UFC Reinvents The Ultimate Fighter, Live Bouts on FX Should Revitalize Reality Series
by Leland Roling on Aug 18, 2011 3:42 PM EDT
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One of the primary discussion points to come out of the reports that the UFC had reached a deal with Fox was the future of the UFC's reality show, The Ultimate Fighter. Much of the debate revolved around the idea that the show had become stagnant, featuring personalities over highly-skilled fighters who could have a successful future inside the Octagon. The UFC confirmed on Thursday during a press conference that a deal had, in fact, been reached, and The Ultimate Fighter would enjoy a revitalization on FX that most fans had not foreseen. Live bouts.
Undoubtedly, the driving force behind this move stems from something Dana White talked about during the press conference. Live events are a major drawing power in the sports television landscape. Fans want to see the action now, not on tape delay when they know damn well they can open up their mobile phone browser or Twitter and find out the outcome within seconds. For many fans, the drama of watching an event as it unfolds is the true drawing aspect of any sport, and television ratings fall in line with that ideology.
It isn't surprising, in retrospect of the announcement, that the UFC and Fox will now move to weekly live events during The Ultimate Fighter seasons. It's shocking that most of us didn't see the light at the end of the tunnel however. With the rise of social media and the notion that everyone has an outlet to speak their piece, live events work hand-in-hand with this new technologically-driven generation. It will more than likely help bring The Ultimate Fighter out of the basement.
The show won't be completely live. Footage of the drama from The Ultimate Fighter house will be included during the Friday night episodes. The bonus for fans, however, is that footage of the coaches' training camps will be included on the show, sort of a The Ultimate Fighter meets UFC Countdown mash-up that will surely draw added attention.
There is still skepticism revolving around whether the show can still rise from its poor ratings. Obviously, there will be an adjustment for the larger audience and the cross-promotion that Fox will be throwing at consumers. I imagine, at first, we'll see higher ratings simply based on those factors. After the dust settles and we get an average rating trend, that's when the true analysis of whether this format works begins.
Talent acquisition is at the forefront of the skepticism. Many fans want to see the absolute best prospects inside the Octagon on the show, and I'm still under the firm belief that implementing that idea is one of the keys to helping the ratings. Unfortunately, Spike TV had other ideas, and Fox will more than likely want to see personable characters in the mix as well.
It's difficult, however, to thwart any sense that this format will work over one problem that can be fixed. The importance of marketability is becoming more and more prominent among younger fighters. The new deal will most certainly stack onto the laundry list of enticing options for prospects as well. If the fact that the UFC is the premier mixed martial arts promotion, has an out-of-competition insurance policy, and offers more money than most regional promotions aren't enough reasons to entice the best up-and-comers, how about the potential for a fight on network television if you can succeed to the highest levels? I have hope that the UFC can find talent that will interest both the casual and hardcore fanbases.
Let's also not forget the secondary benefits of the live shows. The UFC will effectively smother entire blocks of the year with Friday night live events, creating a climate for their competition that is damn near impossible to fight. The events are essentially a Bellator card with better production and a UFC brand, which will draw in even the most casual viewer. If the UFC can fill The Ultimate Fighter seasons with legitimate, hyped prospects, what show are you more than likely going to watch?
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Lets hope the clientele is worth watching cause the past few TUF contestants have been busts.
Me > Ben Henderson
@KrimsonTVN
DIA2ill.com coming soon....
First thing I thought of when I read this. I really hope they start scooping up some good talent for the live seasons. The talent in the Brock JDS TUF was abysmal IMO.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
@xFenixKnightx on the Twitter
by xFenixKnightx on Aug 18, 2011 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Something has to give.
I’m no longer excited to see someone given a not-so-great UFC contract. The end result should be something bigger, more exciting. What is that? I really have no idea. Maybe a slick sponsorship (not just TapOut), or a BIG NAME fight. Essentially, create TUF as a cinderella story. Granted, you’re going to have to go with Leland’s suggestion of finding top prospects in order for this plan to play itself out.
