UFC on Fox Media Call News: Fuel To Have 2000 Hours Of Programming
by Matthew Roth on Nov 9, 2011 4:30 PM EST
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Today, the UFC and Fox held a media call to discuss this upcoming weekend's fight card as well as to breakdown the relationship between the two parties. The call included members of the entertainment press such as Variety Magazine, who had questions about the nature of the show and if the event will have a disclaimer that the fight may not be for the faint of heart. However, there were some interesting tidbits as well.
- The fight will be broadcasted on Fox Sports radio. Just the idea of a fight having play by play done on the radio is interesting. Fox will be utilizing a multi-platform strategy. Fox Sports radio, FoxSports.com, Fuel, Fox Deportes, FX, and Fox.
- The UFC is treating this fight as a way to break into America. They'll be doing a lot of story telling and explaining what is going on in the cage. They understand they aren't dealing with casual fans, they're dealing with non-fans.
- Fuel TV will be devoting 25% of its scheduling to UFC related programming. They will air UFC events, Unleashed-type shows, Countdowns, Primetimes, weigh ins, and news type shows. There is also the opportunity to air the international Ultimate Fighter episodes once those kick off.
- The breakdown for events is: Fox cards will air for an hour and a half, FX will air for two hours, and Fuel will be three hours.
- Going forward all fights will be aired. Fuel will replace the Facebook portion while FX will air the Spike TV portion of the PPV and Fox cards.
- Regarding international events, they still don't have any plans. Some will air live while others will air via tape delay. It will depend on the television schedules. If the cards are for Fox, they will likely air live.
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I'm a little disappointed
Fox cards will only be an hour and a half. I suppose it depends on how much content they can fit within that time frame but still a little short.
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It’s weird that they’ll be trying to hook Fox viewers with one or two big fights instead of doing actual cards.
"He's like Elvis in Korea! They love him there." - Mike Goldberg on Denis Kang
Better this way
You can watch a thousand fights and you’re not gonna be interested if you have no idea what’s happening and no emotional investment.
It makes a lot of sense for that reason, but you’re also putting all your eggs in one basket (or, two baskets at 1:30).
"He's like Elvis in Korea! They love him there." - Mike Goldberg on Denis Kang
I am hoping they can squeeze three fights into 90 minutes
Even if that is 25 + 15 +15 = 55, that leaves 35 minutes of commercial time.
Thirty minutes of commercials would be about on par with the standard programming / advertising ratio.
SHIT YES.
Going forward all fights will be aired. Fuel will replace the Facebook portion while FX will air the Spike TV portion of the PPV and Fox cards.
I don’t think I can get Fuel TV.
"He's like Elvis in Korea! They love him there." - Mike Goldberg on Denis Kang
by Bolshevik on Nov 9, 2011 4:44 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I would imagine they still air online somewhere even if it's not on Facebook
Maybe FOX or Fuel’s websites
:p - orcus
Most of the time I am a rather quiet fellow, who likes to read about Philosophy, Mathematics and History, but like most people I also have a deep appreciation of sex and violence... - John Danaher
That's what I'm hoping
Though I’ll also be using the UFC on Xbox app beginning in December and that’s supposed to have all the fights as well. Fuel TV isn’t available on Comcast in Minneapolis right now, and until I move next summer I can’t get DirecTV or DISH Network at my apartment.
Totally forgot about the UFC on Xbox
Great point
:p - orcus
Most of the time I am a rather quiet fellow, who likes to read about Philosophy, Mathematics and History, but like most people I also have a deep appreciation of sex and violence... - John Danaher
I’m excited to see how good the video feed is and how well the system works. Kinect integration should be interesting with it as well.
Me too
I just got a kinect, and have been less than impressed with it
:p - orcus
Most of the time I am a rather quiet fellow, who likes to read about Philosophy, Mathematics and History, but like most people I also have a deep appreciation of sex and violence... - John Danaher
My wife and I just got one on the cheap with some gift cards, it’s been interesting, she certainly likes it more at this point because Dance Central 2, and my living room’s been filled with that with her and her friends (along with my 2 year old daughter jumping in) for the last week.
I got you beat
My girl works at GS and got it for free. We have ours set up in the bedroom for watching Netflix and Hulu. And it doesn’t recognize anything while you’re laying down, which kinda sucks. And using it for Netflix and Hulu just isn’t as practical just grabbing the remote, even if it is a little novel for a bit. I’m not a big fan of non-traditional gaming, so I don’t have any real desire to pick up any of those games either.
:p - orcus
Most of the time I am a rather quiet fellow, who likes to read about Philosophy, Mathematics and History, but like most people I also have a deep appreciation of sex and violence... - John Danaher
When the new dashboard update comes I think the voice commands will be a little more streamlined, not to mention more wide-ranging. I can’t wait for that update for both the UFC app and HBO GO. I’m going to be catching up on HBO programming not currently on demand, with The Wire and Carnivale at the top of my list.
Do you know
If HBO GO will be available on xbox live even if your cable provider isn’t part of it? I’m still pissed I can’t get it. Fuck You Time Warner!!!!
:p - orcus
Most of the time I am a rather quiet fellow, who likes to read about Philosophy, Mathematics and History, but like most people I also have a deep appreciation of sex and violence... - John Danaher
That I don’t know. I have access to it through Comcast online already, but I have no idea if it will be available to anyone whose carrier isn’t involved
Damn, I'll have to look into it
:p - orcus
Most of the time I am a rather quiet fellow, who likes to read about Philosophy, Mathematics and History, but like most people I also have a deep appreciation of sex and violence... - John Danaher
I didn’t even consider getting Kinect. I already hate all the motion-heavy Wii games except the ones where you use the remote as a gun/zapper.
"He's like Elvis in Korea! They love him there." - Mike Goldberg on Denis Kang
I'm with you.
I play video games so I sit on my ass and put my feet on the table. If I wanted to be standing up and waving my arms around like an idiot, I’d set myself on fire.
"So even though it’s the gayest sport ever, MMA is still the best sport ever. I love my gay sport." - Wrestling Uber Alles
"If your [BJJ] training involves any part of you or training equipment inside any of your partner’s orifices, you’re doing it wrong." - gzl5000
by alicks on Nov 9, 2011 5:20 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
It should be good. I’ve ordered a lot of UFC events on a Roku player and they always work great. I’d guess this would be similar in terms of quality.
I’m just excited to not have to go through Comcast with it going forward. I hate Comcast with a passion but they’re literally my only option right now.
Jesus fuck!
No tape delay! Ever!
Other than that everything else seems awesome
:p - orcus
Most of the time I am a rather quiet fellow, who likes to read about Philosophy, Mathematics and History, but like most people I also have a deep appreciation of sex and violence... - John Danaher
How does that help me see the fights Live??
:p - orcus
Most of the time I am a rather quiet fellow, who likes to read about Philosophy, Mathematics and History, but like most people I also have a deep appreciation of sex and violence... - John Danaher
If they’re overseas, just adjust your sleeping schedule if you have to see them live. I remember watching DREAM and K-1 on HdNET from 12:00-3:00 am. If you care enough you’ll make it happen.
He said in the article that some events will still be tape delayed
Which means I’ll have to find some sort of alternative to see the fight live if that’s what I want. It has nothing to do with my sleep schedule.
:p - orcus
Most of the time I am a rather quiet fellow, who likes to read about Philosophy, Mathematics and History, but like most people I also have a deep appreciation of sex and violence... - John Danaher
No problem bro
I figured we were having a communication breakdown
:p - orcus
Most of the time I am a rather quiet fellow, who likes to read about Philosophy, Mathematics and History, but like most people I also have a deep appreciation of sex and violence... - John Danaher
oh, its a realistic complaint
just call down to IT and tell them you need a new keyboard.
you don’t have to suffer through caps lock alone.
by fontgangsta on Nov 9, 2011 4:54 PM EST up reply actions 8 recs
FUCKING GLORIOUS
AND APPARENTLY I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.
HAVE IT SEND UP A 2ND ONE WHILE YOU ARE AT IT
When you saw only one set of footprints, it was Herb Dean who carried you -- Mike Fagan
by hardlyworking on Nov 9, 2011 5:47 PM EST up reply actions
The lack of Facebook fights
May kill me in Canada, where we don’t have Fuel TV, or not part of my cable package anyway.
Robbie Lawlor vs Nick Diaz UFC 47
Rogan: (after Diaz throws a looping left kick) Look at this Karate Kid stuff right here
Goldie: Daniel Miyagi has arrived in the OCTAGON.
I'm fairly confident (considering the limited availability of FuelTV
That they will provide online alternatives for viewing the prelims.
:p - orcus
Most of the time I am a rather quiet fellow, who likes to read about Philosophy, Mathematics and History, but like most people I also have a deep appreciation of sex and violence... - John Danaher
by Chris Hall on Nov 9, 2011 5:08 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Fuck Comcast. They don't carry Fuel in any market that I'm aware of.
I’m moving in a week and switching to Dish, unless DirecTV has sorted out the FOX dispute.
AKA zakkree. Twitter.
K-1 Level Predictions Team Captain
Conductor and sole passenger on the Fitch bandwagon.
It's been sorted out
I switched to Dish and think it’s pretty good so far.
"You're... you're crazy man. I like you, but you're crazy."
A LOT of carriers don't offer Fuel.
It’s also often a part of extra $$ “sports” packages, like with SureWest.
Extra $6.95/month for Fuel on Cablevision.
It’s part of the “iO Sports & Entertainment Pak”.
"So even though it’s the gayest sport ever, MMA is still the best sport ever. I love my gay sport." - Wrestling Uber Alles
"If your [BJJ] training involves any part of you or training equipment inside any of your partner’s orifices, you’re doing it wrong." - gzl5000
DirecTv does, and with pretty basic packages, too, in GLORIOUS HD!
"Complacency is your demise." - Kerry King
Who the hell gets FUEL TV lol what a joke
Think the Ion Network is avialable more than FUEL
I get Fuel :p
:p - orcus
Most of the time I am a rather quiet fellow, who likes to read about Philosophy, Mathematics and History, but like most people I also have a deep appreciation of sex and violence... - John Danaher
I do. I love Fuel TV.
Bolts from the Blue // "Go for the throat, Norval." - Jim Rome
Bloody Elbow // "I think we're poking fun at Leland's 'boner.'" - Michael Fagan
This was one of my biggest concerns
“•Going forward all fights will be aired. Fuel will replace the Facebook portion while FX will air the Spike TV portion of the PPV and Fox cards.”
I mean, if I start getting Fuel or not, I can live with whatever I’ll miss.
My main thing was that Spike had 6 total events(2 TUF finales and 4 fight nights/delayed events) and then a number of Spike PPV Prelim specials…before now, it seemed like FX was clearly going to have more events, 6 fight nights and 2 tuf finales for 8 total.
But I was worried that there would be no more ‘Spike Prelim’ type specials on FX.
So to hear that FX is getting all of those hour long lead ins is pretty f’cking awesome.
I’m not crazy about Facebook prelims becoming Fuel prelims…but I get it…it’s understandable.
As far as 1.5 hours for Fox cards…that’s fair, hopefully after this first card, they can stay away from doing so much build-up within the timeslot to the fight…so that we can actually get more fights. 3 gaurenteed plus more if the timing works out sounds pretty good.
"You got Floyd Mayweather making 25 million dollars...he can't stop the double leg." - Nick Diaz
I'm going to miss the Facebook streams, they were great and accessible
LeBron James - 0 Charles Barkley - 0 Karl Malone/John Stockton - 0 Sun Yue -1
by sun yue on Nov 9, 2011 4:57 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
I hate the Facebook streams!! I want them on TV!
I don’t know where we will get them in Canada though.
Play by play on radio is gonna be a train wreck
There’s no commentating team good enough to pull it off. Other than that, this is awesome. Our sport is growing up.
And holy shit, I have to actually get basic cable…or more. Not sure if the cheapest cable package covers Fuel and FX but I’m guessing not.
However, if you like the radio play-by-play guys
You could tune them in on the radio AND watch the live programming, and you’ll never want to throw your remote at Goldie again!
When you saw only one set of footprints, it was Herb Dean who carried you -- Mike Fagan
by hardlyworking on Nov 9, 2011 5:48 PM EST up reply actions
Fuel Channel Finder
http://fueltv.channelfinder.net/start.asp
http://unintelligentdefense.blogspot.com
Which is ridiculous
Because Comcast’s On Demand has a Fuel TV sub-section in the Sports & Fitness category
Ugh
UFC.tv for the PPVs and Facebook for undercards has been a godsend. I really don’t want to get cable. Shit’s expensive.
by ihateemo on Nov 9, 2011 4:59 PM EST via mobile reply actions
So a fraction of the people who actually watch the prelims get Fuel
Cool beans
WAR Chris Lytle!
by AwkwardBoner on Nov 9, 2011 4:59 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
i get the FUEL frustration
since its hard to get in a lot of markets / carriers
it wasnt a big deal for me though
im in NY with cablevision
i just had to pay an extra 7 bucks a month for the “sports & entertainment pack” or whatever the fuck – which includes fuel, the fight network (that odd 24 hr combat sports channel that randy is invested in…it leaves much to be desired), and fox deportes, among others (game show network, HOLLA!)
