And their plan for the headline is my Wandy vs my Brandon Vera 
I don't want these two to fight damnit!!
I don't want these two to fight damnit!!
UFC to counter AFFLICTION:BANNED, noooooooo
- Thread starter BUCSnotYUCKS
- Start date
http://mmajunkie.com/news/4578/ufc-considering-july-19-show-to-counter-affliction-banned.mma
The UFC has begun preparations to host a live fight event on Spike TV on July 19, the same night that the upstart Affliction promotion hosts its first pay-per-view event, Sherdog.com reports.
According to the report, the event could feature a light heavyweight main event between Wanderlei Silva and former heavyweight Brandon Vera, and it's expected to take place in Las Vegas.
A source close to the organization tells MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that this isn't the first time the UFC has considered countering one of its rivals' major shows.
Back in May, EliteXC, arguably the UFC's top competitor, became the first-ever MMA organization to air live on major U.S. network television. A main event of former bare-knuckle brawler Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson and James Thompson was supplemented by a title fight between EliteXC middleweight champ Robbie Lawler and Scott Smith. The CBS broadcast peaked with 6.51 million viewers, topping previous ratings records held by the UFC and Spike TV.
According to the source, the UFC briefly explored the idea of putting together an event to counter "EliteXC: PRIMETIME," but many factors -- including already scheduled events on May 24 and June 5 -- prevented the May 31 show from taking place. The UFC and Spike TV ultimately countered EliteXC with pre-recorded programming geared around popular fighter Chuck Liddell, which held steady with 1.2 million to 1.6 million viewers throughout the night.
One thing worth noting is that with just a month of lead time, Spike TV would have a tall task in rearranging its programming and selling advertising for the event. The UFC and Spike TV would also need to negotiate a "fee" for the event since such programming isn't part of the standard UFC-Spike TV contract. UFC 75 (September 2007) and "Ortiz vs. Shamrock III: The Final Chapter" (October 2006) are examples of such speciality programs. And while the UFC and Spike TV have never publicly commented on the fee, it's believed to be anywhere from $2 million to $5 million per event.
If the UFC event does come to fruition, Affliction has reason to worry. The clothing company turned MMA promotion is reportedly banking on approximately 250,000 pay-per-view "buys" -- substantial numbers seen by the UFC (and UFC alone) in the U.S. Affliction headliner Fedor Emelianenko is an international superstar, but that status hasn't translated well to pay per view in the U.S. In fact, an April 2007 BodogFIGHT event that featured Emelianeno vs. Matt Lindland registered a lowly 13,000 "buys."
Additionally, the UFC has proven to be a hit on Spike TV. As mentioned above, the cable station can average more than a million viewers even with pre-recorded material. And live events, such as UFC 75 and Ortiz vs. Shamrock III, each peaked with nearly six million viewers. If the UFC produces an original event -- one that doesn't include a $40 price tag -- it'll surely impact Affliction's pay-per-view numbers. Marketable stars such as Silva and Vera could make the hit that much harder.
In any manner, if and when the UFC confirms the event details, expect an announcement soon. Affliction has been promoting its event for nearly two months, and the UFC has just 33 days to make a push.
The UFC has begun preparations to host a live fight event on Spike TV on July 19, the same night that the upstart Affliction promotion hosts its first pay-per-view event, Sherdog.com reports.
According to the report, the event could feature a light heavyweight main event between Wanderlei Silva and former heavyweight Brandon Vera, and it's expected to take place in Las Vegas.
A source close to the organization tells MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that this isn't the first time the UFC has considered countering one of its rivals' major shows.
Back in May, EliteXC, arguably the UFC's top competitor, became the first-ever MMA organization to air live on major U.S. network television. A main event of former bare-knuckle brawler Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson and James Thompson was supplemented by a title fight between EliteXC middleweight champ Robbie Lawler and Scott Smith. The CBS broadcast peaked with 6.51 million viewers, topping previous ratings records held by the UFC and Spike TV.
According to the source, the UFC briefly explored the idea of putting together an event to counter "EliteXC: PRIMETIME," but many factors -- including already scheduled events on May 24 and June 5 -- prevented the May 31 show from taking place. The UFC and Spike TV ultimately countered EliteXC with pre-recorded programming geared around popular fighter Chuck Liddell, which held steady with 1.2 million to 1.6 million viewers throughout the night.
