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Jim Miller Vs. Nate Diaz To Headline UFC On Fox 3 - Is It Good Enough To Draw Viewers?

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

The UFC will be making their third effort on Fox on May 5. As mentioned yesterday, the fights will be the same night as the Floyd Mayweather vs. Miguel Cotto bout on HBO PPV. Going on the same night as a major boxing event would seem to require a big main event to ensure people are willing to skip a portion of the PPV card to watch the UFC's effort.

So I was a bit surprised last night when the UFC tweeted:

So, @UFConFOX news? Diaz/Miller now the 5 round main event, also on main card heavyweight battle @LavarJohnson vs Pat @hypeordie Barry

Both of those fights are good bouts that are sure to be plenty exciting, but neither features a huge name. I have my concerns about how well this show will draw on Fox.

Star-divide

Again, the concern isn't about action, it's about name value. This has the feeling of a FX main event, not a headliner on a major network. You can try to sell the idea of action but people have to be drawn in by fighters they know.

The first show had a heavyweight title bout which carries a natural allure. The second event featured Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis had a former champion who had done multiple stints on The Ultimate Fighter and had main evented multiple successful pay-per-views. In this main event you have a guy who won The Ultimate Fighter but never really took off as a top fighter against a very talented fighter who hasn't really "caught on" yet.

I look back at EliteXC's second network effort to sort of cement my thinking. Robbie Lawler and Scott Smith had put on a great show on the first CBS show, a show which averaged 4.85 million viewers. When it ended due to an accidental foul, they were rematched on the second CBS show. The promise of action was obviously not a draw as viewership dropped by over two million viewers without the Kimbo Slice name.

Obviously, the UFC name brand is at play here so I wouldn't expect the ratings to drop by 50% on the third effort, but I do think there will be a very noticeable drop.

The other thing I'm not sure the UFC and Fox realize is that the "our fights will be done before Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto step into the ring" line isn't going to work as well this time around. It's looking like Saul "Canelo" Alvarez will be in the co-main event slot. Alvarez is arguably the biggest Mexican draw in the sport, fighting on Cinco de Mayo on a major PPV. It looks like Alvarez will be fighting Shane Mosley in what is a big enough "name fight" to keep the 1.5 million (early estimates for the PPV) buyers locked in to the show they shelled out $60 for, especially if the alternative is a Fox fight involving fighters the general public isn't familiar with.

I'm all for Miller vs. Diaz on Fox, I think it's a great fight and I think using Fox to elevate talented guys like that is a very good thing. I just think you have to do it with a bigger "drawing" fight in the main event slot.

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Yikes

I’m not sure this cuts it as a main event on Fox. It’s a great fight that I’m excited to see it but how does that drawl casual fans in? Miller and Diaz do not have huge fan bases and they aren’t well known names outside of the MMA world. I’m pretty surprised that the UFC decided to go this way.

by pcusick13 on Feb 2, 2012 11:04 AM EST reply actions  

FUCK ALL THE HATERZ!!!!!!!

"We're making meth here, not space shuttles."

by THEFILMGUY on Feb 2, 2012 11:51 AM EST up reply actions  

yeah this was ridiculous

that whole event was really horrible, but it is the first pro wrestling PPV I tuned into in like 12 years or so, so I’m comparing it to a different era

follow me on twitter @polyh3dron

by Rob Young on Feb 2, 2012 1:01 PM EST up reply actions  

i only agree...

Because I was there…however outside of the childhood dream of going to the Royal Rumble…it was pretty lackluster…

by MediaOutlaws on Feb 2, 2012 1:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

The only good match was Daniel Bryan defending his title again.

The following RAW was much better though with two great matches.

by Akemi Homura on Feb 2, 2012 10:06 PM EST up reply actions  

Tito Forrest 3 as the lead in and you have yourself a CARD!

Years ago someone told Polynesian DNA that everyone was surrounded by sea monsters and it believed them. It made humans that were immune to head injuries, fast enough to run on the highway, and big enough to use the carpool lane. Putting two of them in the same ring is like telling your local tectonic plates to fuck themselves.

"Guillard told the commission he used cocaine on March 30 and expected it to be out of his system by the time he stepped into the Octagon"

BECW S2: Ruining Your Special Night
* Rutgers University * NY Giants * NJ Devils * Yellow Fever * Proud Tebow Bandwaggoner *

by Kevin Jennison J. Zametov-St Pierre on Feb 2, 2012 11:06 AM EST reply actions  

That is the exact fight I suggested when we were discussing this issue among the staff.

Staff Writer - BloodyElbow.com

by Fraser Coffeen on Feb 2, 2012 4:25 PM EST up reply actions  

It’s great that this fight is 5 rounds, but headliner? Really? A guy with no personality that is on a 1 fight win streak, and another guy that’s bouncing up and down in weight as soon as he loses a couple of fights in a row? I mean, I like both guys, their fights are generally entertaining… but if Maynard/Edgar III sold like crap after the awesomeness of their 2nd fight, what makes the UFC think that Miller/Diaz is a good headliner?

by Shnak on Feb 2, 2012 11:06 AM EST reply actions   1 recs

I am not sure this is a good headliner, but it depends what they are trying to do here.

If they are expecting name fighters to draw in a fan base (which may or may not have worked thus far) then this is a fail.

If they are looking for an exciting fight that could potentially win over a few viewers who aren’t sold on the UFC, then this fight might not be too bad. This fight should be exciting and has a decent chance of ending with blood everywhere or a finish.

I have been saying all along that they should focus on the lighter weight classes as they aren’t big PPV draws and they make for more exciting viewing. That is what they need if they want to draw in new fans.

by truck on Feb 2, 2012 11:47 AM EST up reply actions  

I agree

This fight is going to be an exciting, back & fourth fight that will display a lot of what we love about MMA. The ratings for UFC on Fox 2 did very well with headliners who recently came off of some of the lowest selling ppvs in the past 2 years, so it’s clear none of those guys were that big of stars in the first place. I think if you want to introduce more people to the sport, it will be better to have the most exciting and personable fighters headlining the free cards regardless of their drawing status before the fox deal. It’s a new era, they need to start things on the right foot and use the fox cards to build up the popularity of exciting guys Nate Diaz in a way they never could with spike fight nights, and spike prelims.

by amendamatrix on Feb 2, 2012 12:32 PM EST up reply actions  

I'm a casual and I'm interested.

Jim Miller and Nate Diaz are much more interesting than Maynar and Edgar in my honest opinion.

by Bill P. on Feb 2, 2012 12:57 PM EST up reply actions  

Casual fans don’t comment on BE…

by Shnak on Feb 2, 2012 1:34 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

This is so true

and if the do comment it is not for long

"Go get yuu some DONNALD CERRONNEEE" ,greg Jackson (not refering to more fans)

by Harley hooper on Feb 2, 2012 1:45 PM EST up reply actions  

See I just grammer police called upon myself

"Go get yuu some DONNALD CERRONNEEE" ,greg Jackson (not refering to more fans)

by Harley hooper on Feb 2, 2012 1:46 PM EST up reply actions  

True

But that doesn’t mean they can’t turn new FOX viewers into hardcore UFC fans though, it just takes time and enough exciting match-ups to get them addicted.

by amendamatrix on Feb 2, 2012 1:48 PM EST up reply actions  

Been screamin that all day

"Go get yuu some DONNALD CERRONNEEE" ,greg Jackson (not refering to more fans)

by Harley hooper on Feb 2, 2012 2:01 PM EST up reply actions  

are you really...

A casual fan? I would think actively participating on BE kinda removes casual from your status lol…mainly because one trip to any respectable MMA site gives you way more info than any casual fan knows about…just my .02

by MediaOutlaws on Feb 2, 2012 1:35 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Completely

I’ve never been near a martial arts gym in my life. Love Fedor. And hate “lay ’n pray” tactics.

by Bill P. on Feb 3, 2012 3:01 AM EST up reply actions  

all 4 guys are very interesting and badass

everything is an act......... T.N.Crew Bronx 13 1/2 12 juror's ,1 judge = 1/2 a chance

by biggant on Feb 2, 2012 2:25 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

It is a catch 22 situation to an extent. You put big names on the card and they have fairly lackluster fights and they go to a decision. So you put exciting lighter guys who guarantee fireworks, but the lighter classes just don’t draw. If they had a HW as the headliner I think it could work but who is available? If they put some names on the rest of the Main Card this could definitely work

Proud veteran of the elite unstoppable predictions juggernaut known as the K1 Level Predictions Team (2011-2011)

by StevenGiles on Feb 2, 2012 11:07 AM EST reply actions  

Yeah, that’s why the WEC’s still kicking around and doing well. Oh, wait…

by Shnak on Feb 2, 2012 11:11 AM EST up reply actions  

Sure, but any weightclass heavier than 155 > LW’s. That’s been demonstrated time and time again.

by Shnak on Feb 2, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions  

I feel like we have this same idiotic argument every time

How much do you think Mayweather weighs? How much someone weighs is not that important to a casual viewer. The higher weight classes have better exposure historically.

by discoandherpes on Feb 2, 2012 11:16 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

people are always naturally attracted to HW's

but if you get them invested in LW’s your golden because they usually have better preformances

Years ago someone told Polynesian DNA that everyone was surrounded by sea monsters and it believed them. It made humans that were immune to head injuries, fast enough to run on the highway, and big enough to use the carpool lane. Putting two of them in the same ring is like telling your local tectonic plates to fuck themselves.

"Guillard told the commission he used cocaine on March 30 and expected it to be out of his system by the time he stepped into the Octagon"

BECW S2: Ruining Your Special Night
* Rutgers University * NY Giants * NJ Devils * Yellow Fever * Proud Tebow Bandwaggoner *

by Kevin Jennison J. Zametov-St Pierre on Feb 2, 2012 11:18 AM EST up reply actions  

Boxing isn’t MMA. Stop using anything boxing in your arguments. I honestly couldn’t care less about how much Mayweather weighs.

by Shnak on Feb 2, 2012 11:52 AM EST up reply actions  

There is precedence in combat sports that translate, and if you don’t see that then I don’t know what to tell you.

by discoandherpes on Feb 2, 2012 11:58 AM EST up reply actions  

And there is a precedence in UFC that casual fans much prefer the heavier guys than the lighter guys.

Now, I understand if the UFC wants to give a bigger push to the lighter guys by exposing them more and more, but it would have been more prudent to put Miller/Diaz as co-main and have a much bigger proven draw as the headliner.

by Shnak on Feb 2, 2012 12:02 PM EST up reply actions  

How big do you think GSP is?

Or BJ Penn? Or eventually Matt Hughes? All these guys have headlined and done good numbers in the past.

It’s not the weight classes that draw simply because of the weight. No one in the UFC heavyweight division is a proven draw.

by discoandherpes on Feb 2, 2012 12:11 PM EST up reply actions  

Hell in LHW and MW

Only Anderson and Jones are consistently putting up better than average numbers.

That whole notion is silly.

by discoandherpes on Feb 2, 2012 12:22 PM EST up reply actions  

Besides Brock who has retired...

Who at heavyweight is a proven big draw?

UFC 132, headlined by Faber and Cruz, two 135’ers who had little to no exposure prior to the event, did better numbers than most of the other PPVs headlined by heavier, more well-known fighters in 2011.

Why would the UFC not want to try and make stars in every weight class if they had the platform to do it?

by amendamatrix on Feb 2, 2012 1:22 PM EST up reply actions  

Faber is an anomaly… he’s the one recognizable guy in these lighter divisions… if he was headlining a UFC on Fox show against Cruz following their TUF season, nobody would have any problems with them headlining… but Miller vs Diaz? Yeah… not the same.

by Shnak on Feb 2, 2012 1:35 PM EST up reply actions  

And like I said before, I understand that the UFC wants to build up their lighter guys, but they’re also risking a major drop in viewership… I’m pretty sure the Fox execs would prefer to have more established draws on their cards…

by Shnak on Feb 2, 2012 1:36 PM EST up reply actions  

I don't think you understand the point of the FOX events, it's to draw new fans.

What does it matter to a newish fan if Diaz and Miller are headlining? Because if they are new or newish to the sport, they are only watching because of the UFC brand, nothing more, and I know this because that’s how I was when I was a new fan, I just watched TUF 7 and the free UFN events that aired that year because I was bored and then I just got hooked. Trust me, I didn’t care who was fighting as long as the fights were entertaining.

Rashad Evans, Chael Sonnen, and Michael Bisbing didn’t draw 4.7 million people to watch last Saturday, it was the UFC and Fox doing that.

by amendamatrix on Feb 2, 2012 1:46 PM EST up reply actions  

You don’t draw new fans by putting relative unknowns on top of the card… you do that by putting well-known guys at the top, then putting whoever you want to push in the co-main spot. At least, that’s why I would do it. But whatever. I’m still amped up about Miller/Diaz, it’ll be a great fight, especially 5 rounds of it.

Maybe they’ll reverse that and put the well-known guys as co-main… Grififn/Ortiz as co-main, and 5 rounds of Miller/Diaz. That’d be okay to draw the crowds.

by Shnak on Feb 2, 2012 5:20 PM EST up reply actions  

if you’re a new fan, then you have no idea who the “well known” guys are. hence the term “new fans”. new fans think chuck liddell should be fighting kimbo slice for the UFC championship of the world.

by tha dude on Feb 2, 2012 5:42 PM EST up reply actions  

What is the point of pushing guys like Forest and Tito to new fans if they are on their way out in the next year or so? The smarter play is to use the platform to get fans watching guys who would make great stars, but aren’t quite there yet, like Jon Jones, Nate Diaz, Ben Henderson, Anthony Pettis, Urijah Faber, Jose Aldo, Erik Koch, Renan Baro, Carlos Condit, and anyone else who is just plain balls to the wall exciting to watch. If new viewers like what they see from their fights, they will then recognize their names on faces on future events and will be more likely to watch because they associate those guys with highly entertaining fights. Would you want GSP to headline a show just because he’s a star? I wouldn’t, because he has a high chance of turning millions away from the sport because he has no mystique with new viewers and will turn them away with his fairly boring style.

How can a prospective fan care about big names, if they couldn’t even recognize them in a line up? The first and most important thing that should matter to someone new to a sport is if the sport is entertaining to them at all.

The responses to your post from tha dude & discoandherpes are both correct.

by amendamatrix on Feb 3, 2012 10:45 AM EST up reply actions  

It doesn't have to be that way again if they put them at the forefront for newer fans.

Newer fans interested in giving the UFC a chance just want to see a good fight, and the lighter weights almost always put on the best bouts compared to 170+.

If BJ penn can become a star at LW, a guy like Nate Diaz, Ben Henderson, or Edson Barboza can become one too if they are given the biggest platform to wow people.

by amendamatrix on Feb 2, 2012 1:11 PM EST up reply actions  

You obviously don’t remember how great BJ Penn was early on… he wasn’t called The Prodigy for nothing. None of the guys you mention can rival with early BJ Penn in terms of performance in the cage or personality outside of the cage.

by Shnak on Feb 2, 2012 1:38 PM EST up reply actions  

What exactly is so special about BJ Penn that the UFC can't replicate his stardom with another great, exciting to watch, LW/BW/FW fighter?

I don’t see anything special about his personality
I don’t see anything special about his fighting style (Doesn’t mean he wasn’t great, but it’s not like he was using Machida Karate or something to set his style apart from the average fighter)

by amendamatrix on Feb 3, 2012 10:50 AM EST up reply actions  

UFC Brand > WEC Brand

Years ago someone told Polynesian DNA that everyone was surrounded by sea monsters and it believed them. It made humans that were immune to head injuries, fast enough to run on the highway, and big enough to use the carpool lane. Putting two of them in the same ring is like telling your local tectonic plates to fuck themselves.

"Guillard told the commission he used cocaine on March 30 and expected it to be out of his system by the time he stepped into the Octagon"

BECW S2: Ruining Your Special Night
* Rutgers University * NY Giants * NJ Devils * Yellow Fever * Proud Tebow Bandwaggoner *

by Kevin Jennison J. Zametov-St Pierre on Feb 2, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions  

Fox > FX > Spike > Versus

So…yeah.

"You got Floyd Mayweather making 25 million dollars...he can't stop the double leg." - Nick Diaz

by Chris Groves on Feb 2, 2012 11:27 AM EST up reply actions  

Versus was only in 75 million homes versus 99 million on spike. Even in the homes that had versus, it was, and still is a very obscure cable channel because 99% of the programing is focused on things the typical American UFC fan doesn’t like (ie: fishing and hunting). In 2010, there were only 7 WEC events on the channel, meaning the events were too sparse to keep people tuning into it.

If the WEC was aired on a network like FX, TNT, USA, TBS, Spike, etc.. it would have gotten far better ratings than it did. The sole WEC ppv, WEC 48, got 175K ppv buys and 1 million viewers from the spike prelims, which is very succesful for a promotion with no “stars”, especially since it beat the Hopkins vs Jones ppv which did 150K buys.

by amendamatrix on Feb 2, 2012 1:03 PM EST up reply actions  

the wec put on some nice shows and they are doing pretty well im the ufc

everything is an act......... T.N.Crew Bronx 13 1/2 12 juror's ,1 judge = 1/2 a chance

by biggant on Feb 2, 2012 2:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

But not if nobody is viewing. I agree they need lightweights on the fox cards and this would be a great co-main event for a huge draw main event like Velasquez vs Mir or Griffin vs Ortiz 3

by Spider_Vemon on Feb 2, 2012 11:11 AM EST up reply actions  

There is a large segment of the audience that are going to watch if it's on Fox

Just because it’s on Fox. Creating brand associating is important. If the audience can expect the UFC to be consistently exciting they can create a long term viewership and get closer to major sports numbers, then maybe get a second television deal that matches some of those bigger sports.

by discoandherpes on Feb 2, 2012 11:15 AM EST up reply actions  

I agree. I mean Fox is happy with the numbers the UFC is pulling in. They are already beating out other shows on other major networks during the time slot and their numbers are way higher than what Fox was airing before on Saturday nights. The key to a second and much more lucrative deal though will probably have to involve the ufc doing a few 10 mil plus viewership shows. Not as an average but at any given point. Sponsors will be more likely to buy advertisements then.

by Spider_Vemon on Feb 2, 2012 11:19 AM EST up reply actions  

And it’s not like they’re bombing either. They have good numbers and the fights haven’t been great. Even if they take a small hit on this card, the buzz they will generate with a Diaz/Miller fight is good for the long term health of the UFC on Fox.

by discoandherpes on Feb 2, 2012 11:21 AM EST up reply actions  

One thing people keep forgeting is that this is a 7 year deal

We only had one FOX event so far for this deal, give them time to build an audience and see where the numbers trend 2-3 years down the line. You’re not going to double viewership and ppv buys with only two events, you have to get people to enjoy the product enough that they get addicted to it like they have with the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Once people leave the “It’s free, I have the channel, and I don’t have anything better to watch, so I’ll give a chance” phase and start getting excited for the UFC, you’re going to see some increase in the ppv numbers, but first, you have to put on consistently EXCITING fights to keep their eyes glued.

by amendamatrix on Feb 2, 2012 1:31 PM EST up reply actions  

If Diaz wins, he could easily be the next guy to get a title shot

Not to mention this fight is going to be fucking nuts for five rounds. It’s a great decision for the UFC in terms of long term development.

by discoandherpes on Feb 2, 2012 11:08 AM EST reply actions  

Imma say a 2.8 million viewer average at best, 2.3 at worst.
The UFC should really try to get Cain Velasquez vs Frank Mir to main event this card.

by Spider_Vemon on Feb 2, 2012 11:10 AM EST reply actions  

What did Fox 2 average and it had 3 sort of not-so-great fights

It averaged like over 4.5 million right? Over 6 million still watched Evans-Davis.

And look at the first fight, objectively, for building viewers over time, Weidman-Maia was lousy….

"You got Floyd Mayweather making 25 million dollars...he can't stop the double leg." - Nick Diaz

by Chris Groves on Feb 2, 2012 11:30 AM EST up reply actions  

Yeah but the card also had more name value with Bisping, Sonnen, and Evans. I was far from satisfied with the fights (The Fuel TV prelims were very exciting) but I stayed tune for all the fights because A.) I’m a diehard MMA fan and B.) The names on the card are characters I’m very familiar with and care to know if they win or lose. Can’t say the same about Johnson or Berry. Both are fantastic and exciting fighters but I really do not care where their careers go from here.

by Spider_Vemon on Feb 2, 2012 11:33 AM EST up reply actions  

They aren't very relevant

But do you know the likelyhood of that fight ending in an awesome KO? How can you not care about that?

I mean…are you saying you aren’t going to watch this card? Com’on son.

"You got Floyd Mayweather making 25 million dollars...he can't stop the double leg." - Nick Diaz

by Chris Groves on Feb 2, 2012 11:34 AM EST up reply actions  

No no that’s not it at all. Im just saying im more likely to show interest in Bisping vs Sonnen than I am Johnson vs Berry.

by Spider_Vemon on Feb 2, 2012 11:36 AM EST up reply actions  

True

But these Fox cards are promised X amount of people just by being a free UFC card on Fox…that automatically nets them millions.

We had 3 not amazing fights over a 2.5 hour period…the event still averaged like 4.5 or 4.7 million viewers as a whole. I don’t see how something could have happened to make the Fox 2 ratings go any lower.

If you kick the night off with an epic KO and the main event is a five round war…something tells me you’ll be pulling more than the average amount of people.

I mean, the ability for a great fight to deliver huge ratings over time has kind of been proven with Griffin-Bonnar and Garcia-Jung…none of those guys were ‘draws’ before but both of those fights did great things for the ratings.

"You got Floyd Mayweather making 25 million dollars...he can't stop the double leg." - Nick Diaz

by Chris Groves on Feb 2, 2012 11:39 AM EST up reply actions  

The cards not bad. Id still like a little name value to boost ratings. Griffin vs Ortiz 3 for co-main event would work.

by Spider_Vemon on Feb 2, 2012 11:43 AM EST up reply actions  

I agree.

They need a few exciting fights more than they need names at this point.

by truck on Feb 2, 2012 11:55 AM EST up reply actions  

Those names matter to regular viewers.