The question is
will it be a big deal for the UFC that SO many people don’t (and often can’t) get it?
Fuck Cablevision.
"So even though it’s the gayest sport ever, MMA is still the best sport ever. I love my gay sport." - Wrestling Uber Alles
"If your [BJJ] training involves any part of you or training equipment inside any of your partner’s orifices, you’re doing it wrong." - gzl5000
uummmmm, sure, i guess
ive had pretty good experience with cablevision
ive had ‘em for years, and the only problem i ever had is when they tried to update my dvr box recently to some shit that DID – NOT – WORK (they were basically forcing people into a beta test of a server-based dvr system that isn’t anywhere near ready).
had to threaten to cancel to get my old box back – but other than that it’s been smooth sailing.
the service is good, the customer service is ok, and the prices aren’t completely outrageous. and ive got all the channels ill need for UFC overload in 2012.
I have Cablevision and it's been nothing but a clusterfuck.
"So even though it’s the gayest sport ever, MMA is still the best sport ever. I love my gay sport." - Wrestling Uber Alles
"If your [BJJ] training involves any part of you or training equipment inside any of your partner’s orifices, you’re doing it wrong." - gzl5000
Sopcast FTW
Por isso eu tomo ópio / é um remédio / sou um convalescente do momento / moro no rés-do-chão do pensamento / e ver passar a vida faz-me tédio
I wouldn't have known it was an illegal stream if you hadn't mentioned it
:p - orcus
Most of the time I am a rather quiet fellow, who likes to read about Philosophy, Mathematics and History, but like most people I also have a deep appreciation of sex and violence... - John Danaher
Fuel TV? Why not Betamax?
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." - Gandhi
...
:p - orcus
Most of the time I am a rather quiet fellow, who likes to read about Philosophy, Mathematics and History, but like most people I also have a deep appreciation of sex and violence... - John Danaher
by Chris Hall on Nov 9, 2011 5:37 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Interesting to see how the radio broadcast of this turns out
The key is to hit the guy in the jaw really hard before the other guy does it to you.
by FreeLightningLee on Nov 9, 2011 5:44 PM EST reply actions
Just 90 minutes on Fox is bullshit. Just utter bullshit. It doesn’t make sense. Come on man, is COPS really that fucking important that you can’t skip it every few months? Two hours on FX is a pleasant surprise but it doesn’t make up for it. Oh well, maybe this will change as things go on.
It’s great that Fuel TV will be getting a ton of stuff but way more people “get” Facebook than Fuel TV. Frankly I’d rather watch everything on Facebook complete with advertising than on Fuel TV. They could even do regionally-aimed advertising if they were smart about it.
Anyway I hope they have a highlight package insert for some of the earlier fights going into the Velasquez/JDS fight.
I think it's really going to depend on how the production is handled
I mean, think about the Spike 3-hour broadcast where at least 50% of the show is plugs for bad TV and commercials.
If they streamline the broadcast it could still be very successful. As well as adding pre and post-fight analysis shows could add to the quality of the product. I’m a little suspect about it as well, but I’m willing to wait until we see the product before picking up the pitchfork.
:p - orcus
Most of the time I am a rather quiet fellow, who likes to read about Philosophy, Mathematics and History, but like most people I also have a deep appreciation of sex and violence... - John Danaher
I think it’s really going to depend on how the production is handled
I mean, think about the Spike 3-hour broadcast where at least 50% of the show is plugs for bad TV and commercials.
And yet they still manage five scheduled fights in that time. Also Fox will be doing ads as well. While Spike got extra ad time by cutting out entrances. Those entrances will still happen whether or not the cameras show them.
What’s more, Fox is going to have to do more to educate the public on how MMA works so it’s going to have to dedicate extra time to that.
Pre-fight and post-fight shows sound good but those won’t be on Fox proper and won’t affect the number of fights we get, which is what I’m more concerned about. 90 minutes = 3 live fights maximum (see tedious breakdown below). With Fox executives actually talking two or three fights during a 90 minute broadcast is makes me think they have no idea what the fuck they’re doing. I don’t care how skilled their production crew is, the amount of time is still utter bullshit. Two hours is the entire normally alloted primetime slot on Saturday for Fox. It makes perfect sense to use it that way and it seems like a full-on actual sporting event and the UFC gets a chance to showcase their undercard which they’ve always been excellent at. Or they could start at 9 PM and go to 11 PM, which will hardly cause their affiliates to revolt if they just do this four times a year and provide better lead-in ratings than American Dad re-airings.
