Why the UFC's 'Monumental Announcement' in Brazil Tomorrow Is Legitimate
by Luke Thomas on Dec 14, 2010 8:14 PM EST
in UFC News
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From a press release:
Las Vegas, NV (USA) – UFC® Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta and UFC President Dana White will be making a special announcement live from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil tomorrow at 8am PST/11am EST/2pm BST. Media and fans can tune in to UFC.com to watch the event live as it happens.
WHO:
· LORENZO FERTITTA, UFC CHAIRMAN AND CEO
· DANA WHITE, UFC PRESIDENT
· EDUARDO PAES, MAYOR OF RIO
· ANDERSON SILVA, UFC MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION
· SHOGUN RUA, UFC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION
· JOSE ALDO, UFC FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION
· VITOR BELFORT, FORMER UFC CHAMPION
· ROYCE GRACIE, UFC HALL OF FAMER AND FORMER UFC TOURNAMENT CHAMPION
WHAT: UFC ANNOUNCEMENT
WHERE: CITY HALL, RIO DE JANEIRO
*EVENT CAN BE SEEN LIVE ON UFC.COM
WHEN: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15
11AM EST/8AM PST
2PM BRAZIL TIME
For those wondering what this might be, it's likely the UFC's alleged August return.
Here's something to consider about Brazil and it's worth mentioning because no one in MMA has said it. Brazil is in the beginning of what some economists consider to be a major economic boom. There is still social inequality, an improperly educated workforce and the country still has the albatross legacy of being not "serious". But what MMA fans should be mindful of is just how regularly the UFC might be returning to Brazil in the coming years. Consumer spending is on the rise as much as demand for first-world pleasures.
If the UFC can continue creating a mobile product - a task that should be much easier than trying to build a European continent profoundly behind - Brazil is going to be an even more monumental player in MMA than ever before. The UFC's popularity push alongside the country's burgeoning middle class could potentially democratize MMA and jiu-jitsu with unprecedented effect. Heretofore, sports like jiu-jitsu have largely been accessible only to the wealthy.
Tomorrow's announcement is about more than major main event or mere nostalgia for Ultimate Brazil. It's Brazil's arrival on the world stage as an entertainment player. That means Brazilian-heavy UFC cards in exotic destinations in the short run. It could mean a change in MMA polarity from North to South America in the long run.
Brazil may not be serious, but the sky's the limit in Rio.
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I hope they weren't planning on announcing the first man ever has been cured of HIV.
If so, it’s too late. Story leaked. What a medical break through!
Be a man, not a child-Phil Anselmo
by ANance on Dec 14, 2010 8:18 PM EST via mobile reply actions
The things I hear about first on BE…
“The donor’s stem cells contained a rare, inherited gene mutation that made them naturally resistant to infection with HIV, according to the authors, led by Kristina Allers, who hypothesized that HIV would nevertheless rebound over time. But that has not happened.”
Crazy
"You should work for 15 minutes to knock your opponent out, submit him, or improve your position to give yourself the best chance of doing either." - Dan Hardy
Zuffa's gonna love having a Brazilian heavy card
Chute Boxe, et. al. doesn’t produce fighters who end up in staring contests.
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
True
But wrong example for the fight you’re thinking of : Falcao is from Chute Boxe.
"Honour is like virginity, it can only be used once." - G. Clemenceau
by Firm1 on Dec 14, 2010 8:22 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I guess I was thinking that the overall Vale Tudo aesthetic won't lead to many staring contests
Mostly that Brazilian fighters tend to bring it!
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
people don't care what I think
we’re not serious :p
yo no quiero hacer mas nada
by Orcus on Dec 14, 2010 10:27 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I care - I always care more for the thoughts of the man on the ground in a given situation.
Have things changed there regarding MMA? IIRC, it is not well thought of or followed by any significant portion of the population.
Also, the Brazilian vs. Brazilian issue, which I doubt the UFC will grasp given that it is so counter to American thinking…
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it."
-Mark Twain
"If I tell you I'm good, you would probably think I'm boasting. If I tell you I'm no good, you know I'm lying..."
-Bruce Lee
by The American Ronin on Dec 15, 2010 2:35 AM EST up reply actions
MMA’s popularity here has been on the rise since the Anderson vs Maia fight, it’s still not mainstream or anywhere close to the popularity of it in America, but it’s certainly getting bigger. And if they are really coming here, the UFC would be smart in booking Brazilian vs foreigners for cards they have here, it’s just much more appealing to Brazilian casual fans.
yo no quiero hacer mas nada
I read the comments here just to know what Orcus though
Wasn’t something I typically would read the comments for, but I wanted Orcus’s opinion
Fully concur!
This could signal the beginning of Brazil as the numero uno MMA destination. Everything is in place for that. Kudos to the UFC for showing the importance of the event by bringing ALL the top guns to the show.
"Forest Griffin, Brian Stamm, Rashad Evans, Dana White, elite MMA fighters against Army."....Dana White??!?
I hope ur right, but...
people have been talking about Brazils resurgence for 100 years. There’s an old joke in economist circles – Brazil is the economy of the future, and always will be.
Believe me, I’m invested in Brazil, and I would love to fly down there for a Carnivale/UFC week of debauchery. So I’m on board with the theory, even the hope, but I’m not counting any chickens just yet regarding a shift in MMA Western Hemisphere polarity.
by rubiconrex on Dec 14, 2010 8:27 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
people have been talking about Brazils resurgence for 100 years. There’s an old joke in economist circles – Brazil is the economy of the future, and always will be.
What I came here to post. I too am invested there, as are some of my clients (amongst the other BRIC countries. Brazil, Russia, India, China, for those that don’t know), and I wouldn’t say it has been the easiest ride, nor will it be very smooth over the next five years.
However, I do believe the UFC can be successful there given the right lineups. There’s definitely not going to be any sort of paradigm shift any time soon, but the UFC is thinking long term, and long term, the BRIC countries are where it’s at. They’ve already begun with their office in China, as well as them trying to expand into India. I think Rome (remember him? Man, I miss his stuff) wrote a piece on it a couple years ago. It’ll be a while before any real economic benefit is felt, but you gotta start somewhere.
The piece Rome wrote on India.
http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2008/6/20/555619/ufc-to-india-is-an-excelle
It’ll be a while before any real economic benefit is felt, but you gotta start somewhere.
It’s called getting in on the ground floor.
If Zuffa waits for those markets to mature before going after them, they run the risk of someone beating them to the market and establishing a rival brand.
Yeah, if one thing can be learned from history, is that you gotta be the first one into the market with your product to establish the brand.
I’m not sure how true this is in the age of the internet and when products aren’t homogeneous. Ice Cream is well ice cream, but a local MMA competitor isn’t likely to ever have as compelling a product as the UFC.
You can’t attend an MMA show on the internet.
You also can’t develop local political and industry contacts without being on the ground in country.
If another competitor can create a vibrant, entertaining live product and cultivate a network of supporters in the UFC’s absence, they most certainly have a chance to create a foothold that will cause the UFC problems when they enter the market.
I seen a very interesting piece about Brazil on 60 minutes on sunday
Brazil is an up and coming country with lots of potential..
Brazil is one of the few dynamic capitalist economies remaining in the world
…i.e. not suffering from overproduction/declining profitability or declining domestic demand. Economists place it in the coveted “BRIC club” of “emerging markets” (BRIC = Brazil, Russia, India China). If anyone gives a shit about the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to pump billions into the economy (“QE2”), most of that money is going to flow out of the United States and into Brazil and the other emerging markets.
Anyway, point being, the UFC is right to want to get its foot in Brazil’s door. Also India’s, also China’s…
This is not untrue..
but the UFC is economically driven by the middle-class, a population still largely missing in Brazil. Plus, their economy is still driven by primary resource extraction, not a good strategy for long-term growth or the emergence of a middle class.
And if they’re betting on foreign tourism to make up the difference, then things like this really need to stop happening sooner than later.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/27/world/americas/27brazil.html
Dream UFC:Brazil line up
Vitor vs Wanderlei II
Aldo vs anyone
JDS vs Lesnar
Shogun vs Jones
Palhares vs Maia
I am. I think. I will. - Ayn Rand
But I won’t pick against Jon Jones again until I see him lose. - Kwisatz Haderach
Bah
Let Wanderlei beat up Sonnen in a crowd that would hate his guts.
Now that’s how you make a fight.
"I'm Back."
Sonnen via decision.
