

by Raker on Sep 14, 2009 2:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs