Thats the problme when you put everything into bulding the UFC name and not the fighters, it has worked of course, but as more fans follow the sport it becomes less about 'Hey, you watching the UFC tonight?' and more about 'Hey, who's fighting tonight?'
The UFC has 1 legit star that they dont have to really promote since Chuck left and thats Brock and his built in Pro Wrestling goofball fan base, throw in GSP to since he has a country that loves him
After Carwin puts the kibosh on the Brock express it will be Kimbo headlining, the UFC should be renamed ufcXC
I just think this show is the perfect storm of alot of things.
-A champ who has never drawn and dosent speak english
-A challenger who has never drawn and dosent speak english
-A big PPV coming up next month ("eh, i'll skip this one, next month is gonna be better..."
-No undercard
I think a strong semi main would have boosted interest enough to take this show out of disaster territory. I don't think anyone really expected Machida/Shogun to do any business, so Dana basically just tossed in the towel on this one. It's not even being pushed that hard on TUF.
I think Randy/Nog shooting a blank is more disturbing, because that show should have done significantly better, especially at the gate in Portland. They will never go back to Portland. Ever. Randy drawing the bad buyrate has to make you wonder.
Anderson/Forrest did very good, and Anderson is finally established as someone they can count on. Machida needs time, and he needs to beat the right opponent. Shogun isnt that guy, because UFC fans dont give a shit about him.
No reason a show with Brock, Tito, and Forrest shouldnt crack a million. They get no excuses or passes with me if they dont.
sidenote-The crazy part, is UFC has reached a point where potentially doing, say, 800k would be a
let down. Shit, even if tonight does something "low" like 300k, people will laugh, but that;s still a great number in the grand scheme if you imagine this conversation 5 years ago.