"A lot of people in this country still believe that he who has the most things when he dies, wins. Well, you're dead fucknut. So, you didn't win." - Lewis Black
UnintelligentDefense.blogspot.com
by Earl Montclair on Dec 14, 2010 8:43 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
FLAGGED
When in Rome we shall do as the Romans, when in Hell we do shots at the bar.
by Barack Lesnar on Dec 14, 2010 8:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
HA!
I’s not saying I like it. I’m just tellin ya what’s goin on.
"Hey, I guess they're right. Senior citizens, although slow and dangerous behind the wheel, can still serve a purpose." - Lloyd Christmas
UnintelligentDefense.blogspot.com
by Earl Montclair on Dec 14, 2010 8:48 PM EST up reply actions
you
hatin’.
Vand by rape choke.
"I'm Back."
by VelociAldo on Dec 14, 2010 8:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I know this is your blinding love of Wanderlei talking here but seriously, Chael would take him down at will and drop left hands on him for 15 minutes
"Hey, I guess they're right. Senior citizens, although slow and dangerous behind the wheel, can still serve a purpose." - Lloyd Christmas
UnintelligentDefense.blogspot.com
by Earl Montclair on Dec 14, 2010 8:50 PM EST up reply actions
w/ or w/o steroids
Sonnen is the 2nd best MW out there. He was like a few minutes away from being the top dog.
I am. I think. I will. - Ayn Rand
But I won’t pick against Jon Jones again until I see him lose. - Kwisatz Haderach
IMO
Sonnen loses to Maia or Shields 8/10 and to Jacare 19/20. His total lack of BJJ skills will always leave him vulnerable to the elite…
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it."
-Mark Twain
"If I tell you I'm good, you would probably think I'm boasting. If I tell you I'm no good, you know I'm lying..."
-Bruce Lee
by The American Ronin on Dec 15, 2010 2:39 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah
And since Vands BJJ is better than Silvas and he’s much physically stronger guy he wouldn’t have any problem submitting him…….
"I'm Back."
Busted. Nice sig change up
When in Rome we shall do as the Romans, when in Hell we do shots at the bar.
by Barack Lesnar on Dec 14, 2010 8:49 PM EST up reply actions
Replied to MDH he went from Lewis Black to Lloyd Christmas
When in Rome we shall do as the Romans, when in Hell we do shots at the bar.
by Barack Lesnar on Dec 14, 2010 10:04 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve been wanting a Vitor/Wand rematch ever since the first fight. Doing it again in Brazil is the perfect place.
I am. I think. I will. - Ayn Rand
But I won’t pick against Jon Jones again until I see him lose. - Kwisatz Haderach
why? no controversy, just a blowout
by Kevin Jennison J. Zametov-St Pierre on Dec 14, 2010 9:18 PM EST up reply actions
They'd have to sign a few guys
But my dream UFC: Brazil lineup is
Antonio Silva vs Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera
Wanderlie Silva vs Anderson Silva
Thiago Silva vs Antonio Rogerio Noguiera
Jay Silva vs Thiago Alves
Henrique Silva vs Paulo Thiago
Fabio Silva vs Amilcar Alves
Alexandre Franco Noguiera vs Jean Silva
Goldy’s head would explode.
by John Nash on Dec 14, 2010 9:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Jeeebus Christ
I am. I think. I will. - Ayn Rand
But I won’t pick against Jon Jones again until I see him lose. - Kwisatz Haderach
to be fair
the event was a disaster in sales, and in order to make a more intriguing product to a country that still views MMA as Vale Tudo, the UFC would be smart in placing Brazilians against foreigners. that should definitely sell more to the casuals IMO.
yo no quiero hacer mas nada
placing Brazilians against foreigners
are you speaking for yourself?
I am. I think. I will. - Ayn Rand
But I won’t pick against Jon Jones again until I see him lose. - Kwisatz Haderach
my bad dude. English for the lose. Personally, would you want Brazilians vs Brazilians or Brazilians vs the world?
I am. I think. I will. - Ayn Rand
But I won’t pick against Jon Jones again until I see him lose. - Kwisatz Haderach
I don't really mind having Brazilian vs Brazilian
personally, I’m psyched to see Vitor getting KO’d by Anderson :p
but for casual fans, they rather have Brazilians vs the world.
yo no quiero hacer mas nada
Depends if it is a title fight or not I think. Brazilians fighting eachother for the title would probably be looked on favorably, while just a regular fight would be best as Brazilian vs. Evil Foreign Opponent.