One thing worth noting is that with just a month of lead time, Spike TV would have a tall task in rearranging its programming and selling advertising for the event. The UFC and Spike TV would also need to negotiate a "fee" for the event since such programming isn't part of the standard UFC-Spike TV contract. UFC 75 (September 2007) and "Ortiz vs. Shamrock III: The Final Chapter" (October 2006) are examples of such speciality programs. And while the UFC and Spike TV have never publicly commented on the fee, it's believed to be anywhere from $2 million to $5 million per event.
If the UFC event does come to fruition, Affliction has reason to worry. The clothing company turned MMA promotion is reportedly banking on approximately 250,000 pay-per-view "buys" -- substantial numbers seen by the UFC (and UFC alone) in the U.S. Affliction headliner Fedor Emelianenko is an international superstar, but that status hasn't translated well to pay per view in the U.S. In fact, an April 2007 BodogFIGHT event that featured Emelianeno vs. Matt Lindland registered a lowly 13,000 "buys."
Additionally, the UFC has proven to be a hit on Spike TV. As mentioned above, the cable station can average more than a million viewers even with pre-recorded material. And live events, such as UFC 75 and Ortiz vs. Shamrock III, each peaked with nearly six million viewers. If the UFC produces an original event -- one that doesn't include a $40 price tag -- it'll surely impact Affliction's pay-per-view numbers. Marketable stars such as Silva and Vera could make the hit that much harder.
In any manner, if and when the UFC confirms the event details, expect an announcement soon. Affliction has been promoting its event for nearly two months, and the UFC has just 33 days to make a push.
This can ONLY be a good thing for us gamblers. More fights that weekend mean more options to make money.....
I used to rake in money when UFC and Pride had their head-to-head cards. Now it seems I have to wait once a month for a so-so UFC card. Can you imagine only betting on big HBO fights once a month b/c Showtime went under? Then having HBO put forth mediocre matchups b/c they've monopolized everything? More fight promotions + more incentive for promoters to put forth competitive cards + more fights per month (total) = more opportunity to put money in my pocket. I think the worst thing to happen to MMA is to have the UFC have no rivals and keep putting out these sub-par cards. Now with EliteXC and Affliction coming along they will be forced to put out a quality product or people will simply watch the other events.
If its simply a problem of not being able to catch both cards simultaneously.....well, it happens at least once a month with the HBO/Showtime boxing fued so we should be used to it now. Pick the one you want to see most and record the other so you can watch it later (or have a family member/friend do it for you) and DONT go online if you dont want spoilers
I used to rake in money when UFC and Pride had their head-to-head cards. Now it seems I have to wait once a month for a so-so UFC card. Can you imagine only betting on big HBO fights once a month b/c Showtime went under? Then having HBO put forth mediocre matchups b/c they've monopolized everything? More fight promotions + more incentive for promoters to put forth competitive cards + more fights per month (total) = more opportunity to put money in my pocket. I think the worst thing to happen to MMA is to have the UFC have no rivals and keep putting out these sub-par cards. Now with EliteXC and Affliction coming along they will be forced to put out a quality product or people will simply watch the other events.
If its simply a problem of not being able to catch both cards simultaneously.....well, it happens at least once a month with the HBO/Showtime boxing fued so we should be used to it now. Pick the one you want to see most and record the other so you can watch it later (or have a family member/friend do it for you) and DONT go online if you dont want spoilers
Exactly what i was thinkin.. ill just record the last-minute UFC card and watch the Affliction PPV.
I dont think its a good idea for the UFC to try and counter this card.. This Affliction card has been in the works for months and a lot of the UFCs top draws already have fights booked........
Still, I know Vera wants to get back in the ring right away... and i knew the UFC would put him at 205 (good idea btw)...
I just dont see this happening.. they need to find a venue, etc, etc, etc......
if they put a good card together, in 33 days, i think they can pull it off.
there are ALOT of top notch fighters that the UFC could put on the card....
wandy, vera, machida, koscheck, karo, just to name a few...
ps---
Update by Metzler Wanderlei has turned down the fight on July 19.
"It was never an idea that was green-lighted by either UFC or Spike. A Sunday Sherdog.com report saying that Wanderlei Silva and Brandon Vera were approached about potentially fighting on the date was confirmed to Y! Sports. Silva turned the date down, feeling it didn?t give him adequate time to prepare."
there are ALOT of top notch fighters that the UFC could put on the card....
wandy, vera, machida, koscheck, karo, just to name a few...
ps---
Update by Metzler Wanderlei has turned down the fight on July 19.