Is that the Fox audience though? Or are they trying to grab non fans and convert them?

by truck on Feb 2, 2012 11:54 AM EST up reply actions  

exactly

new viewers don’t recognize any of the names unless it’s chuck or kimbo. new fans tune iin to see the UFC.

by tha dude on Feb 2, 2012 5:47 PM EST up reply actions  

I can’t see this event doing worse than Evans vs Davis. For new viewers, there is no fighter that is going to draw them in except for the UFC brand because they don’t know anything else, so putting on exciting fights with top talent regardless of the weight class is what they should have been doing from the start of the deal.

by amendamatrix on Feb 2, 2012 1:37 PM EST up reply actions  

I don't know if this is the smartest decision by the UFC or not, but that's not my problem

I know I’ll be psyched to watch this main event. I guess they’re going in a different direction after this last Fox show and trying to ensure that the fights on network TV will be exciting. I respect that, but I don’t know about the placement of Barry vs Johnson on the main card. That seems ridiculous.

"If I wanted to spend a half hour between two hairy legs I'd go to your mother's house." -Don Frye

by mburtoni on Feb 2, 2012 11:10 AM EST reply actions  

Also, if Nick wins the interim title on Saturday, the fact that Nate is his little brother could provide a little bit more oomph for the build-up.

"If I wanted to spend a half hour between two hairy legs I'd go to your mother's house." -Don Frye

by mburtoni on Feb 2, 2012 11:12 AM EST reply actions  

Where is Kimbo Slice at??? He can get some good ratings as a main event!!

Be a man, not a child-Phil Anselmo

by ANance on Feb 2, 2012 11:13 AM EST via mobile reply actions  

seriously

such a mistake cutting him. Let him be mid/low tier. Who cares really.

by HeadKickLegSweep on Feb 2, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions  

He just draws way to well to shrug him off.

by HeadKickLegSweep on Feb 2, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions  

Maybe once

After he loses or has a bad showing b/c of cardio issues people will stop tuning in b/c the fight don’t live up to the hype. They are going for long term fans not one hit wonders

"Go get yuu some DONNALD CERRONNEEE" ,greg Jackson (not refering to more fans)

by Harley hooper on Feb 2, 2012 11:57 AM EST up reply actions  

Sarcasm my friend. Sarcasm.

Be a man, not a child-Phil Anselmo

by ANance on Feb 2, 2012 12:20 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Damn....good one

i can usually sense it, for I am a master of it………(bows head and walks away)

"Go get yuu some DONNALD CERRONNEEE" ,greg Jackson (not refering to more fans)

by Harley hooper on Feb 2, 2012 12:25 PM EST up reply actions  

It seems to me that they tried to put the big draws on the first couple cards

…and it bit them in the ass to some extent. So, put on fights more likely to be exciting and promote the hell out of it. While you may trade viewers up front, you could gain more net fans when all is said and done.

"Nothing's ever what it seems. And even if it is, ends justify means." -Matt Good

by KingBrody on Feb 2, 2012 11:13 AM EST reply actions  

This is a mistep.

I think this fight is gonna be balls, so I’m really happy it will be on the main card. But I think they need a name to headline. A name that’s also in a bigger weight class. Eh. We’ll see if people are willing to tune in for free for the lighter weights. If they do, they will be treated to, what I think, will probably be one of the best fights of the year.

"You've got Floyd Mayweather making $25 million. He can't stop a double-leg..." Nick Diaz.

by pud333 on Feb 2, 2012 11:13 AM EST reply actions  

Get someone like Forrest or Tito on the co-main.

But do NOT take the extra rounds from Miller/Diaz!

"Nothing's ever what it seems. And even if it is, ends justify means." -Matt Good

by KingBrody on Feb 2, 2012 11:15 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Agreed

Fox cards should be headlined by by name fighters in the well known weight classes or title fights in the BW/FW classes. Miller and Diaz are exciting fighters but if you were to ask 100 random people watching ESPN how many would know who those two guys are? If the goal is to draw in new fans I’m not sure this matchup is the right way to go.

by pcusick13 on Feb 2, 2012 11:17 AM EST up reply actions  

Id like to also see Aldo vs Korean Zombie headline this card. The title on the line would help boost ratings and you know it’d be action packed. After Aldos last performance he’s on the cusp of breaking out to the general publics knowledge.

by Spider_Vemon on Feb 2, 2012 11:20 AM EST up reply actions  

Rashads stint on TUF 10 and subsequent fight with Rampage brought him a lot of interest and its showed in ppv numbers that he’s headlined. The numbers arent astounding but they have grown quite a bit.

by Spider_Vemon on Feb 2, 2012 11:24 AM EST up reply actions  

Yep

"You got Floyd Mayweather making 25 million dollars...he can't stop the double leg." - Nick Diaz

by Chris Groves on Feb 2, 2012 11:32 AM EST up reply actions  

Rashad only draws well when he fights on cards with fighters with larger fanbase than himself.

Rashad vs Tito 2 and Evans vs Silva did poor numbers

The other ppvs he’s been featured on were either stacked, or he fought guys who were simply bigger draws than himself, IE: Rampage, Forest, Chuck, and Machida at the time.

I don’t buy that Rashad is a big star.

by amendamatrix on Feb 2, 2012 2:01 PM EST up reply actions  

I hear what you are saying with Rashad but I feel pretty certain far more people know how he is than both Miller or Diaz. Yes, Rashad isn’t always a big PPV draw but that doesn’t mean he isn’t well known, it might simply mean that people aren’t willing to spend $50 to watch him fight. Fights on free TV need big names to draw in casual fans, if that’s what the UFC is after, and Miller and Diaz aren’t big enough names.

by pcusick13 on Feb 2, 2012 12:25 PM EST up reply actions  

Take the entire UFC roster

And ask the same 100 random people watching ESPN who they are. You’d be surprised how close in numbers a “name” fighter will have to an average fighter.

"To me, the function and duty of a quality human being is the sincere and honest development of one's potential." - Bruce Lee

by Genki Sudo's Choreographer on Feb 2, 2012 11:24 AM EST up reply actions  

I think people are overstating the importance of "big names", they are big names within the sport, not for the rest of the world.

I think what the UFC needs is exciting fights, build the brand not the names.

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by Sweet Scientist on Feb 2, 2012 11:41 AM EST up reply actions   2 recs

^This

"Go get yuu some DONNALD CERRONNEEE" ,greg Jackson (not refering to more fans)

by Harley hooper on Feb 2, 2012 11:45 AM EST up reply actions  

Also, any chance Bisping is ready to fight again by the time this card rolls around? It’s in May right? I think Bisping picked up a few new fans from his last fight and could help boost this card. A fight with Maia or Okami could get more viewer interest.

by Spider_Vemon on Feb 2, 2012 11:14 AM EST reply actions  

Bisping vs Palhares!

by Shnak on Feb 2, 2012 11:15 AM EST up reply actions   2 recs

Bisping-Okami

would not attract viewer interest, and would, in all likelihood, be painfully boring.

by Scott Haber on Feb 2, 2012 11:27 AM EST up reply actions  

I think it would be a stand up fight the entire time. And Bisping has enough name value to bring in some viewership. Certainly more than Maia, Weidman, and Davis have.

by Spider_Vemon on Feb 2, 2012 11:29 AM EST up reply actions  

Okami is not fun to watch. There isn't a single fight I've enjoyed of his

Since the Tanner KO. Well, and him getting torched by Anderson.

That’s why fights like Maia vs. Okami and Bisping vs. Okami would be DOA on the main card.

Read my tweets or whatever - @SSReporters

by SSreporters on Feb 2, 2012 12:08 PM EST up reply actions  

I seem to remember the Lucio LInhares fight was pretty good

But i may be remembering it wrong

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by BROCKLESNAR!!!!! on Feb 2, 2012 2:01 PM EST up reply actions  

That fight was on a prelim that never aired on TV, or Facebook.