Guillotine.
the way it's seen over here
it’s that the UFC is this international venue in which fighters fight, so the casuals look at it as if it was an international competition such as the world cup, they really rather watch any Brazilian fight other nationalities. my father always asks me two questions in regards to the UFC, the first is if the next one will have Brazilians in it, and the second is if they’ll be fighting other nationalities or if they’ll face other Brazilians :p
yo no quiero hacer mas nada
Ieveryone was scared shitless of Vitor after that one.
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it."
-Mark Twain
"If I tell you I'm good, you would probably think I'm boasting. If I tell you I'm no good, you know I'm lying..."
-Bruce Lee
by The American Ronin on Dec 15, 2010 2:51 AM EST up reply actions
Every one of those fights has a Silva in it.
was that intentional?
Kimboplex
by BakiHanma21 on Dec 14, 2010 11:45 PM EST up reply actions
Just want to see Silva vs Noguiera. And Thiago’s always fun to watch.
by John Nash on Dec 15, 2010 12:02 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
People seem to largely not understand
the disdain there for Brazilian vs. Brazilian. Make it Vitor vs. Marquardt and Maia vs Okami and you’ve got something…
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it."
-Mark Twain
"If I tell you I'm good, you would probably think I'm boasting. If I tell you I'm no good, you know I'm lying..."
-Bruce Lee
by The American Ronin on Dec 15, 2010 2:38 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t know if “second UFC card in Brazil” is really historic..
by Jonathan Snowden on Dec 14, 2010 8:46 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Ever the contrarian...
"It has nothing to do with corruption. It's sheer, complete, total incompetence." - Joe Rogan
by duck on Dec 14, 2010 9:04 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
It never ends.
Luke: What was our best moment?
Nate: When I banned Subo?
Luke: That was a good one.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
Contributor for WatchKalibRun.com
Still Subo at Fightlinker.com
by Derek Suboticki on Dec 15, 2010 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
Triumphant return
"I am a man who pisses largely and frequently, which they say is a sign of great mental activity" -Henry Miller-
Contributor at cagepages.com Come check us out.
@ Snowy =)
p.s. no harm meant buddy, keep on fightin the good fight
by Kevin Jennison J. Zametov-St Pierre on Dec 14, 2010 9:28 PM EST up reply actions
Great news for Brazilian athletes.
Flying from home to the US or Japan has always put them at a disadvantage.
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
Woohoo
I remember posting the rumor a while ago, glad to see they’re finally announcing it!
I’m amped to see who they put on this card
VI68IX
Isn't brazil also going to have the world cup and the olympics within the next 4-8 years?
That cant help but cause a boom in the economy, good for ufc getting their foot in the door
This
Great post
█♣█
A wise man told me don't argue with fools
Cause people from a distance can't tell who is who -- Jay-Z
I bet the UFC will be going to Rio in March instead of Abu Dhabi.
Shogun vs Evans main event?
by Rob Young on Dec 14, 2010 9:46 PM EST via mobile reply actions
The picture made me think it was something about Dana plastering his face
on Cristo Redentor or something.
Heretofore, sports like jiu-jitsu have largely been accessible only to the wealthy.
Every account I’ve heard has told me the opposite.
Video blog updated every Sunday with exciting MMA fights from smaller shows:
Bro, check out this fight!
where's your jiu jitsu Playboy?
Tattoos, pit bulls ,surfing and jiu jitsu =playboy? That’s kinda the stereotype right? Help me out here Orcus.
"Even Hulkamania wouldn't get you out of this hold"
"True strength is not always shown through victory. Stand up, try again and display strength of heart."
by the-gentle-way on Dec 15, 2010 11:44 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
That's changed some in recent history
But over the long arc of jiu-jitsu’s history it has largely been a province of the rich or at least well-off in Brazil. The entire BJJ vs. Luta Livre beef was partly a function of upper and lower class segments of society battling. As per capita income and consumer spending rise you’re getting a more democratized sport, but don’t kid yourself. That wasn’t the case for decades upon decades.
Follow me on Twitter: @MMANation.
by Luke Thomas on Dec 15, 2010 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
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