GOD I AM SO HAPPY
That would be terrible
Unless that means BJ Penn and Kosh and Cerrone and Sonnen and Brock and Faber and and and all go onto the show so they can get their shots …. the guys on that show aren’t deserving of that at all
I Bleed Blue and Green
The idea of having a big fight for the eventual winner is intriguing. Say if it was a season of Lightweights or Welterweights they could be promised a high profile match with a legend like BJ Penn. The biggest stumbling block about this is I am unsure what true legends would be willing to put their career and legacy on the line against the fresh winner of a TUF.
I would have preferred if there was no house anymore
but whatever. This is a good start though.
by pud333 on Aug 18, 2011 3:55 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
FUCK YOU!
"I'm a little worried about being a slut"
~ Bobby Hill
by Chris Hines on Aug 18, 2011 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
"Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be." - Kahlil Gibran
by merryprankster on Aug 18, 2011 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Very true...
It’s always that thing that walks like lupus and talks like lupus, but isn’t, therefore it must actually be…
:blank stare:
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Gotta go….!
I agree as well.
Staff Writer, BloodyElbow.com, 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 Aug 18, 2011 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
So how do they schedule the final bouts, then?
Isn’t there usually a 2-3 month period between the penultimate and final fights of the competition? If the preliminary fights are going out live, is the show just going to go dark for months before the last fight (instead of the normal 1-2 weeks)?
by Greetings from the Lord Humongous! on Aug 18, 2011 3:56 PM EDT reply actions
As far as legit, hyped prospects go;
Bellator has been snatching them up left right and center. UFC has some work to do.
Curious
Do you think they will move a way from 2 round exhibitions now that the fights are live and instead do 3 round real fights? Having them do 2 rounds has always been stupid in my opinion but it was necessary to keep the results in the dark until the show aired. With the fights being shown live why not move to a legitimate 3 round fight?
I always thought the 2 rounds was the keep boring fights the minimum.
If someone lays on someone else for 2 rounds, you don’t have to have a 3rd round of that.
"I'm a little worried about being a slut"
~ Bobby Hill
Yea
Well it certainly does that but it can also eliminate possible drama and also can rob a fighter of a chance to win thanks to bad judging. I’d rather just see them be 3 rounds because it adds some legitimacy to the fight. It eliminates elements of a real UFC fight; like gassing out in the third, dealing with a guy who knows he’s down 2 rounds to 0, and things like that.
the 2 rounds was so they could delay the results of the fight, if it was 3 then they would have to put the fight results up as soon as it was finished
I know. As I said in my original comment now that they have the option to do three rounders, since it will be live and there is no need to keep the result secret, I wonder if they will. I certainly hope so as it makes the most sense in my opinion
by pcusick13 on Aug 18, 2011 5:25 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
why can 2 round fights be kept secret, but not 3 rounders?
Say it ain't Cho
by Sean in Vancouver on Aug 18, 2011 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Exhibition matches aren't required to report results publicly
Official matches are.
: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, I didnt know that 2 rounders weren't official fights
thanks for the info. Is there any particular reason? Or just an Athletic Commission rule?
Say it ain't Cho
by Sean in Vancouver on Aug 18, 2011 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions
AC rule I would guess
It’s also why none of the TUF bouts go on the fighters’ official record.
Which may be a reason they choose to keep the fights as exhibition bouts.
: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 suppose that would make sense
Since TUF is supposed to be a learning/training type thing. It would suck to have every time you ever tapped in training counted on your record.
That said, I didnt know that TUF fights didnt count on their records, lol.
Say it ain't Cho
by Sean in Vancouver on Aug 18, 2011 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I think this is the best part
The bonus for fans, however, is that footage of the coaches’ training camps will be included on the show, sort of a The Ultimate Fighter meets UFC Countdown mash-up that will surely draw added attention.
I wish they would just do it as an expanded UFC Countdown that follows all the guys fighting on the next card (not just the headliners) through their training camps. That would be far more interesting to me than manufactured “reality” drama. Especially if you focused on guys that were going into their first UFC fight, or guys that had lost a couple and were on the bubble, since that would have authentic drama built in.
by Damnatio Memoriae on Aug 18, 2011 4:01 PM EDT reply actions
it would definitely be interesting
to see how some of the younger fighters actively develop their skill sets over the length of their camp.
Say it ain't Cho
by Sean in Vancouver on Aug 18, 2011 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I wanna know:
- Will fighter pay increase?