So it doesn’t really count unless you’re wiling to spend $2 to watch it, or track it down on the high seas.

by amendamatrix on Feb 2, 2012 2:12 PM EST up reply actions  

agree 100%

everything is an act......... T.N.Crew Bronx 13 1/2 12 juror's ,1 judge = 1/2 a chance

by biggant on Feb 2, 2012 2:50 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

The UFC can gain more from putting names who can guarantee absolute wars, like Diaz brothers, Jim Miller, Condit, Ben Henderson, Jose Also, Charles Oliveira, Toquinho, Stefan Struve, and others, who aren’t marquee names but can make people jump into MMA just from watching one of their all-round bouts.
Big names (Evans, GSP, etc etc etc) tend to play it safe to protect their value or the UFC just creates way too much hype that it’s difficult to live up to par with it (Cain).
Playing “low-roller” is low-risk/high reward for UFC.

by juziel on Feb 2, 2012 11:17 AM EST reply actions  

The last two Fox cards were less than stellar

So I agree. These guys are contenders who are exciting. It’s not like we need to pick or choose between having contenders or exciting fighters.

by discoandherpes on Feb 2, 2012 11:19 AM EST up reply actions  

Don't see much difference from Fox 2

In terms of casual fan interest. Let’s face it, generally speaking, nobody knows who Weidman, Maia, Bisping, Chael, Davis or Evans are. Despite TUF 10, and as loud as Chael is and as polarizing as Bisping is, outside of our MMA bubble, these guys are still about as famous as a D level celebrity on a made for TV movie. I mean if we stepped outside our small community of hardcore fans and look at it objectively, how many “big names” are really in MMA?

The only criticism i have is that there is no title on the line in this card. Casuals fans like when shiny things are on the line.

"To me, the function and duty of a quality human being is the sincere and honest development of one's potential." - Bruce Lee

by Genki Sudo's Choreographer on Feb 2, 2012 11:19 AM EST reply actions  

Plus the name Diaz is about as famous as any other in MMA besides Kimbo, Chuck, GSP

and a few others.

See, that pro-wrestler, whoever he is, had the right idea. Call them “the Diaz Brothers” and hype that up. People are as likely to know Nate Diaz (even if they think he’s Nick) as to know anyone else the UFC could use to headline this show.

by Lauren J Darkbloom on Feb 2, 2012 12:29 PM EST up reply actions  

Seems like their strategy is to but #1 contenders matches on fox.

Not a bad way to build new stars—now you have a title fight PPV that a whole lot more people care about. If I was them, I’d put the LW title on free tv, since Frankie can’t draw for anything right now. If Maynard Edgar III had been on Fox, Edgar would be a big star now.

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by jhf884 on Feb 2, 2012 11:21 AM EST reply actions  

The UFC continues to make misteps with Edgar

Bendo had a great fight on the undercard of the first fight, so what do they do? Put the fight on in Japan where no one is going to watch it.

by discoandherpes on Feb 2, 2012 11:23 AM EST up reply actions  

Putting some lower weight class title fights on Fox would be great. Aldo, Bendo/Edgar, and Cruz could become huge draws with the extra exposure. They’re already exciting. I hope Cruz vs Faber 3 is a fox main event.

by Spider_Vemon on Feb 2, 2012 11:23 AM EST up reply actions  

Those would both be great fights.

by Spider_Vemon on Feb 2, 2012 11:25 AM EST up reply actions  

If Diaz wins which I think he will

He should be one fight away from the title shot.

Fighting is like champagne. It goes to the heads of cowards as quickly as of heroes. Any fool can be brave on a battlefield when it's be brave or else be killed.

by NEW-HAMPSHIRE on Feb 2, 2012 11:26 AM EST reply actions  

This is actually smart

I think UFC on Fox 2 showed us, that even with 3 fights that aren’t exactly thrilling(two of them were downright kinda boring) that millions of people will still tune in.

Why? Because it’s the UFC, and it’s on Fox.

So, they know they have X amount of millions locked in as a ‘base’ number…so the thing they really need is a few fights that can do well in the ‘build viewers over time’.

More people might tune in for Evans vs Davis…but I bet more than a few tuned out over the course of it as well.

X amount of people tune in for Nate Freaking Diaz vs Jim Miller…the number will only go up from there. This fight is a barn burner, especially being five rounds.

On top of THAT, you are leading it in with what is likely going to be a knockout of the night candidate sort of fight. Heavyweights that throw bombs is a great way to kick off the night and get people buzzing and build the viewership heading into the main event.

Plus, if Nick happens to be the interim champ at this point…the overall name-value of a Diaz brother will just be bigger in general.

This is a good thing. For a free event you don’t need guys who bring in the big numbers off the bat…you need guys that can build the viewer number with a great fight. Which guys like Diaz and Miller are absolutely capable of.

"You got Floyd Mayweather making 25 million dollars...he can't stop the double leg." - Nick Diaz

by Chris Groves on Feb 2, 2012 11:26 AM EST reply actions  

I really hope he get’s a rematch with Gray Maynard at some point this year.

by Spider_Vemon on Feb 2, 2012 11:35 AM EST up reply actions  

Belt or not,

I need to see him fight Edgar at some point.

"Nothing's ever what it seems. And even if it is, ends justify means." -Matt Good

by KingBrody on Feb 2, 2012 11:36 AM EST up reply actions  

Hmm I don’t see it happening unless its for the belt to be honest. Eventually Frankie is going to drop to 145 in my opinion.

by Spider_Vemon on Feb 2, 2012 11:38 AM EST up reply actions  

Edgar is great

But I think he is just to small to beat Nate.

"I'm ready for fight. If I'm win, no win. I don't know. But, I'm ready for fight. This is my working[shrugs shoulders]" - Anderson Silva

"You'll get Lil Wayne in woman pants and like it!" - Krimson

by TheFilt on Feb 2, 2012 1:25 PM EST up reply actions  

Like he was too small to beat Maynard?

by Simen on Feb 2, 2012 2:14 PM EST up reply actions  

Maynard is the biggest guy in the division

How is he too small to beat Nate, especially when Nate doesn’t use his size to bully his opponents.

by amendamatrix on Feb 2, 2012 2:23 PM EST up reply actions  

Length

Maynard is what, 5’6"?

Diaz is 6’ with a 76" reach and knows how to use it.

"I'm ready for fight. If I'm win, no win. I don't know. But, I'm ready for fight. This is my working[shrugs shoulders]" - Anderson Silva

"You'll get Lil Wayne in woman pants and like it!" - Krimson

by TheFilt on Feb 2, 2012 2:58 PM EST up reply actions  

Maynard beat Diaz in a shitty 3 round boxing match, Edgar is definitely capable of beating him. Reach and size isn’t everything, if Edgar uses his speed and technique (great boxing, great wrestling, very good BJJ), he could potentially make Nate look terrible in a five round fight.

Also, Nate will not have a cardio advantage in that fight.

by amendamatrix on Feb 2, 2012 3:25 PM EST up reply actions  

That was years ago

Nate is obviously much, much better now.

Nate would definitely have the cardio advantage. Its a whole other level.

"I'm ready for fight. If I'm win, no win. I don't know. But, I'm ready for fight. This is my working[shrugs shoulders]" - Anderson Silva

"You'll get Lil Wayne in woman pants and like it!" - Krimson

by TheFilt on Feb 2, 2012 3:31 PM EST up reply actions  

Nate’s not drastically better than he was before. His wrestling still isn’t where it needs to be to fight someone like FE, because he will wind up on his back against someone with killer cardio, good BJJ, and equal, if not more toughness than himself.