"It was never an idea that was green-lighted by either UFC or Spike. A Sunday Sherdog.com report saying that Wanderlei Silva and Brandon Vera were approached about potentially fighting on the date was confirmed to Y! Sports. Silva turned the date down, feeling it didn?t give him adequate time to prepare."
Koscheck has his fight w/ Chris Lytle coming up, but ur right there r plenty of guys out there the more i think about it... i know Karo would be willing to fight in a month b/c he doesnt train much anyways.. :mj07:
A lot of guys will be put off by the short notice, though.....
A lot of guys will be put off by the short notice, though.....
Yeah, forgot about that.
I just hope this doesn't go down.
Wandy fighting Vera for me is 2nd to Wandy fighting Rua.
I just simply don't want to see it happen, period. It would kill me to watch.
I just hope this doesn't go down.
Wandy fighting Vera for me is 2nd to Wandy fighting Rua.
I just simply don't want to see it happen, period. It would kill me to watch.
Sweet.....more fights....gotta love it......nothing wrong with more fights:00hour
Hermes Franca vs. Frankie Edgar and Anderson Silva vs. James Irvin confirmed for July 19th UFC event
Free to watch Anderson Silva, genius move by UFC, I mean just genius. sweeeeeet:0corn Who cares if the UFC card isn't stacked......it is FREEE:scared
Hermes Franca vs. Frankie Edgar and Anderson Silva vs. James Irvin confirmed for July 19th UFC event
Free to watch Anderson Silva, genius move by UFC, I mean just genius. sweeeeeet:0corn Who cares if the UFC card isn't stacked......it is FREEE:scared
Sweetness.. good idea to bump Edgar/Franca to July 19th..
I dont see how in hell James Irvin deserves a title shot, but i wont complain.. :shrug: Pretty damn exciting match whether Irvin deserves it or not.
Sounds like it may be a good counter-card after all... sure it will turn some fans away from the PPV..
Wouldnt be surprised if Vera gets put on the card also.. :SIB
Card is getting better and better.
So far we have:
James Irvin vs Anderson Silva
Jake O'Brien vs ??
Brandon Vera vs Andy Reese
It's free, but they need to get this card secured by the end of the weekend IMO
So far we have:
James Irvin vs Anderson Silva
Jake O'Brien vs ??
Brandon Vera vs Andy Reese
It's free, but they need to get this card secured by the end of the weekend IMO
Ok im an idiot.. Not sharp enough to realize James Irvin is a 205er and it wont be for the title........ well that will make it even more exciting to see Silva at light heavy.... & O'brien vs. Velasquez will be a good fight between guys w/ very similar styles..
Still not reason enough for me NOT to buy the Affliction card.. but gotta love all these MMA events... still looks like ill buy Affliction and tape UFC.
:Yep:
Still not reason enough for me NOT to buy the Affliction card.. but gotta love all these MMA events... still looks like ill buy Affliction and tape UFC.
:Yep:
I'd rather buy Affliction, watch the most likely not as anticipated UFC event, then watch the Affliction PPV so I can take my time and break it down
I'd rather buy Affliction, watch the most likely not as anticipated UFC event, then watch the Affliction PPV so I can take my time and break it down
BUCS.. since Anderson Silva is on topic :mj07: and i know ur a big Chute Boxe fan........
(Im pretty sure it was u) Didnt u say Anderson was on bad terms w/ Chute Boxe since leaving the team?? If so what did he do to piss 'em off??
Just curious to know b/c Anderson against some former Chute Boxe teammates would make for some gnarly good fights.....
He left with Assueiro Silva to form the Muay Thai Dream Team. I'm not sure if that's what they're fighting under or if it's "Black House" now.
Anyways, Wandy and Anderson claim to still be friends. Alot of rumors were going around that Anderson claimed to leave because he thought the only way he could excel and improve his game was by going elsewhere. Those comments didn't sit well with the Vale Tudo guys.
Silva is a good guy, if I was him I wouldn't move up for anything other than to fight for the belt. I might move up for a fight with Chuck because he has such a big name but moving up like this, hmmm I doubt i would.
Aahhh.. i see. Yea, i wondered b/c even though i saw Anderson in Wandy's dressing room after UFC 79, they dont seem to have the tight bond like in their earlier PRIDE days when Wandy would follow him to the ring and be cheering like crazy..
I know Anderson and Noguiera have "The Black House" and just openned another gym location in Miami.. sort of weird to me how almost all the Chute Boxe guys have scattered in different directions.. ill always love that aggressive style that is pure Chute Boxe.. Many of their fighters have moved on, but theyve done a great job w/ Fabricio Werdum since he started there...
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