- Will fighters be allowed to wear sponsored gear at live TUF fights?
- Will they all be crammed in a house for 12 weeks?
- Three months in a house may not work. Could we see a completely revamped format?
- How long will episodes be? 1 hour and then a time slot for the love fight?
- Exhibition or not?
There is potential for the new format to put more money in the fighter’s pockets. This could lead to better fighters. :)
I had the same question actually. Will fighters be allowed to wear sponsored gear? I am leaning toward no. I bet the UFC will restrict it and only show their own high paying sponsors.
Episodes will more than likely be 1 hour long. They can go non-exhibition now too.
Staff Writer, BloodyElbow.com, 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 Aug 18, 2011 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Still so many questions...
They can go exhibition, but will they?
How will the scheduling work?
If the show in an hour, fights included, that will limit them to one fight per episode.
Walk outs, 3 rounds, commercials, they probably need to leave around 22 minutes or so.
Do they squeeze the show into the remaining 38?
You are probably right about the sponsors, but giving the fighters that outlet could put substantial money in their pockets and attract more talent. There are interesting ramifications for those types of decisions. Would they rather a sponsor pay they tab then go out of pocket?
If the show in an hour, fights included, that will limit them to one fight per episode.
Not necessarily. They can limit the drama bullshit portion to 30 mins.
Staff Writer, BloodyElbow.com, 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 Aug 18, 2011 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
You can't guarantee two fights will end inside of 30 though.
They would have to cut the other stuff off at around 15 minutes, maybe less.
A normal hour long show usually runs shy of 45 minutes of actual footage.
Gotta fit in that valuable add space.
Pretty much every night will be an elimination night though.
I am just curious about how it will all look in the end.
What is going to be hard to deal with
Is you’ve got 30 mins of lead-in to the fight. Say the fight ends in a quick 1:30 KO. Now, even with commercials, you’ve got 15 mins (at least) of live television to fill with….what?
: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
Exactly my point
For programming you have to assume every fight is going the full 10 or 15. This leaves the risk of a lot air time to fill with stuff no one wants to watch.
: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
they said they are going to show what happens after the fight, so I could see all the fights starting at 30 minutes in so they have time to get to the aftermath every week.
I know
I just don’t think there’s going to be enough going on in each post fight for solid television.
: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
there wont’ be that much time, and seeing how people react to winning and losing would be interesting.
Yeah, you're prolly right
There may be a couple or a few early finishes at most, but probably not enough to be a consistent problem.
: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
5 minutes of "ooooooh that was a nice knockout"
followed by 10 minutes of “bonus” extra footage from the lead up stuff.
Say it ain't Cho
by Sean in Vancouver on Aug 18, 2011 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions
maybe instead of the fighters wearing their own sponsors
the UFC can place some major sponsors on the fighters gear, and use that money to cut out a few commercials in order to put 2 fights per show.
Say it ain't Cho
by Sean in Vancouver on Aug 18, 2011 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree, the sponsorships could be a huge bonus for fighters
And now that they have established this large and consistent platform, I think there’s room for some progressive marketing here to help these up-and-coming fighters. As an example, Apple offers iAd for developers to add to any application to generate profits without brokering their own Ad deals. I think this same system could work here with advertisers buying into the show on a per-fighter, per-fight basis. A sponsoring company’s logo or ad would be assigned to a fighter during his fight that week and the UFC shares a percentage cut with the fighter. Of course the UFC doesn’t HAVE to do this for their own sake at all, but they didn’t HAVE to offer insurance either. It would just be another big selling point to potential fighters for the show.
by Luffmania on Aug 18, 2011 7:49 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
what if...
They changed the format of the show, and instead of making a bunch of dudes live in the same house, they film documentary style pieces focused on hot prospects in the top camps around the country.
The training camps would feature greater variety of the UFC roster and show diversity in techniques and culture, as well as the similarities. They could tell compelling personal stories, if they exist.
Most importantly, these are athletes that the UFC was likely to pick up anyway. Why not give them a little extra marketing push. Should they be successful, it will pay off significantly.
by Schwizzles on Aug 18, 2011 4:05 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I like it, but there needs to be more incentive for the audience.