Nate weakness has been exposed time and time again by inferior fighters to FE, Rory Macdonald, Dong Hyum Kim, Stevenson, and Guida all out-wrestled him within the last 2.5 years. The only recent fight that I can say where he look great was against Cerrone, who fought completely unlike himself. Gomi is no longer a top tier fighter, since getting his butt whooped by Guida on the feet.

by amendamatrix on Feb 2, 2012 3:52 PM EST up reply actions  

Nate is clearly much, much better

if you can’t see that, I’m not going to waste my time arguing with you.

"I'm ready for fight. If I'm win, no win. I don't know. But, I'm ready for fight. This is my working[shrugs shoulders]" - Anderson Silva

"You'll get Lil Wayne in woman pants and like it!" - Krimson

by TheFilt on Feb 2, 2012 4:07 PM EST up reply actions  

Its almost like you didn't even watch those fights you listed

I’m done here.

"I'm ready for fight. If I'm win, no win. I don't know. But, I'm ready for fight. This is my working[shrugs shoulders]" - Anderson Silva

"You'll get Lil Wayne in woman pants and like it!" - Krimson

by TheFilt on Feb 2, 2012 4:08 PM EST up reply actions  

Reach and size isn't everything

But Nate is clearly the better boxer. He’s got some of the best punching accuracy in MMA with an insane work rate.

His timing and distance have looked superb lately.

Edgar could win on points for his TD’s but he wouldn’t stay in Nate’s guard or dominate the stand up.

"I'm ready for fight. If I'm win, no win. I don't know. But, I'm ready for fight. This is my working[shrugs shoulders]" - Anderson Silva

"You'll get Lil Wayne in woman pants and like it!" - Krimson

by TheFilt on Feb 2, 2012 3:33 PM EST up reply actions  

I strongly doubt that Nate's boxing is going to overcome Edgar because he will wind up on his back whenever Edgar decides to put him there.

Even with that being the case, Edgar’s stand up is great, he’s better than BJ Penn, proven TWICE, better than Maynard, proven TWICE and one being a KO. If Diaz’s boxing is so lethal, he would have at least won that terrible boxing match with Maynard.

Edgar has great submission defense and is a legit brown belt under Renzo Gracie, so no, he can fight him anywhere on the ground and he won’t get subbed. Edgar has proven four times already that he can go 5 rounds non-stop, one of those fights being in Abu Dhabi, where the temperature in the arena was a lot higher than the air conditioned ones Nate is used to fighting in, so don’t even try convince anyone Edgar is going lose the cardio war with Nate, because it just won’t happen.

I like Nate Diaz, but I have defend FE against ignorant comments like this.

by amendamatrix on Feb 2, 2012 4:03 PM EST up reply actions  

You have a very high opinion of Edgar's abilities

If you think Frankie is a better boxer than BJ, that says enough to me right there.

Diaz fought Maynard two years ago, and has looked many levels better since that time. Not to mention he has actually finished Maynard before.

There’s nothing ignorant whatsoever about what I said. I even said Frankie was great.

"I'm ready for fight. If I'm win, no win. I don't know. But, I'm ready for fight. This is my working[shrugs shoulders]" - Anderson Silva

"You'll get Lil Wayne in woman pants and like it!" - Krimson

by TheFilt on Feb 2, 2012 4:07 PM EST up reply actions  

You are seriously writing off Nate's ground game
Edgar has great submission defense and is a legit brown belt under Renzo Gracie, so no, he can fight him anywhere on the ground and he won’t get subbed.

Nate submitted Ryan Hall. Do you know who that is?

"I'm ready for fight. If I'm win, no win. I don't know. But, I'm ready for fight. This is my working[shrugs shoulders]" - Anderson Silva

"You'll get Lil Wayne in woman pants and like it!" - Krimson

by TheFilt on Feb 2, 2012 4:09 PM EST up reply actions  

Who a person has submitted outside of the sport of MMA irrelevant, because we’re talking about two MMA fighters, not two BJJ fighters. Ground fighting in MMA, is not comparable to No-Gi grappling. Edgar has been underneath a BJJ champion in BJ Penn and got up easily, what’s Nate going to do FE on the ground that a hungry BJ Penn couldn’t do?

Also, how could you possibly say Penn’s striking is better than FE after watching there second fight? Penn is a one round wonder, he often looks great when he is winning, but as soon as he starts losing a fight, he NEVER comes back.

Nate beating Cerrone, in no way makes his boxing clearly better than Edgar, who has beaten all of their common opponents.

by amendamatrix on Feb 2, 2012 4:26 PM EST up reply actions  

I just think you don't know what you're looking at

or never watched the fights.

"I'm ready for fight. If I'm win, no win. I don't know. But, I'm ready for fight. This is my working[shrugs shoulders]" - Anderson Silva

"You'll get Lil Wayne in woman pants and like it!" - Krimson

by TheFilt on Feb 2, 2012 4:27 PM EST up reply actions  

I don't watch the fights?

You, on the other hand, can’t even back up your argument with evidence from Diaz’s or Edgar’s past fights and history.

All you’ve said so far is that Diaz’s losses were in the past, he’s a better fighter now, and he has some reach and cardio. The silliest thing you said was Penn having better boxing than FE, despite losing to him twice in a row, the second time being far more dominant than the first.

by amendamatrix on Feb 2, 2012 4:36 PM EST up reply actions  

And Guida

"You got Floyd Mayweather making 25 million dollars...he can't stop the double leg." - Nick Diaz

by Chris Groves on Feb 2, 2012 11:39 AM EST up reply actions  

and Nate has been getting better and better except for the Rory Mac beatdown and he is still very young

everything is an act......... T.N.Crew Bronx 13 1/2 12 juror's ,1 judge = 1/2 a chance

by biggant on Feb 2, 2012 2:53 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

There are no guarantees

but I’d say this has a much better chance of being a really entertaining, competitive and aggressive fight than we’ve seen on any of the previous Fox shows. Hardcores and medium cores will tune in, because a) it’s free MMA and b) those guys are awesome. As for the ever elusive “casual” fan, if they do tune in, they are very likely to be treated to the kind of fight that can make you into a hardcore fan. I love having this fight on the card, and I don’t hate it being the main event.

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by Dave Strummer on Feb 2, 2012 11:41 AM EST reply actions  

5 rounds

of these two gives a good chance for people to tune in as the fight goes on and inevitably grows more awesome.

"I'm ready for fight. If I'm win, no win. I don't know. But, I'm ready for fight. This is my working[shrugs shoulders]" - Anderson Silva

"You'll get Lil Wayne in woman pants and like it!" - Krimson

by TheFilt on Feb 2, 2012 1:22 PM EST up reply actions  

Hate to say it but this might end up resembling Diaz v. Huggy Bear, but with a few decent sub attempts buy both fighters.

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by Hardy's in your face on Feb 2, 2012 11:42 AM EST reply actions  

Highly, highly doubt it

Neither guy ever has a boring fight.

They will both preform like the balls-to-the-wall bad ass mofos they are.

Miller has never been a LnP guy and Diaz doesn’t allow that anyway.

"I'm ready for fight. If I'm win, no win. I don't know. But, I'm ready for fight. This is my working[shrugs shoulders]" - Anderson Silva

"You'll get Lil Wayne in woman pants and like it!" - Krimson

by TheFilt on Feb 2, 2012 1:24 PM EST up reply actions  

no way a huggy bear fight, both these guys are killers

everything is an act......... T.N.Crew Bronx 13 1/2 12 juror's ,1 judge = 1/2 a chance

by biggant on Feb 2, 2012 2:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Think they stick with three fight main cards?

