UFC 108 PPV Buys between 255k and 270k

[EmpireWF]

The complete segment on the trending pattern for the UFC 108 buyrate:

Current trending patterns for UFC 108 are at this point looking like 255,000 to 270,000 buys, which if those numbers end up accurate, would be the lowest for a North American show in several years. But most figured that would be the case given all the injuries changing the lineup and it was a patched up show. Just like it wasn’t wise to overreact to 107, which did so well, same here, because with all the injuries, it was a show that wasn’t going to do well and it was just a question as to where the actual bottom base is right now. I’m not sure how 109 will do. Whether the public buys the two Hall of Famers deal will tell the tale. The advertising for it so far has been good. Obviously Couture’s drawing power isn’t what it once was, but if they can do the same business Couture’s fight with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira did, then I’d consider it a success.

The bottom has not completely fallen out, this is the lowest a UFC (non-foreign) PPV can do apparently. Especially one with a mild draw on top and that's it.

 

[Steel Mamba]

There is no such thing as too much MMA for the guys in this thread, but you can oversaturate the market and drive away casuals from buying ppv's. To me, that's why the non blowaway shows have struggled.

-UFC does roughly 8 free shows per year
-WEC does about 4
-Strikeforce is going to do about 20 this year
-TUF
-DREAM, Sengoku, and MFC on HDNet do about 3 or 4 each
-Bellator has a new tv deal, they will air weekly in 2010
-M1/Affliction Challenge on HDNet

That's just the free stuff. Even if you just follow the big 3, you get two or three shows a month, minimum. Now tell me why Johnny Liddell Fan is paying for Rashad/Silva when he just laid out $50 for a ppv in december, and has a Fight Night & Strikeforce coming up? Plus, he just watched a 7 hour DREAM show, even though it took him a week on his dvr.

Two years ago, I paid for every ppv. No reason to do that anymore. Plenty of good stuff to see every month.

I don't think Johnny Liddell is watching 7 hours of dream at odd hours, MFC, Bellator, etc. My casual friends that buy the big UFC events don't even know about DREAM or Sengoku and never got hyped up for any of the Affliction stuff. So as far as the casual fans go I don't think those shows play a huge factor.

Personally I'm still not convinced that there's going to be a ton of PPV quality fights on free TV. I know StrikeForce will deliver with their main shows, but I don't think the UFC will. As much as I like Jon Jones there's a big difference between watching him fight Vera and watching Silva and Belfort go at it. No matter how many free events there are, there's still certain ones that will remain must buys regardless of what else is playing for free that month. If the UFC can continue to produce cards like 112 then they're not going to be effected by the amount of free events running. People aren't going to pass on 112 because Bellator and TUF air that same month. It definitely does make passing on the shitty cards a lot easier tho.

 

[Liquidrob]

I am glad that it did such low buys compared to UFC standards (if these numbers are accurate), if this card would have did 400k or something like that the UFC would give you more cards like this, it is a good thing

Nothing against the fighters on the card, but if drop 50 bucks you should see the elite fighters fighting, you can put on a great card with a bunch of mid level guys, but you shouldnt pay 50 bucks for it

I am glad the consumer rejected this card and I hope they do the same for 109, you cant let the UFC or any company coast and still get your money

I love Strikeforce, but the Evolution card wasnt worth $50, Strikeforce would have to put Fedor vs Overeem/Barnett, Mousasi vs Hendo, etc...to get my dollars like Affliction did, Cung vs Smith turned out 'great', but I wont pay $50 for it

sidenite: I know the card had injuries, but this was a good measuring stick

 

[KINGOFOOTBALL]

I wonder if this will make UFC push even harder to new venues /markets.

If theres a UFC in MSG they could live off that hype for 2-3 events after wards.