People tune in to reality TV for drama / humour. A straight documentary won’t be all that compelling.
I disagree
But then again, I love documentaries and hate “reality” TV. So I’m probably a terrible example.
by Damnatio Memoriae on Aug 18, 2011 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I am talking about the masses.
The dummies who watch Jersey shore and Big Brother every week.
If they are trying to reach an audience that goes beyond people who are already MMA fans, they need take some steps to get there.
I know
I’m just being selfish. What I really want is someone to make a TV series that plays like a bastard child of the Victory Belt books and the Judo Chops.
by Damnatio Memoriae on Aug 18, 2011 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
for the record
I would absolutely love to see some MMA documentaries. I used to love watching Fight Quest, so something like that would be cool. Or a full on documentary following MMA fighters.
Say it ain't Cho
by Sean in Vancouver on Aug 18, 2011 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
That's a fine point
If the show was really well done (I know this is a huge stretch) they could tell serious stories that get the audience emotionally involved.
You go beyond just following the training, and show the pressure, hardships, hopes and dreams of a fighter. You interview the pregnant girlfriend, the parents. The stories are there. You just need someone talented enough to pull them out and frame them.
by Schwizzles on Aug 18, 2011 4:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
yeah, you're right
Wishful thinking. People want to be entertained. Junie is entertaining. Disciplined folk are not as entertaining. No one wants to watch shows about people’s hardships.
by Schwizzles on Aug 18, 2011 4:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If Brittney had a girlfriend
You’re damn right I’d watch that series
by Damnatio Memoriae on Aug 18, 2011 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions
First of all, porn is a sport
Second of all, you forgot cartoons
by Damnatio Memoriae on Aug 18, 2011 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Get some of the people that did the ESPN 30 for 30 series
those were great.
Say it ain't Cho
by Sean in Vancouver on Aug 18, 2011 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed.
The only trick would be that the UFC wouldn’t be interested in showing prospects if they didn’t have them under some kind of contract. If they show a guy getting ready to fight in a regional promotion, but then he signs with Bellator, they just wasted money hyping a guy that’s going to make money for another promotion.
by Damnatio Memoriae on Aug 18, 2011 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Any body else love the highlights from TUF 14?
Vicious diving elbow – Hendo style.
: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
This change is going to interest a lot of new fights
who wouldn’t have normally done TUF. Now that they know they’ll be LIVE on FX; it’ll surely be a more enticing offer compared to Bellator. Hopefully it’ll be enough to drive more interest into the show again.
http://nohonestsleep.tumblr.com
http://penguinsfromthenorth.tumblr.com
http://www.scenepointblank.com
what good has emphasizing personalities really done them?
i mean, who do you think of from recent seasons of TUF that really had a personality that stood out? Junie Browning? Bruce Leroy? Cody McKenzie? Aside from Kimbo, it’s not like the show has really got much mileage from this approach.
by Trust Doesn't Rust on Aug 18, 2011 4:09 PM EDT reply actions
The really interesting thing about the live format
Is the show is forced to come off more geniunely, rather than a zuffa product looking at it in hindsight. Now, just because Kris McCray has a blog doesn’t mean he is a shoe in for at least the semis, and I know the slow build up in coach tension doesn’t necessarily mean there will be a conclusion or climax. Now I will be more surprised when things happen, and that is a good thing.
Head conductor of the Charles Oliveira hype train.
So if you live in Canada and don’t have access to FX you’re basically screwed for watching ultimate fighter and other UFC programming?
FX comes to Canada in 2012 my friend.
Staff Writer, BloodyElbow.com, 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 Aug 18, 2011 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions
TUF should become UFC purgatory
Instead of cutting under performing fighters, they should be demoted to TUF, where they will fight it out for a new 3-fight contract. Think of the pros:
- Recognizable fighters people already are familiar with
- Chance to see how real UFC fighters interact, not a bunch of amateur kids.
- Show’s success isn’t tied to the personality of 2 coaches, but the entire team. Let them be coached by real coaches.
Sure, it won’t develop any new talent, but has TUF done that the last few years?
Weight classes would be an issue.
Actually, screw it all. Just make Strikeforce into TUF :)
by aptar on Aug 18, 2011 4:19 PM EDT reply actions 8 recs
Not producing any new talent in last few years?