Give this event one more solidl matchup and it’ll be a fun card.

Forrest vs Machida/Jackson II?
Bigfoot Silva vs Frank Mir or Cheick Kongo?

"Believe me I have my own demon in my had. People has no idea how dark I am in my head sometime. Nick Diaz deserves to be beat down."- Georges St Pierre
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by Tim Bernier on Feb 2, 2012 11:43 AM EST via mobile reply actions  

Cheick Kongo

will still be in the hospital from what Mark Hunt does to him.

Fighting is like champagne. It goes to the heads of cowards as quickly as of heroes. Any fool can be brave on a battlefield when it's be brave or else be killed.

by NEW-HAMPSHIRE on Feb 2, 2012 12:31 PM EST up reply actions  

Judging by the 2 fights announced so far, it’s obvious the UFC wasn’t satisfied with UFC on FOX 2. From now on, they will put ‘fireworks’ matchups on Fox cards.

And Nate Diaz has become a big name.

by Kenya_MMA on Feb 2, 2012 11:49 AM EST reply actions  

There really do look like UFC on FX main card fights. The main card should be exciting, and I would guess the winner of Miller vs Diaz will be number one contender, but I can see the concern as far as ratings and drawing in casuals is concerned. UFC on Fox is treated to a higher standard, and for good reason, and having a main card that fits with a UFC on FX card doesn’t fit that standard.

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by chrisbboy82 on Feb 2, 2012 11:50 AM EST reply actions  

depends on Nick Diaz

If Nick Diaz wins this weekend and his feud with GSP gets a higher profile, then Nate will get some “shine” from big brother Nick.

Watching 141 with some VERY casual family members, they all went nuts for the Diaz/Cerrone fight with the pre fight packages and then the craziness during touching gloves, and the action delivered

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by Ben Bauman on Feb 2, 2012 11:50 AM EST reply actions  

man I wish cerrone actually fought in those first 2 rounds.

by djfivenine on Feb 2, 2012 11:53 AM EST up reply actions  

Lol

Stockton slap, or whatever, i’m sure it sucks to have it repeatin on ya face.

"Go get yuu some DONNALD CERRONNEEE" ,greg Jackson (not refering to more fans)

by Harley hooper on Feb 2, 2012 12:06 PM EST up reply actions  

true

For last weekend’s Fox show, I didn’t bother to call the casuals, because I knew the action wouldn’t do much for them.

For the Nate Diaz – Miller fight, I will definitely get the bat signal out for the casuals. The same goes if Cerrone has any more fights on free TV—his Cowboy hat schtick is marketing genius for casuals.

Do you pick every UFC winner? Then get into Fantasy MMA! on SB Nation

by Ben Bauman on Feb 2, 2012 12:48 PM EST up reply actions  

Good fight for a MMA fan

but the casual or non fans won’t tune in for these names.

Forrest vs Machida will complete this card

by djfivenine on Feb 2, 2012 11:53 AM EST reply actions  

good fight if Forrest gets his head back in the game if not he will get tuned up again

everything is an act......... T.N.Crew Bronx 13 1/2 12 juror's ,1 judge = 1/2 a chance

by biggant on Feb 2, 2012 2:58 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Forrest and Tito are lobbying for a rubber match

"I'm ready for fight. If I'm win, no win. I don't know. But, I'm ready for fight. This is my working[shrugs shoulders]" - Anderson Silva

"You'll get Lil Wayne in woman pants and like it!" - Krimson

by TheFilt on Feb 2, 2012 3:00 PM EST up reply actions  

On Fox, they will tune in because it's FREE UFC on network tv.

Casual fans don’t know or care who Weidman, Davis, and Maia are, but they tuned in anyway.

Casual fans only care about Rashad, Bisping. and Sonnen if they are fighting certain people who they have high profile feuds with, otherwise, no drawing power on their own. New/Non fans don’t know ANY UFC fighters besides Brock, and maybe Chuck, so it doesn’t matter who’s fighting on FOX as long as the fights are entertaining.

by amendamatrix on Feb 2, 2012 3:32 PM EST up reply actions  

Would like to've seen them set up a match that leads to something...

… like the last event setting up title shots. Possible post fight face-offs, etc. Gives casual fans who tune in, the incentive to follow up, and potentially order a ppv. Neither of these guys are really in the title hunt at this point. And I can’t imagine the ultra dynamic personalities of either guy really pulling in too many eyeballs. Great main event for a Fight Night, just not sure about such a higher profile card like this.

by woooburn on Feb 2, 2012 12:05 PM EST reply actions  

hopefully in the long run putting on cards like this one will make the casual fans watch more.

"Go get yuu some DONNALD CERRONNEEE" ,greg Jackson (not refering to more fans)

by Harley hooper on Feb 2, 2012 12:11 PM EST up reply actions  

I think they are trying to focus on entertaining match ups, something a casual fan can watch and say “wow that was a good fight I’ll tune in to watch that guy again and whenever the UFC is on free tv”. Eventually the casual fan gets to know the fighters and will buy the PPVs.

"Go get yuu some DONNALD CERRONNEEE" ,greg Jackson (not refering to more fans)

by Harley hooper on Feb 2, 2012 12:17 PM EST up reply actions  

It'll probably do 3.5 mil at best

The idea of Jim Miller headlining a card even though he’s headlined precisely one card in his career (two weeks ago) is silly, but NATE DIAZ AND JIM MILLER ARE IN A FIVE ROUND FIGHT PEOPLE!

Read my tweets or whatever - @SSReporters

by SSreporters on Feb 2, 2012 12:14 PM EST reply actions  

One of the downsides I can see potentially coming out of this would be if

Nate Diaz blasts the double birds at Jim on live television. Granted there is the 8second delay or whatever but how is that gonna impact possibly a young viewer who has persuaded the family to watch for the first time.

I not one to cry “Please think of the children” but this could be damaging for the sport

And yes I know that there is a warning at the beginning of the broadcast saying “viewer discretion is advised” and all that but it still could be an issue.

by Mjub on Feb 2, 2012 12:14 PM EST reply actions  

Its FOX

That wouldn’t be the end of the world for them.

"I'm ready for fight. If I'm win, no win. I don't know. But, I'm ready for fight. This is my working[shrugs shoulders]" - Anderson Silva

"You'll get Lil Wayne in woman pants and like it!" - Krimson

by TheFilt on Feb 2, 2012 1:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah I understand that

but I meant more for the sport. Just another thing people can latch onto and say “SEE! These guys are just thugs” etc etc

by Mjub on Feb 2, 2012 2:38 PM EST up reply actions  

THAT IS A DISGUSTING ACT BY RANDY MOSS.

Waterboy at Brock Lesnar's Cruelty-Free Pest Control.

by dribblebib on Feb 2, 2012 3:27 PM EST up reply actions  

They want the winner of this fight to get the next title shot. Fox is happy with beating all the other major networks while the UFC gets their next title challenger some steam before heading into the title fight.

by Afrotikiman on Feb 2, 2012 12:25 PM EST via mobile reply actions  

Why does everyone want forrest to fight Machida?

seems cruel. Should have never made the Vera fight and put Shogun vs Thiago on this card and have Vera face Machida or Forrest.