Tedious Breakdown of why you can’t do four scheduled fights in 90 minutes:
4 fights = 17 minutes each (with 2 minutes between rounds). 68 minutes during the fights themselves. Not so bad, right? But keep in mind that approximately 21 minutes of the 90 minute slot goes towards advertising. 8 of those minutes can go in-between rounds, but this still leaves a cushion for absolutely everything else on the broadcast of 9 minutes. 9 minutes for 6 sets of entrances (let’s say fighters are already making their way to the ring during the first fight), 4 post-fight outros (some of which will include postfight interviews), and lead-in production and other promo segments. The occasional pause for an injury check would also goes into those 9 minutes, not to mention that in-between rounds is usually longer than 60 seconds as that’s just when they have to get off their stool by, meaning you lose another minute or two there as well. 9 minutes isn’t anywhere close to sufficient. So three scheduled fights is the maximum.
Did you make sure to check the SD stations?
A lot of people who have it, don’t have it in HD.
:p - orcus
Most of the time I am a rather quiet fellow, who likes to read about Philosophy, Mathematics and History, but like most people I also have a deep appreciation of sex and violence... - John Danaher
1:30 on FOX pretty much means 3 fights at the most
It basically means that they’re giving us the best fights on FOX and what would normally be 4th or 5th on a PPV and put it on FX.
I respect your opinion even though it's wrong.
Anyone know if Fuel will replay the prelims for this card at a later time/date?
FB is cool and all, but I’m addicted to DVR
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Comcast doesn't carry Fuel TV
Awesome.
Time to move to another state. I ain’t getting Verizon in my area because…well…they don’t allow it.
I respect your opinion even though it's wrong.
Part of this is to have people call their provider and say "WHAT THE FUCK I WANT FUEL!"
That’s why there is such a big focus on making Fuel the home for the UFC.
by Matthew Roth on Nov 9, 2011 6:29 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I yelled "I WANT FUEL"
Then they told me the ARCO station was down the street…..
Try the veal folks.
I respect your opinion even though it's wrong.
by SSreporters on Nov 9, 2011 6:35 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Now I want veal.
Bolts from the Blue // "Go for the throat, Norval." - Jim Rome
Bloody Elbow // "I think we're poking fun at Leland's 'boner.'" - Michael Fagan
by Richard Wade on Nov 9, 2011 6:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
So....when do I write the eulogy for Spike TV?
Because when Bellator gets on Spike, you know the UFC will counter-program the shit out of that.
I respect your opinion even though it's wrong.
The toughest test for Spike is going to be getting through 2012
They don’t have any other significant drawing television, that I know of. And it shouldn’t take long before people realize they’re no longer the home of the UFC. Getting Bellator on there quickly would have dissipated some of that by having another attraction.
:p - orcus
Most of the time I am a rather quiet fellow, who likes to read about Philosophy, Mathematics and History, but like most people I also have a deep appreciation of sex and violence... - John Danaher
It's pretty much their fault.
Dana White warned that he would get them back for their counter-programming, and he’s in a prime position to wreck Bellator’s ratings.
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by McKinley B. Noble on Nov 9, 2011 11:58 PM EST up reply actions
Radio play-by-play....
I wonder who they are gonna have call that. That requires a lot of knowledge, fast thinking, and a well-spoken announcer. Good radio p-b-p guys tend to be able to paint the picture for you so that you can see it in your mind as it’s happening. This will be interesting.
"If you say Chael Sonnen I will light you on fire." -- Farthammer.
Yeah
I can’t think of anyone who’s really ideal, but if I had to pick somebody to fill the radio play-by-play role I think The Voice would probably be better suited to it than any of the other usual suspects.
"Anderson Silva is the best fighter in MMA today. If you don't enjoy watching him fight, you have no heart." - Fraser Coffeen
Agreed
We haven’t seen anything like that on a televised broadcast, and I’m wondering who they have that’s qualified to call a fight like that.
:p - orcus
Most of the time I am a rather quiet fellow, who likes to read about Philosophy, Mathematics and History, but like most people I also have a deep appreciation of sex and violence... - John Danaher
No FUEL TV up in Canada. My Saturday afternoons will suck if they don’t show the fights in Canada somehow…
Pretty sure I heard Sportsnet's got our asses covered.
KEMvP
"You know Joe, if Keith Jardines last name was Johnson, the nickname 'The Dean of Mean' wouldn't work at all."
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