People say the same thing every year, forgetting that it often takes a few years for TUF contestants to become legit contenders.
From 2 years ago:
Nelson, Mittrione, Schaub, Madsen, DaMarques Johnson, Ross Pearson, Andre Winner
1 year ago:
Kyle Noke, Rich Attonito, Brad Tavares, Court McGee, Nick Ring
The UFC would find themselves with a lot fewer recognizeable names if they stop feeding the TUF machine
Mcloviiiiin!!
I'm not sure TUF 'produced' all of that talent
At least not Big Country, who was a very established fighter when he joined the show. Also, you see the big changes in the fighters who get on a UFC card after the show, winners or not- I think the six-month plus training at a real gym does far more to develop them as fighters than six weeks on a reality TV show. Look at Mitrione as an example
by knockout_ned on Aug 18, 2011 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Of course 6 months training after the show – and the years of training before the show – will do more for their skill level than 6 weeks on a reality show. I’m talking about narrowing down a large pool of potentials to a handful of marketable talents, which is exactly what TUF has been doing and continues to do. Regardless of where their skills/star power actually originated from, the fact remains that many TUF contestants still end up becoming legit new contenders with mainstream name recognition which is incredibly important to the UFCs biz model.
Awesome nick btw.
Mcloviiiiin!!
At the risking of “hating” and harshing the buzz of excited fans… how is this going to work exactly? If it’s just the one live fight at the end of the program filmed in the TUF gym like usual, I have to say, that sounds kind of lame and not exactly a big improvement over the previous format. If it’s going to be live, I want multiple fights, even if they’re not tied to the TUF season. And a live audience.
I doubt it will be. I’m willing to bet it’s two fights at the least. But then again, they are catering to casuals over us.
Staff Writer, BloodyElbow.com, 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 Aug 18, 2011 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Two seems like the logical maximum for a one hour program. I hope you’re right. I can’t believe some people are keen on the idea of “a masnup of TUF and UFC Countdown”… UFC Countdown is banal, shallow, and not nearly as popular as it once was.
Personally, I do not care about UFC Countdown shows at all.
Staff Writer, BloodyElbow.com, 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 Aug 18, 2011 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
That may be partially because you write text equivalents.
Equivalent in design. Your work is usually superior.
Well, all I said was that it would surely draw attention. For me, I don’t care.
Staff Writer, BloodyElbow.com, 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 Aug 18, 2011 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Given that the problem with TUF seasons approximately nine through now is the low skill level of the fighters …
… how does making the fights live address the show’s problems? Now I can see fighters not very good live instead of taped six weeks ago?
Now was the time to move to a Friday Night Fights format and away from the reality show format. Believe in the product; we don’t need to dress it up with manufactured Real World/Survivor histrionics.
by The Ghost of Spike Owen on Aug 18, 2011 4:29 PM EDT reply actions
They will need highly-skilled talent. That’s outlined in the final two paragraphs.
Staff Writer, BloodyElbow.com, 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 Aug 18, 2011 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I just don't think you explained how going live addresses any of the show's problems.
The problem is the low talent level. Sure, people like to see shit live, but no one has been clamoring for TUF to go live. They’ve been clamoring for TUF to stop sucking.
Also, given that good fighters on regional shows now know they can enter the UFC with more lucrative contracts than TUF offers and without having to go through the rigmarole of being separated from their family for six weeks, how will they attract this talent we both agree they need?
The model is still busted. Going live has fixed nothing.
by The Ghost of Spike Owen on Aug 18, 2011 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
The simple premise that it is LIVE will bring more ratings. That’s reality. They still need better fighters though, and I think this will entice them even more.
Staff Writer, BloodyElbow.com, 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 Aug 18, 2011 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Perhaps initially
Then the novelty will wear off.
Then we’ll be right back where we were.
by The Ghost of Spike Owen on Aug 18, 2011 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions
And that's on higher ratings, btw
Professional fighters don’t give a shit if their fights air lived or taped; they’re factoring the size of the check and the amount of exposure and what it can do for their future prospects. All those things are largely unchanged, to my understanding.
by The Ghost of Spike Owen on Aug 18, 2011 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with you about a fighters' motives, but...