Fighting is like champagne. It goes to the heads of cowards as quickly as of heroes. Any fool can be brave on a battlefield when it's be brave or else be killed.

by NEW-HAMPSHIRE on Feb 2, 2012 12:34 PM EST reply actions  

I'd rather see him vs Hendo

"Today, a joke was murdered in cold blood" - Hendo_One-Shot

by dajulzta on Feb 2, 2012 3:29 PM EST via Android app up reply actions  

The Johnson Barry fight is a great call. If the Simpsons and Family Guy have taught me anything it’s that Fox viewers love a good dick joke.

by mcgriff on Feb 2, 2012 12:38 PM EST reply actions  

It's early on in the Fox deal...

UFC and Fox are probably trying different things and seeing what works best. With this card they are putting lesser known guy on but a better bet to have more exciting fights, last time they went with some bigger names and title shot stakes, but match-ups that everyone thought would likely be less exciting.

It is so easy to get paralysis by analysis this early in the Fox/UFC relationship. The numbers for Fox 2 dipped some, but they still were better than what Fox normally does on a Saturday not to mention it killed in a very desireable demographic. I saw the overnights got the same rating Tiger Woods’ first win in many years last year got. If you walk to networks and tell them that, they’d be thrilled.

The key here is Fox and UFC are seemingly willing to try new things with these shows and see what clicks (same as FX and Fuel shows). not like if this event doesn’t do well, Fox is walking away. Fox and Zuffa will make determine why they think it didn’t do well and adjust as they move forward.

The Fox/UFC and CBS/Strikeforce deals are completely different animals IMO due to length, UFCs recognizable brand and money involved. Even though they are both MMA Network deals, they don’t have much in common and almost like comparing apples and oranges

by ChicagoMMAFan on Feb 2, 2012 12:40 PM EST reply actions  

Seems more FX than Fox

I thought they were gonna load up the card with Mex-American fighters in an attempt to get more latino viewers, by adding Cain if he’s ready or the much talked about Griffin-Ortiz math up. Well, it might not generate big business but it’s a hell of a great fight (Miller-Diaz).

"Why do people forget I am as strong as superman" - J'onn J'onzz

by clarkkentpunch on Feb 2, 2012 12:45 PM EST reply actions  

match up

damn.

"Why do people forget I am as strong as superman" - J'onn J'onzz

by clarkkentpunch on Feb 2, 2012 12:49 PM EST up reply actions  

do they have the 3 fights picked yet?

I know this is the main and the HD fight looks like it’s on Fox, but did they name the 3rd fight? Maybe they’ll put the Ortiz-Griffin on between those two fights as “names” and showcase the younger guys.

by ChicagoMMAFan on Feb 2, 2012 12:51 PM EST up reply actions  

The casual fans don't need to know Miller or Diaz

It’ll take less than a minute for them to release this is going to be a high pace fight. A Bunch of scrambles and bad positions. Should be great!

by Frank Lee on Feb 2, 2012 12:47 PM EST reply actions  

They won’t “release” anything if they don’t ever bother to watch the card in the first place.

by Shnak on Feb 2, 2012 12:51 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Yep

Most Anoying asspeck to the internets in my opinion. I liken them to Police officers who bully people when they get older just because they were bullied when they were younger. Just cause your engrish teacher flunked you doesn’t mean you need to be dickish anonymously online :-P

by cager on Feb 2, 2012 1:25 PM EST up reply actions  

Wooo Wooop

step away from the keyboard.

"Go get yuu some DONNALD CERRONNEEE" ,greg Jackson (not refering to more fans)

by Harley hooper on Feb 2, 2012 1:27 PM EST up reply actions  

I put it around quotes as a joke, not to correct you… you obviously had corrected yourself before my comment. Relax.

by Shnak on Feb 2, 2012 1:39 PM EST up reply actions  

Sure it can do well

This should be built as winner fights for the LW title, along with trying to show that Diaz and Miller are two of the most exciting fighters on the planet.

Also one of the biggest selling points of Nate Diaz is Nick Diaz.

by goodbadugly16 on Feb 2, 2012 12:57 PM EST reply actions  

outside of real mma fans, this is not a good draw

BUT, it should be a pretty exciting fight – the best that they (the UFC) can hope for is that casual fans will tune in out of curiosity or stumble on it and be treated to what will likely be a really good fight.

then…they will come back more and more

by phantom5691 on Feb 2, 2012 1:05 PM EST reply actions  

terrible pick as the main event

2nd or 3rd event yes, but main event, no.

by Kid Kimura on Feb 2, 2012 1:18 PM EST reply actions  

Very, very few people can name more than 2 UFC fighters

Maybe less now that Brock retired.

Hell, most People have no idea who BJ Penn is.

I honestly believe that casual fans tune in to action rather than names.

"I'm ready for fight. If I'm win, no win. I don't know. But, I'm ready for fight. This is my working[shrugs shoulders]" - Anderson Silva

"You'll get Lil Wayne in woman pants and like it!" - Krimson

by TheFilt on Feb 2, 2012 1:19 PM EST reply actions  

Well the UFC is 0-2 today.

First the Vera-T. Silva rematch now this. Can’t wait to see what they come up with next so 4 fox cards a year right and one just got over with so 3 left and they just wasted the main event.

by nickrodamous on Feb 2, 2012 1:42 PM EST reply actions  

I like the idea use it to build stars and take a chance on a guy

but why the hell is Lavar Johnson and Pat Barry on this main card they are both bad sure they’ll knock eachother out but thats a waste of a slot.

Twitter @MaZZM
http://www.mazzznet.com/

by MaZZacare on Feb 2, 2012 1:48 PM EST reply actions  

I thought by now they would have all the wrinkles ironed out of this FOX deal. Seems like they are confused as to which caliber/name fighters should go on which card/station. Just a couple weeks ago Pat Berry was the opener on a Friday night FX card now he jumps to the main card on FOX? I don’t get it. It’s like the big heavyweight fight on FOX was a tease now we are getting treated to fight night style Spike cards on FOX I feel slighted as a hardcore fan and feel bad for the casuals who will not be tuning in. This whole thing seems botched by the UFC big time from the timing of cino de mayo to the fight card itself this thing is doomed already.

by nickrodamous on Feb 2, 2012 2:15 PM EST up reply actions  

You thought about 6 months...

and 2 cards in that everything would be ironed out with the first long term MMA Network deal? Really??!?!?

by ChicagoMMAFan on Feb 2, 2012 3:09 PM EST up reply actions  

I guess a lot of people thought this...smh

"Go get yuu some DONNALD CERRONNEEE" ,greg Jackson (not refering to more fans)

by Harley hooper on Feb 2, 2012 3:23 PM EST up reply actions  

Elite XC

had it figured out better than the UFC does thats a reason to be “smh” guarantee both the CBS cards will have better ratings than this piece of shit might as well go back to spike.

by nickrodamous on Feb 2, 2012 4:24 PM EST up reply actions  

Mexican Fight fans

You headline a Spanish name on a may 5th fight card all Latinos will watch. Headline a guy of Mexican decent all Mexicans will watch Smart move by UFC. Now they need one more name that the Mexican public identifies with.

by piojopeligroso on Feb 2, 2012 2:24 PM EST via mobile reply actions  

Should be great f'ing fight but not a FOX main event

Guess it’s trial and error in the beginning stages. Wonder what rating they think they’ll need to pull.

Would rather see Melendez leave already and get a crack at UFC gold before Miller or Nate.

by lwood24 on Feb 2, 2012 2:48 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions  

ME LIKEY

This fight has the potential to be a war something that no fight shown on FOX has been, Diaz brings it and Jim Miller can eat some punches. Newer UFC fans will watch this and it could (if good enough) get them to search up on previous fights on either guy which is a good thing

by Sonnens Political Adviser on Feb 2, 2012 3:05 PM EST reply actions  

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