I’d say TUF already had incentive for fighters’ future prospects built into the nature of a tournament for a contract. I also think their exposure did increase based on the number of viewers who frequent FX over Spike.
You’re right about the cash aspect of it though, and that’s the biggest part. Make that “six figure deal” a lump sum of winnings if you win the show then add a decent contract on topic that. And, like I mentioned earlier, get them some sponsors for their fights. That would be an immediate improvement right there.
by Luffmania on Aug 18, 2011 8:05 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm just glad
The coaches won’t be tied up as long. No more tying up a fighter for 6-9 waiting for the show to air.
it is a start but only one thing will fix the show
Better Fighters
aka BuckeyedBear34
Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.
~ Napoleon Bonaparte
Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself
~ Chinese Proverb
Who cares about live fights they need talented fighters.
The earlier seasons had good fighters and that’s why people liked them, look at where the earlier winners are now. In like the past 5 seasons all of the fighters not just the winners have all been garbage, with the exception of Nelson, and Brookins(who has yet to even fight.)
Sometimes I feel like the coaches are just stage props and aren’t even increasing the fighters skill level. Many people suck when it starts and suck when it ends. I understand these people are amatuers, but how can you take people seriously when many of the premlim BAMMA and Bellator people would toss TUF peoples’ salads. That’s absolutely sab but true.
by Mixed Martial Arts on Aug 18, 2011 5:11 PM EDT reply actions
I personally don't know how the 'Comeback' season did ratings wise
I’m assuming it was bad or they would have done it again.
But I think the climate for when they did it then vs doing it now has changed.
Did any of the guys on the comeback season have any sort of following before the show?
But nowadays, with more fans and everything following more guys, I think a new comeback season full of names would actually be worth something.
PACIFIC RIM
in theaters
July 12th, 2013
Off-topic
But Spike TV is pimping Bellator out on their little ticker at the bottom right corner.
I went whale watching the other day. I think. There were a lot of people in that lake.
Big Brother
They’re going the route of Big Brother, a logical evolution. Reality show + Bellator.
Reporting from inside a padded cage at MMAmadman.com.
i have a few questions.
The fights will be live now on fridays. Will there still be only 1 or 2 fights per episode?
what about the fights to get into the house, are those going to be live?
What about commentators? will the fights be shown as if you were watching them in person?
How
is this going to work?
If it is the same type of format, 1 fight per week, the fighters and coaches will be in the house/tied up for a huge period of time.
12 weeks. They said the coaches will be having training camp as part of the show because their ppv fight will happen right after the end of the season.
And efficient
The current system puts them out for a much longer period of time. Finish taping in July, cant fight till december
Dear audio diary: Today I may have accidentally registered myself as a sex offender! WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY LIFE
- T-Rex
Still need 2 things: Commentators & fights for eliminated guys
1. Commentators. Fights just seem more aweful and meaningless when you have to listen to other fighters yell dumb commands which echo in the warehouse. Just a very ammature feel to it. Adding an intelligent commentator (easier said than done I understand) that can take up some dead time would be great.
2. Let eliminated fighters fight each other! I know they give wild card slots to good fighters who slipped up, but how about a 2 hour special once a month just to add more live fights for fighters who’ve already lost. This would give some more action to the fans and be a huge incentive for prospective fighters. I thinks that’s the big reason some big fighters don’t go on, along with the money issue. Guarantee some of the “marquee” prospects at least 3 fights in the house and go recruit some great talent.
by Luffmania on Aug 18, 2011 8:16 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
two good points
I love point 2. Think of all the eliminated fighters who have become top fighters: Koscheck, Leben, Jardine, Marcus Davis, Melvin Guillard, Nate Quarry, Mike Swick, Matt Hamill. This will give the chance for prospects of that caliber to get more experience even if the don’t win.
Dear audio diary: Today I may have accidentally registered myself as a sex offender! WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY LIFE
- T-Rex
So, I was explaining why this was a big deal to my wife...
and it hit me – they’re using “Big Brother” as the template. Taped stuff from that week, audience participation, and then the last segment of the show is live.
It’s “Big Brother” meets cage fighting.
"Complacency is your demise." - Kerry King
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